(10.20) What a great way to celebrate Tom Petty’s birthday. Originally shot on 16mm film, this lost 1983 cult classic documentary has been fully remastered in 4K and will be screening around the world for two nights only: October 17 and October 20 (on what would have been Tom Petty’s 74th birthday). “Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party” originally aired only once, on MTV in February 1983. It was Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut and pirated versions have been coveted by fans ever since. The film features a mix of in-depth interviews, live performances, and intimate access to Petty and the band.
Whether you have vague recollections of seeing it that one time, or whether you think you did because your friends were always talking about it — who cares? Let’s all get caught up. Here is our chance to experience Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in the earlier years, with a new introduction by the legendary director, and Rolling Stone journalist, Cameron Crowe himself. From Crowe:
“Heartbreakers Beach Party” occupies a special place in my heart,” says Crowe. “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers leaned into the making of the film with a kind of hilarious music-filled honesty that still feels fresh forty years later. It was also my first experience as a director. . . I’m so happy we’re bringing it back in all its reckless glory. The fact that it was yanked from MTV after only one airing at 2am just shows that it was indeed an outlandish feast for fans in all the best ways. Let that sucker blast!
This marks the first time “Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party” has been seen on the big screen, fully remastered in 4K. I’m assuming the sound has been tweaked. Modern theaters have some pretty great sound systems . . . better than your television in 1983.
Not rated. Running time: 90 minutes. Watch the trailer here.
Two screenings: 7pm, Thursday, October 17 and 4pm, Sunday, October 20.
Providence Place Cinemas, downtown in the mall, (directions)