Revival House to screen ‘The Crow’ Sept. 18 at Milton Theatre

The 1994 film “The Crow” has helped shape the modern superhero explosion at the box office, and audiences can see it back on the big screen for the Revival House event Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Milton Theatre.

Musical guest Ron Thompson will kick things off when doors open at 6 p.m., performing songs of the era. Ogre’s Grove will have a number of comic-themed offerings.

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, “The Crow” starred Brandon Lee, son of the legendary Bruce Lee, in his final on-screen appearance before his untimely death while filming. The film is based on a comic of the same name and was praised for its unique visual style and depth that set the tone, along with Tim Burton’s “Batman,” to influence the current Marvel landscape.

Lee played Eric Draven, a rock musician revived from the dead to avenge his own death as well as that of his fiancée. “The Crow” rocketed to No. 1 on release and became one of the sleeper hits of the year, later gaining even more momentum on home video release. It spawned three sequels and a television series that echoed its theme and tone.

“The Crow” was also bolstered by a chart-topping soundtrack, featuring songs from such legendary acts as The Cure, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots. Musical guest Ron Thompson, aka “Stretch” from Scrapple, is well-versed in the musicians featured in the soundtrack and will perform a ‘90s-themed alternative rock set before the screening.

“The Crow” comic was originally created by artist James O'Barr in 1989, and the area’s premier comics and collectibles store, Ogre’s Grove, will be on hand to mark this anniversary screening. The character was released by Caliber Comics, one of the country’s top independent publishers. Ogre’s Grove carries a number of both independent and mass-produced comics, as well as artistic works from local artisans.

“The Crow” demonstrated that audiences would embrace a comic-based story that is dark, edgy and aimed toward an adult audience. Its success not only was a testament to the effort behind the camera and hard work from the actors, but also paved the way for such films as Marvel’s “Blade” and Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” in the years that followed.

Tickets for the event are $10, and $5 for students and seniors. For more information on the screening or to order tickets in advance, go to www.revivalhouse.com or www.miltontheatre.com.