STEVEN Spielberg’s sci-fi epic, Close Encounters of The Third Kind, returns to the big screen next month to mark the 40th anniversary of Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.

The blockbuster is one of a series of classic films spanning four decades that will be shown throughout the year with all tickets priced at just £1.30 each – the same price as they were the year Lighthouse opened.

“We’ve personally selected films that were big box office hits when they first came out – films we know people will enjoy seeing on the big screen once again,” revealed Sara St George, head of sales and marketing for Lighthouse.

“And by turning back time to 1978 prices, we hope to encourage a whole new generation to come along and experience these movie classics for themselves.”

The 1978 series begins on March 30 with a screening of war drama The Deer Hunter, starring Robert de Niro, Christopher Walken and John Savage. The film won five Academy Awards including best picture, best director and best supporting actor for Walken.

Next up is Watership Down on March 31, the tear-jerking animation based on the novel by Richard Adams, followed by Close Encounters of The Third Kind on the actual day of Lighthouse’s 40th birthday, Sunday, April 1.

One of the greatest documentary concert films ever made, The Last Waltz, is on April 3, followed by Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile on April 4, and Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta on April 5.

Tickets (at 1978 prices) are on sale now on 01202 280000 or online at lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Dates and times for classic movies from three other eras, the 80s, 90s and 00s, will be announced later in the year.