Latest news with #AlamoDrafthouse
Eater
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
Next-Gen Alamo Drafthouse Goes the Fancy Private Theater Route
is an editor and reporter for the Northeast region at Eater, focusing primarily on New York City, where she was born and raised. She covers restaurants, bars, pop-ups, and the people powering them. The founder of Alamo Drafthouse is opening a new movie theater in New York — one built entirely for private groups, with multi-course meals themed with whatever's playing on screen. Alamo Drafthouse has been a leader in the rise of dine-in movie theaters over the last decade. Now the Austin-born company is investing in Metro Private Cinema, opening in September at 131 Eighth Avenue, at West 16th Street, in Chelsea. Owner Tim League hopes to expand to other locations soon. At Metro Private Cinema, rather than purchasing an individual seat ticket, a host books a whole private screening room. Choose the movie (there's a range of titles), time, and food/drinks. Rooms — it's a 'twenty-plex' — generally seat between four and 12. The base is $50 per person with unlimited popcorn. It may be about double the price of a regular movie ticket, but it's easy to see it being popular for birthday parties or work events. Much like Alamo Drafthouse is known for, there are culinary add-ons. For example, for a showing of Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers, it would thematically make sense to pair the Les Blank documentary with their garlicky dinner experience that includes a chilled almond soup, charcuterie, roasted rabbit, and succotash. 'Every dish in this menu, from the cocktails to the dessert and everything in between, is kissed or clobbered by God's gift to cuisine: garlic,' the website writes. But you can mix-and-match: There's a Wicked-themed menu; a Goodfellas dinner; and A Christmas Story Chinese roast duck experience, among others. Multi-course meals are about $100 per person. After the movie ends, the group gets about 30 minutes extra time to keep hanging out. The menu was developed by Joshua Guarneri, who previously was the executive chef at the short-lived Bar Avalon in Los Angeles and worked at the Breslin in New York. 'We're going to have a lot of fun,' League said, who, as we spoke for the interview, mentioned pickling projects were happening downstairs at the venue in anticipation of opening. Financially, Alamo Drafthouse invested in the venture and has equity shares, though it is being positioned as an offshoot (League stepped down as Alamo CEO in 2020, but is still very involved in the company he founded). It's his first big move following much drama that has shrouded Alamo Drafthouse. In 2022, the Texas Observer chronicled challenges the chain faced during the pandemic, which included employee layoffs and bankruptcy as theaters struggled during COVID. The publication also called the portrait of working there 'far from fantastic' (a reference to the company's Fantastic Fest), a nationwide chain that 'remains popular despite accusations of union busting and allegations of sexual assault,' referring to issues regarding business associates and customers who had been accused of misconduct over the years. In 2018, Splinter reported that League and his wife, Karrie, had been accused of 'minimizing' workplace issues during the #MeToo era. League said in a statement around that time: 'I've let so many of you down. Over the past few days, I've realized that decisions I have made over these past months have been problematic. I am concerned about what these choices may say about me and the values of this company to employees, customers and the community at large. I'm humbled and deeply sorry.' In 2024, Alamo Drafthouse was acquired by Sony. Earlier this year, Variety reported that Alamo Drafthouse's unionizing workers at the Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn locations ended a 58-day strike after reaching an agreement with management, also bringing back about 70 employees who were previously let go. Despite in-person attendance at theaters shifting, Alamo has continued to open new locations. League says part of what led him to launch Metro Private Cinema in Chelsea was that there was a theater nearby that had closed and he wanted to fill the gap: 'New York is an old city. In order to build a traditional movie theater, you need high ceilings and forty-foot spans; most New York buildings aren't set up for that,' he adds of the business's flexibility, 'We can slide into a former Duane Reade pharmacy, which pushes the idea forward.' It's apace with the numerous members-only clubs in New York, some with their own theaters. Over at Fouquet's New York, a hotel in Tribeca, it was reported by the New York Post that its Cannes Cinema started selling tickets to the public, at $110 for two drinks and a movie, $165 for the movie plus a prix fixe dinner at the property's French brasserie. Dine-in theaters like Syndicated in Bushwick and both Brooklyn Nitehawk locations also offer private event booking. 'There's a certain number of people who would prefer to be in a private place than a huge room with strangers […] it's an alternative that works alongside traditional cinemagoing,' League says. 'And, hopefully, this can grow a new market for people who aren't going to the cinema as much.' Metro Private Cinema Eater NY All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Perth Now
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Aaron Taylor-Johnson to star in Werwulf and Lily Rose-Depp 'in talks'
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to star in Werwulf. The 35-year-old actor will reunite with director Robert Eggers on the motion picture, after sources confirmed to Deadline that Taylor-Johnson has signed up for the movie. And the insider also revealed Lily Rose-Depp is in talks to appear alongside him. Both Taylor-Johnson and Rose-Depp previously teamed up with Eggers for 2024 gothic horror film Nosferatu. Eggers will helm Werwulf, which is slated to be released on Christmas Day 2026 in the US. While plot details are yet to be revealed, the motion picture is expected to be a 13th century werewolf horror movie. But it is known that Eggers has reunited with his The Northman collaborator Sjón for the script. In January, insiders told the Hollywood Reporter that the story will be set in 13th century England, with dialogue "true to the time period". Translations and annotations will be provided for those who don't understand Old English, but Eggers has now decided against shooting the film in black and white. Nosferatu - which also stars Bill Skarsgard, Willem Dafoe, Nicholas Hoult and Emma Corrin - tells the terrifying tale of a young woman who finds herself the target of the ancient Transylvanian vampire Count Orlok after the creature becomes infatuated by her. The 41-year-old director recently revealed the inspirations behind his remake of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, F. W. Murnau's 1922 silent German Expressionist vampire film. It was influenced by Jack Clayton's 1961 picture The Innocents, which is based on 1898 novella The Turn of the Screw by the American novelist Henry James. The novella focuses on a governess who watches over two children and comes to fear that their large estate is haunted by ghosts and that the children are being possessed. During an appearance on Alamo Drafthouse's YouTube series Guest Selects, the filmmaker said: 'I think it is one of the best - perhaps the best - gothic ghost movie ever made. 