PRESTONSBURG — A documentary about the 1958 Floyd County school bus disaster that killed 26 children and their bus driver is making a return to Prestonsburg, and for the first time, it will be shown in a movie theater.

The marquee of the Strand Twin Theater will light up once again, March 15, as the cinema plays host to “The Very Worst Thing” for the first time. Previously, the movie had only been shown at the Mountain Arts Center.

Director Michael Crisp said this year’s showing will be the first time the new, extended version of the film has been shown in Floyd County. The new version contains additional footage obtained from recently discovered home movies, which show the bus as it was pulled from the river, the seach-and-rescue effort and the scene outside the National Guard Armory, as victims were taken there by ambulance.

The extended version debuted last year, during a showing at the Sipp Theater, in Paintsville.

“Although we had a good crowd there [at the Sipp], we didn’t really have many people from Floyd County, so we’re sure to have a big turnout at the Strand,” Crisp said Monday.

Crisp said he thinks this year’s venue choice is ideal.

“This is the first time that the film will be seen in Floyd County on a large, theatrical screen, and since the screening is meant to honor the 55th anniversary of the tragedy, playing it at the Strand is a perfect fit,” Crisp said.

“The Very Worst Thing” is being presented by CineMania. Tickets are $6 and will be available for preorder at www.deadpit.com. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 8 p.m., March 15.