90 years ago in 1933, KING KONG was released. The film had a massive impact on popular culture, influencing a whole new generation, and with the recent films it's clear, that the popularity of KING KONG will never die. He's the most recognizable ape in movie history!

Legendary special effects pioneer Willis O'Brian's groundbreaking techniques for the film were so revolutionary, it earned him a patent. His persistence and skill, combined with a brilliant script penned by James Ashmore Creelman and Ruth Rose executed flawlessly under the creative direction of Merien C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack's resulted in one of the most indelible films in history.

The careful detail, advanced technique, and passion put into the creation of KING KONG makes it one of a kind, even today. The charm of this film is that even though it was made in 1933, audiences can still watch it in complete awe and wonder about how it was made. In our current era of CGI, films can lose the amazement and creativity offered by the practical effects on display in KING KONG. If there's any movie that fully displayed (and took advantage of) the numerous possibilities of film (without the intense technology that we see today), it would be this film. KING KONG truly has a heart and soul, and will continue to amaze and inspire special effects artists and audiences until the end of time.

No one can possibly forget the iconic image of King Kong on top of the Empire State Building. It symbolized modern capital civilization, morality, love, and also the power of film when it's in the right hands.

Come witness the electrifying, sensational thrill that startled millions! We're celebrating 90 years of monkey business with host ButtercupVondingus, the original KING KONG, a bananas intermission performance from local luminary April O'Peel, and the 2017 release KONG: SKULL ISLAND (to really showcase the contrast and evolution of cinema's top ape).

Still the most amazing show on any screen!

Thursday, April 13

KING KONG: SKULL ISLAND
Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

KING KONG (Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Shoedsack, 1933 / 104 mins / PG) A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition.

KONG: SKULL ISLAND (Jordan Vogt-Roberts, 2017 / 14A / 118 mins) After the Vietnam war, a team of scientists explores an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong, and must fight to escape a primal Eden.

*Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a "heads up," or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity - you should not have issues being admitted.)