'I watch it a couple times a year probably for inspiration. Freddy Francis was the cinematographer, who directed many Hammer horror films, but his finest collaborations are with Jack Clayton. "And what he does with the camera was very inspiring to what my cinematographer and I were up to with Nosferatu."
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alamo Founder Tim League Launches Private Movie Theater Experience in New York
If you heard that a new 20-screen complex was about to hit New York City, you'd expect that it would likely be a cluster of large rooms screening a Nicole Kidman commercial dozens of times a day. But Tim League, the man behind the film lovers' favorite Alamo Drafthouse, has something entirely different in mind. Coming soon — exact date to be determined — Metro Private Cinema will provide an experience that lives up to its name. 'It's a night out,' League told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview. 'If you're going to casually catch 'The Legend of Ochi,' you're probably going to go to the IFC Center, you're going to go to the Alamo, to the AMC. But if you want to have what we're trying to create, a very special experience with dinner, friends and a movie, I think there's an audience for it here.' More from IndieWire Superman's Underwear Returns: A Brief History of the Man of Steel's Red Trunks Peter Jackson Is Working on Three Screenplays: 'I'm Certainly Not Retired' Upon the opening in Chelsea, moviegoers will be able to choose a theater ranging in size from four to 20 seats — and we mean comfy, fancy chairs and sofas. Then they can choose the movie and a gourmet menu. The movie, too, doesn't need to be a current release. Patrons can select a favorite from a large library of retro offerings, as well. The meals will be only the finest — THR's coverage cited 'stone fruits, heirloom tomatoes, and summer squash' as samples. League, too, said that they hope to offer 'cinematic adventures,' as well, with themed meal experiences for popular titles. Its website already lists dining menus for 'Superman,' 'Goodfellas,' and even the fall release 'Wicked: For Good.' 'Whenever we've done that type of thing at Alamo, it's been some of my favorite moments and we're just trying to go even further,' he explained. It's not a typical night at the theater. Instead, it's a movie night that someone else is in charge of cleaning up. That said, it is pricey. The food is $100 per person — not including alcohol. The rooms range from $200 to $600 or even more, depending on the party size. League, who stepped down as Alamo Drafthouse's leader in 2020, has long advocated for creating unique experiences for film fans. In 2017, he penned an editorial for IndieWire expanding on his position. 'Cinemas are in the business of offering an incredible, immersive experience that you simply cannot duplicate at home,' he wrote. 'Our job is to put on a show and provide a great value proposition for getting out of the house, turning off your phone and enjoying great stories in the best possible environment. At our best, cinemas should also be local community centers with a real, tangible relationship to their surrounding neighborhood.' One difference, League said, with this new chain is that people will now be able to text and talk (an Alamo Drafthouse no-no), since they won't be in a theater with other strangers. 'It's just you're a worse person if you do.' Metro Private Cinema is anticipated to open in September 2025. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This 'Superman' Merch Is Already in High Demand, Especially 'That' Popcorn Bucket
This 'Superman' Merch Is Already in High Demand, Especially 'That' Popcorn Bucket originally appeared on Parade. Not entirely sure when the collectible movie theater popcorn bucket became a thing, but, wow, is it a whole situation. With the highly-anticipated new Superman, starring David Corenswet, hitting theaters on July 11, the movie merch is piling in. From the aforementioned collectible Superman popcorn buckets to all kinds of cuteness featuring the red-caped hero's dog Krypto, you'll need to compile a shopping list to get your hands on everything. But here's the thing, different theater chains have their own signature Superman popcorn bucket. So, like, how many times are we going to see this movie to collect these buckets? Apparently we're going to be enjoying a lot of popcorn, too. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Instagram influencer @markie_devo does a really nice job showcasing all of the potential Superman collectibles. The bucket available at Alamo Drafthouse was available for pre-order, but it appears they've already sold out. It's a classic-style bucket styled to look like Superman's suit and retails for $25. Meanwhile, over at AMC, their "bucket" is shaped like an old-school newsrack for The Daily Planet, Clark Kent and Lois Lane's employer. But Cinemark may win for overall cuteness. They actually have two Superman popcorn buckets—one shaped like a dog bowl for Supes' pup Krypto. And the other is a figurine of Krypto holding a popcorn bucket, ready to be filled with the actual yet, still, Regal Cinemas has their own popcorn bucket duo. One is shaped like a popcorn machine with the Superman logo at the top. And the other is a light blue bucket with a Krypto figure attached, looking over the bowl. Again, I'm not really sure what a fan is to do in this situation, other than save their pennies to spend on all of this collectible goodness. Of course, if you need a little something sweet after chomping on all that salty popcorn, there is the Dairy Queen Superman Cake Batter Cookie Dough Blizzard to take care of that. What a time to be 'Superman' Merch Is Already in High Demand, Especially 'That' Popcorn Bucket first appeared on Parade on Jun 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Want a fun summer? There's a pass for that. From movies to museums, here's how to set yourself up for a season of fun.
