"Heavy Metal" movie poster image

In 1981, a movie came out that combined the talents of giants in two very different fields: comic books and rock ‘n’ roll.

It was called “Heavy Metal,” after the slick, magazine-format comic book, an American version of the similar French magazine, “Metal Hurlant.”

Now you can see it on the big screen again, after several decades, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the Roxy Stadium 14 cinemas, 85 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa.

The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the film’s production designer, Michael Gross.

It’s a special occasion, partly because for a long time, it was difficult to see this cult classic at all.

Legal problems with the copyrights for some of the music used in the film blocked commercial home video release for 15 years. Bootleg tapes, made from occasional cable TV showings, circulated among fans.

The soundtrack was released on LP in 1981, but again, for legal reasons, it was not released on CD until 1995.

The soundtrack features Sammy Hagar, Devo, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Journey, Grand Funk Railroad, Black Sabbath and Stevie Nicks, among others.

The film is anthology of animated short fantasy and science  stories adapted from Heavy Metal magazine.

Contributors included Rich Corben, creator of the bald and hulking young adventurer, “Den,” and Berni Wrightson, best-known as co-creator of “The Swamp Thing.”