In honor of its 35th anniversary, The Karate Kid is returning to movie theaters for two days only as presented by Fathom Events. The film will screen in participating theaters nationwide on Sunday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 2.
A huge hit from summer 1984, The Karate Kid stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel, a bullied teen who learns karate from Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), an elderly handyman who is also a martial arts master. He teaches Johnny that karate is about more than fighting, a vital life lesson that comes into play when Daniel faces off against Johnny, the leader of a vicious gang of karate school bullies known as Cobra Kai. Morita was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in the film. Elisabeth Shue and William Zabka also star in the John G. Avildsen film.
The Karate Kid is looking better than ever restored from the original camera negative to a stunning 4k presentation. This restoration will also be available on 4k Ultra HD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on April 16 following the film’s return to the big screen. This 4k UHD release also includes a new anniversary featurette, “Remembering the Karate Kid,” featuring interviews with Macchio, Zabka, and Martin Kove.
Diehard fans of The Karate Kid will get an extra treat at the movie theater showings of the film — an exclusive sneak preview of season two of YouTube Original series Cobra Kai will screen as part of the festivities. Last year, Macchio and Zabka reunited for the first season of the new TV series, in which Daniel opens his own karate studio, Miyagi-Do, to face off against old arch-rivals Cobra Kai.
Tickets for the film’s cinematic return will be available beginning Feb. 15 on the Fathom Events website or at participating theater box offices. The 4k Ultra HD release will be available beginning April 16.