Due to overwhelming fan requests, the theater showings for the 35th-anniversary run of the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie have been extended from two days to five. Fathom Entertainment made this decision, and the event will now take place from Friday, August 16, to Tuesday, August 20. This change is in response to the huge interest shown by audiences eager to watch the classic film on a big screen. As a bonus for the extended dates, a new trailer has been released, featuring highlights of the original movie and Jim Henson’s famous practical effects. This extension guarantees that more fans will have the chance to relive in theaters what many consider the ultimate Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles experience.
The collaboration between Fathom Entertainment, Saga Arts, and Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group for the anniversary event will offer viewers a unique behind-the-scenes documentary titled “Turtles Unmasked” as an added treat. This short film provides a comprehensive look at the movie’s creation, featuring exclusive archival footage, extended scenes, and fresh insights from director Steve Barron about the production process and the film’s enduring impact.
1990 saw the debut of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, a film that became an enormous hit, leading to two immediate follow-ups: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze” (1991) and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” (1993). Although these sequels were financially profitable, they faced criticism for diluting the intricacy of the original, thus solidifying the first film as the quintessential adaptation. As time passed, the series underwent a revamp with two films featuring heavy CGI, produced by Michael Bay. However, many enthusiasts continue to appreciate the 1990 version more for its authentic effects and heartfelt demeanor.
How the 1990 Movie Solidified “Turtle Mania” as a Global Phenomenon
The overwhelming enthusiasm fueling the expansion of this theatrical production is deeply embedded in the global cultural phenomenon known as “Turtle Mania,” which the 1990 film significantly bolstered. This franchise originated in 1984, as a humorous satire of darker superhero trends, created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird as an independent comic published under their Mirage Studios label. Initially finding a small but dedicated following, the property gained mainstream popularity with the 1987 launch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series. This television show reinvented the characters for a younger audience, introducing the distinctive color-coded masks, unique personalities, and lighthearted humor that would become iconic for generations to come.
The popularity of the cartoon sparked a frenzy in merchandising, particularly with Playmates Toys’ action figure series launched in 1988. These toys quickly gained fame, earning over $1.1 billion in sales within four years, making them one of the most successful toy lines ever. The blend of a popular cartoon and coveted toy line sparked “Turtle Mania,” paving the way for a movie adaptation. Timing was crucial as the 1990 film hit theaters just when this phenomenon was at its peak, cashing in on widespread popularity.
Despite multiple studios rejecting it, the movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” ended up being an enormous box office hit. It generated more than $202 million worldwide on a small budget of just $13.5 million, earning the title of highest-grossing independent film until “The Blair Witch Project” almost a decade later. This film’s success demonstrated that the Turtles represented a genuine blockbuster franchise, capable of appealing to audiences with its mix of action, emotion, and comedy.
You can grab tickets for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 35th Anniversary event right now! They’re available on the Fathom Entertainment website, as well as at the ticket counters of the participating movie theaters.
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2025-07-18 11:09