It's finally summer, and with the hotter months of the year comes a certain pressure to have fun. Whether you're working around the clock or enjoying scaled-back hours, you may be wondering how you can fill in whatever free time you have — without breaking the bank. That's why, when considering how to maximize your fun this summer, you should consider the power of the pass — memberships that allow you to unlock unlimited or discounted access to entertainment, cultural spots and outdoor adventures all season long. Curious but not sure where to get started? Below are some activities you can use a pass for that will make you want to ditch the couch and get out into the world this summer. There's no better way to escape the heat than by popping into a matinee — and with so many summer blockbusters to see, it's a great time to go to the movies. I'm a card-carrying AMC Stubs A-List member myself, which means that, for a monthly fee of $27.99 (the price varies by market; I'm in a pricier one in Los Angeles) I can see up to four movies per week, in whatever format of my choosing. The pass more than pays for itself if I see more than one movie per month, and I rack up points I can use on concessions. No AMC near you? Most movie theater chains now have their own version. Regal Cinemas offers their unlimited movie pass for 2D films, while Alamo Drafthouse allows you to see up to one movie per day with its own seasonal pass options. Want to go for a dip this summer? A community pool is an easy way to cool down and often come at low costs, such as $100 for a summer membership. But if there's no community pool in your area, and you're looking to take a dip, consider a day pass to a hotel pool through the service ResortPass. This pay-per-day service allows you to enjoy hotel pool amenities without paying for a room. While pricier than your community pool, it's a great idea if you're seeking a more luxe staycation. If your idea of summertime fun includes plenty of nature, consider the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. For $80 a year, you'll receive access to national parks, forests and wildlife refuges — all without paying entrance fees each time you visit. The pass covers one private vehicle or four entrance fees. Your local library is a great, totally free place to visit in the summer: Not only will you get to hang out in the AC, you'll also be able to pick up your new favorite beach read. But books and DVDs aren't the only things you can get at the library: many also offer free passes you can borrow to state parks, as well as museums and other cultural experiences. Ask your local librarian about any perks. Amusement park junkie? If you're obsessed with thrills, you may want to consider an annual pass to your favorite park of choice. Six Flags, which has 27 amusement parks and 15 water parks across the United States, Canada and Mexico, offers annual passes that allow you to visit your favorite park an unlimited amount of times for one flat fee — it's $170 for the highest tier, and comes with discounts on food and merchandise as well. Plus, where applicable, you'll get access to Six Flags' water parks as well. Live near Universal Studios? Universal Studios Hollywood offers annual passes for $299 per year, while Universal Studios resort in Orlando includes a two-park pass for between $425 and $475 per year. If you love workout classes, consider ClassPass this summer. It's a service that allows you to spend credits, which you pay for per month, on boutique classes — like, say, that bungee exercise class you've been seeing all over social media. You're guaranteed to spend less per class than you would out of pocket at the studio. And you can do more with ClassPass than just get a sweat in. ClassPass has also expanded beyond workout classes to things like manicures, facials and even food items, making it a real 'treat yourself' app. The price ranges depending on which market you're in, but in Los Angeles, 95 credits per month will set you back $189. Museums are an excellent place to absorb culture and art. Purchasing an annual pass means you can pop into one whenever the mood strikes, whether you want to check out a new exhibit or just escape a heat wave. If you're a New York City resident, for example, you can buy a $75 annual pass to the Museum of Modern Art, which is tax-deductible. If your ideal way to spend a Sunday includes observing wild animals, consider purchasing an annual pass to your local zoo. An annual pass to the Bronx Zoo, for example, will set you back $95 per year for one person, and you'll also score discounts for additional guest tickets and special events.
