Trailer Released For 4K Revival Run of 1980s Queer Film “Taxi zum Klo”

Altered Innocence has released a new trailer for the upcoming 4K restoration of queer cult classic Taxi zum Klo ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on August 1, 2025.

The 4K restoration release will commemorate the movie’s 45th anniversary. You can catch Taxi zum Klo at the Metrograph theater in New York City on Friday, August 1, 2025. More cities will be announced down the line.

The European indie feature premiered in the US at the New York Film Festival all the way back in 1980. It got a theatrical release the same year, going on to achieve cult status when it comes to essential queer viewing, with many critics and viewers calling it one of the best gay movies ever made. Taxi zum Klo has been “hailed as an important influence” on a number of filmmakers such as Gus Van Sant, John Cameron Mitchell, Ira Sachs, and Bruce LaBruce.

For those who might not know, Frank Ripploh‘s narrative is an autobiographical look at queer life in West Berlin at the dawn of the 1980s. The story follows schoolteacher Frank as he balances being a dedicated teacher by day and exploring his queer sexual freedom by night. He lives a double life as he navigates the dynamics of cruising, visiting public restrooms, cinemas, and other spots. However, Frank finds himself needing to make a decision after meeting Bernd, a “sweet and steady museum worker.” Can Frank allow himself to fall into a comfortable domestic partnership and ignore the allure of “anonymous desire”?

Written and directed by Ripploh, the narrative is still considered relevant by many, especially with today’s “hookup” culture and the accessibility to sex via dating and cruising apps. Queer TikTok is full of videos depicting queer individuals (especially men), trying to find a “true” connection instead of ever-available “quick” satisfaction.

The indie movie clocks in at approximately 94 minutes. It’s in German with English subtitles. The cast includes Ripploh, Bernd Broaderup, Orpha Termin, Peter Fahrni, and Dieter Godde.

Taxi zum Klo is very explicit when it comes to nudity and certain kinks. So, keep that in mind if you’re interested in watching it.

As for the upcoming release, it was scanned with ARRISCAN XT by Salzgeber in Germany in 4K resolution from 35mm negative. Sound was taken from a digital source produced by Frank Ripploh in the year 2000. Grading was performed using Davinci Resolve and was based on the grading of the year 2000 that was supervised by Frank Ripploh before his death.

Are you excited about the 4K restoration?

Let us know.

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(via Press Release)

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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