Theatrical run, digital release for Talking Heads’ ‘Stop Making Sense’

The Talking Heads’ acclaimed 1984 concert film “Stop Making Sense” will get a 30^th anniversary theatrical run over the next several months, including at least one engagement in Los Angeles -- June 18-20 at the New Beverly Cinema.

The theatrical run comes in conjunction with the first digital release for the film, which becomes available for the first time through iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers starting July 15.

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FOR THE RECORD

An earlier version of this post stated that the digital release of “Stop Making Sense” is July 21. The film will be available digitally starting July 15.

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Directed by Jonathan Demme, “Stop Making Sense” documented and expanded upon the band’s 1983 tour supporting their album “Speaking in Tongues, and is perhaps best known to rock fans for the “big white suit” worn during the show by singer, songwriter-guitarist David Byrne. Rolling Stone hailed it as “the greatest concert movie of all time.”

“ ‘Stop Making Sense’ is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago,” Palm Pictures and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell said in a statement. “It amazes me how timeless the film and the music are. I think this is a great testament to the music of the Talking Heads and the groundbreaking cinematography of Jonathan Demme in creating this film.”

A Los Angeles Times’ review of the film stated that “Byrne, drummer Chris Frantz, bassist Tina Weymouth and keyboardist Jerry Harrison seemed to be simply bursting with inspired elements to pack into ‘Stop Making Sense’.”

The New York Times said, “Mr. Demme has captured both the look and the spirit of this live performance with a daring and precision that match the group’s own.”

The film footage was shot over three days when the band was playing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

“Stop Making Sense” will have screenings in more than than two dozen cities in 21 states. A second Los Angeles screening is listed as “TBA” on the full list of theatrical engagements.