We all know Bowie the musician. Perhaps fewer of us, though, know Bowie the actor (especially outside of Labyrinth). Thankfully we’re about to get an opportunity to up our Bowie game.
According to Pitchfork, French production company StudioCanal has just announced a 4K restoration of The Man Who Fell to Earth, the first film in which Bowie had a starring role. As the humanoid alien Thomas Jerome Newton, Bowie goes on a mission to save earth from a devastating drought. “Nothing you have seen or heard about David Bowie will prepare you for the impact of his first dramatic performance,†says the narrator of the 1976 film’s trailer (below).
The 4K restoration, which will debut in theaters throughout England on September 9, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the film’s original release. Can’t make it across the pond? Don’t worry. StudioCanal is also releasing The Man Who Fell to Earth on DVD and Blu-ray. The restored film goes portable in the UK on October 10 and it will arrive in the US and Germany at a still undetermined future date.
Bowie’s music, of course, will always be his most enduring art form, but his acting shouldn’t be missed. Aside from his infamous role as Jareth in Labyrinth, Starman went on to feature alongside Hollywood regulars in films like The Hunger and The Linguini Incident. He also appeared in the 1992 film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, and he’d been tapped by David Lynch to appear in the upcoming Twin Peaks reboot. Alas, we won’t get to see that, but at least there are a few recorded samples of his work as a thespian. And, soon, one of them will appear in stunning 4K restoration.
In sum, thank the gods that Bowie fell to earth.
Watch Our David Bowie In Memoriam Below:
Image: Lionsgate
