1970s Film History

IMAX Premieres

Mar 15, 1970

The IMAX wide-screen format premiered in Osaka, Japan for the first time. The first film that was played on the IMAX format was a 17 minute short film called Tiger Child.

Lucasfilm Founded

Mar 11, 1971

George Lucas founded Lucasfilm and released his first feature length film THX 1138.

The Godfather Becomes and Instant Classic

Mar 24, 1972

The Godfather is released and critics love it. It wins best picture and goes down in history as one of the greatest films of all time.

Film Premieres move to Friday

Jan 1, 1973

The industy decides to move major film releases to friday instead of mid-week to boost the weekend box office.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre Revolutionizes the Horror Genre

Oct 1, 1974

Texas Chainsaw Massacre becomes a film milestone and a cult slasher film. The story was inspired by the real life Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein.

JAWS!!

Jun 1, 1975

Steven Spielberg's Jaws is the first "summer blockbuster" grossing $100 million at the box office and scarying millions of people.

the First VHS tapes are released

Jan 1, 1976

the First VHS tapes are released. This leads to increase in watching movies at home.

Largest Film Audience on TV

Jun 11, 1976

34 million people tuned in to watch the TV premiere of the classic film Gone With the Wind. It was the largest audience to watch a feature film in TV history.

Star Wars Hits Theatres

May 25, 1977

Star Wars Hits theatres and beraks the box office record making $200 million. THe film was extremely popular and has been said to have brought back the dieing sience fiction genre. The film will change pop culture forever.

Charlie Chaplin Dies

Dec 25, 1977

Chaplin died of natural causes. His family found him dead in his sleep. Fans all around the world mourn for one of the greatest preformers the world has seen.

Grease Breathes new Life into Musicals

Jun 1, 1978

Grease is released and breathes new life into the musical genre. The Musical is extremely sucessful and becomes one of the most iconic musicals of all time.

John Wayne Dies

Jun 11, 1979

John wayne passes away. Cowboys across the world all tip their hat the cowboy legend.

Star Trek Hits the Big Screen

Dec 7, 1979

Star Trek: The Motion Picture is released and all of the trekkies are excited to see captain Kirk in action on the big screen.