Shut out in June, Modestans finally can see reworked ‘American Graffiti’ — for 2 days only

After missing out on the annual screening of Modesto native George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” earlier this summer, hometown fans can catch the remastered film for two days only.

Distributors of the movie temporarily removed The State Theatre’s rights to show it in June when it normally is part of Modesto’s annual Graffiti Summer events, venue Executive Director Gabi Guerrini said in an April story in The Bee.

Now, she’s excited to finally show the film.

“This summer didn’t feel the same without our Graffiti kickoff screening. It has definitely become an annual event that so many people look forward to,” Guerrini said in an email interview.

Universal Pictures was working to remaster the 1973 film to mark its 50th anniversary.

Now, the film is being released for two days of screening, Aug. 27 and 30.

“The movie has been remastered from the original film elements in 4K resolution for the first time, so the picture will be sharper and more dynamic than previous digital releases,” Guerrini said. “The sound has also received an upgrade, courtesy of a new 5.1 surround sound mix. In short, ‘American Graffiti’ has never looked or sounded this good.”

“American Graffiti” is the seminal film by Lucas, a graduate of Downey High School. It was inspired by his experiences cruising downtown Modesto as a teenager in the early 1960s.

The movie will screen at 1 p.m. Aug. 27 and 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. Tickets are $9 Aug. 27, $11 Aug. 30. See www.thestate.org.

“Our Sunday screening already has over 100 tickets sold” Guerrini said. “It is going to be a fun event!”