The premiere of Ridley Scott's classic science fiction horror film 'Alien' was held on the opening night of the fourth Seattle International Film Festival on this day in 1979. The screening was presented in 70mm and took place at midnight.

The movie was released worldwide over the following months and was a huge hit with audiences as well as being a critical success. It also launched the acting career of Sigourney Weaver and began a long running and highly successful media franchise.