 |
| seen seated: the people excited for the direction of Alamo Drafthouse |
I am unsure when I first went to The Alamo Drafthouse. I know it was when it was still on Colorado when downtown Austin's skyline wasn't trying to look like Vancouver or San Diego's younger, dumber cousin.
Viewing I took in there included the OG Planet of the Apes, and Jamie came with me to a pasta dinner for the epic Once Upon a Time in the West where we were served some truly terrible red wine. There were other movies at this locale, but those stick out.
Later, we went to the South Lamar location when it was in an old Fiesta grocery store, and when The Alamo Drafthouse opened The Ritz on Austin's famed 6th Street, I was a regular there as well. These days I do the Slaughter Lane location as its near my house, and South Lamar if I'm feeling daffy.
I watched the Alamo institute a "select your seat" option online as people were having to show up earlier and earlier before shows to secure the correct seats - well before other theaters bothered.
During a lengthy run, from when we moved back in 2006 to when I watched Shane at Mueller just before COVID lockdown, I was at the Alamo once or twice a week. There were regulars - I didn't know their names, but you kind of eyeballed each other and knew who people were. Hope "Grey T-Shirt Guy" is doing okay (he was at every screening of everything).
As cell phones and manners have never been humanity's strong suit, The Alamo was a front runner in clearly stating - no. Not here. No talking or texting, or you'll be asked to leave. Without a refund.
The video below ran before movies for years. Because it worked. It demonstrated you, who talk and text, are an asshole and we will openly mock you.
