King Kong vs.Godzilla Anniversary Tribute

The historic in San Leandro doesn't monkey around when it comes to celebrating film classics in a big way.

On June 16 at 7 p.m. it will hold a gala 50th anniversary celebration of one of the most well-known movies of all time, King Kong vs. Godzilla, King of the Monsters.

The theatre is advertising that it will be transformed into a "giant monster battlefield" for the night and will also be showing a second feature, Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah All-Out Attack.

During the evening the theatre says it will pay tribute to Toho Special Effects Designer Yasayuki Inoue. Mr. Inoue, the theatre says, designed some of the most iconic images from Toho's classic films from 1954 through 1985. He died earlier this year at the age of 89.

"Special guests for the evening, live via video conference, will be Godzilla experts Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle. Ed and Steve have been responsible for the extras and audio commentaries on Godzilla and Toho DVDs from Classic Media, Media Blasters and others. Steve has authored the book "Japan's Favorite Mon-Star" and Ed produced "The Godzilla Encyclopedia". Both are working together now on a book about Toho director Ishiro Honda," reports the theatre's website.

In addition to the film screenings, tribute and special guests, prizes will be awarded and film-goers can purchase merchandise and see displays about the famous movie monster.  The theatre is even hinting a "certain giant ape" will crash the party.

Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis and are $10 each. You can purchase tickets on-line here. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The theatre is located at 14808 E. 14th St., San Leandro.