Big Deal: The Original Alamo Drafthouse and Weird Wednesdays and Terror Thursdays
I'm a fan of the Alamo Drafthouse, not only the concept of a theatre where you can eat, but the philosophy of celebrating cinema, and not just the studio stuff. They get excited over some of the damnedest stuff, and bring it to audiences all over Austin, and beyond. Their signature events, from the Rolling Roadshow, Fantastic Fest, Master Pancake, singalongs and Feasts are great. They bring in more celebrity guests with many of their special screenings than you'd every think possible. But what truly shows they have a deep love of film is what they do for free. These guys are so cool, they had a day of "Best of" Fantastic Fest films... free. OK, they don't do them for free, they have sponsors who help cover the costs. But still, they wouldn't happen if the Alamo didn't program them. They often host advanced screenings of soon to be released films, movies in the park (or outside one of their theatres), and other free events. You can even watch TV on their screens (for free, but for those, you have to buy a food voucher).
Weird Wednesday features, well, weird movies. Alamo's Lars Nilsen programs these obscure, often exploitation films with an emphasis on cheese. They're free and very popular, with the added bonus of food and drink specials and the occasional special guest. See films with favorite actors before they were stars, or long after their stars ascended. (Sponsored by Vulcan Video.)
Terror Thursday (becoming Terror Tuesdays in January 2009) is programmed by Zach Carlson, who has a definite Horror Tooth. Or ten. Times infinity. Anyway, if it's horror themed, it'll be screened here, if it's old or obscure and in some cases stuff you've never even heard of, and the occasional cult classics and just plain forgotten hits. Like Weird Wednesday, there are food and drink specials. Upcoming films include the original The Invasion of the Body Snatches and Near Dark. (Sponsored by Vulcan Video.)
Lastly, there is the Alamo Kids Club. Usually on a Saturday, with extra days during the summer, these are specially programmed for child friendly content, as well as a child friendly atmosphere. And this holiday season, they are having nearly as many showings of A Christmas Story as you'd see on TBS! (sponsored by Harry Knowles of Ain't it Cool News.)
So if you're broke, or bored, or just love movies, check them out. Arrive early, as seats aren't guaranteed. And if you are vehicularly challenged, or plan on ordering a bucket of beer, Capital Metro has the Night Owl Service, with the downtown stop for all Night Owl roots originating just a couple blocks away. The (original ) Alamo website has the current schedule of films, and the links above are to the facebook sites.
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