Back in April, fans of Jim Henson’s David Bowie-starring epic Labyrinth rejoiced upon learning that the film would return to theaters to celebrate 30 years of inducing some seriously strange nightmares. But they might want to prepare themselves for a Starman double feature. The Man Who Fell to Earth— the seminal 1976 sci fi flick that gave the late musical icon his first starring role — will also return to theaters in celebration of its 40th anniversary later this year.
Excitingly, fans will be able to experience the film in a brand new way; it’s been digitally restored, with the approval of original cinematographer, Anthony Richmond. StudioCanal reportedly began the restoration effort before Bowie’s death, embarking on the other-worldly project in late 2015. UK fans will be able to attend screenings on September 9, ahead of its collector’s edition digital release in early October.
While Goblin King Jareth is perhaps the most memorable character Bowie played, The Man Who Fell to Earth‘s Thomas Jerome Newton — a humanoid alien who arrives on this planet in search of water to end far away home’s drought — is his most fashion-forward. Though filming on location in the New Mexico desert came with a host of interesting setbacks (Bowie had to sit out for a few days of shooting after drinking bad milk, a nearby campsite of lively Hell’s Angels made trouble for the crew) Bowie looked calm and cool when Steve Schapiro photographed him on set in a loose work shirt, rose-tinted shades, and Day-Glo orange hair. The image was later used on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Stay up to date on screening times here, and revisit i-D’s 10 most fashionable sci-fi films of all time.
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Text Emily Manning