Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG, 1990) Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth

In the sewers beneath New York City, four mutant turtle brothers—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—trained in the art of ninjutsu by their wise rat sensei Splinter, emerge to battle a wave of escalating crime sweeping the city. When investigative reporter April O'Neil (Judith Hoag) stumbles upon their existence while covering a string of mysterious robberies, she's drawn into the Turtles' hidden world just as their sensei is kidnapped by the Foot Clan, a ruthless ninja gang led by the shadowy Shredder. As the Turtles team up with vigilante Casey Jones (Elias Koteas) to rescue Splinter and confront the Foot Clan's citywide criminal network, they must master their ninja training under genuine pressure, proving themselves as guardians of a city unaware of the heroes protecting it from the shadows.

Director Steve Barron brings the immensely popular comic book and cartoon franchise to live-action with impressive practical effects work, utilising Jim Henson's Creature Shop to create genuinely expressive, physically convincing turtle costumes. The film balances family-friendly humour and genuine martial arts action with surprisingly dark undertones, reflecting the grittier sensibility of the original Mirage comics rather than the cartoon's brighter, more sanitised tone. The elaborate animatronic and suit work, remarkable for its era, allowed the Turtles' distinct personalities to shine through physical performance, while the film's earnest embrace of ninja action and brotherhood resonated strongly with the franchise's devoted young fanbase. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remains a beloved touchstone of early-90s franchise filmmaking, its practical effects craftsmanship still impressing audiences decades later.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Saturday, November 21st at 6:45PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: PG (Frequent low level violence)

Jim Henson's Creature Shop brings the beloved heroes to vivid life—experience this practical effects showcase on 35mm film.