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The Alamo Drafthouse Downtown is closing, but it will rise again, oh yes, it will...

Sixth Street just got a little less intolerable by ironburl	Mar 21st, 2007 01:45:25 AM
This all sounds pretty good, but the parking situation will be much trickier. Also, "plush VIP seating" makes me think that they will be getting rid of the line of rotting couches along the back wall and roping off some area to keep us plebeians out. Say it ain't so! I remember when I saw the first list of movies they were playing (Strange Brew, 2001, Blues Brothers, etc. etc.) and I thought "I love these movies". Good Luck Alamo.
dennis quaid was pretty good in this by BadMrWonka	Mar 21st, 2007 01:55:47 AM
but it was way too long, and I just thought it was a little overwrought.
My first movie there... by RedwingsHoolihan	Mar 21st, 2007 02:03:15 AM
was Faster Pussycat,Kill,Kill. They had lights in front of each seat that you turned on when you were ready to order. That was goddamn annoying and I was so glad when they got rid of that. I've seen hundreds of movies there. Been to six Butt-Numb-A-Thons there. I will dearly miss the place. I'm hoping I can be there on their last night party.
I JUST got back from Austin tonight.... by DocBosch	Mar 21st, 2007 02:08:53 AM
3000 mile drive. Damn it. Now I wish I had seen more movies at the Alamo Downtown during SXSW this years. I saw about two: one that was bad and another that, while good, I left half way though because I was tired. I'm glad I took some pictures of the lobby, but non of the theater itself. I passed by the last day of SXSW to buy some shirts. That will be my last time inside the original alamo. Damn, I wish I would've sat in more of the seats (I wasn't even aware of the back row coaches until this year) and I would have loved to see the projection booth. You can tell a lot about a theater by it's booth. Damn, this sucks. It's funny cause the theater itself is kinda shitty, but it's still such a cool, unique, fantastic place. I'm sure the new place will be great, but so is the Alamo South Lamar, yet it's not the same as the original Alamo. You know, if a few things work out in my future, I'll have a lot to thank Tim and the original Alamo for.
3000 miles round trip, i meant. by DocBosch	Mar 21st, 2007 02:10:47 AM
Roughly 1500 miles each way. Third year in a row. SXSW is great, but I'm sure the drafthouse has a lot more to do with me coming back so often.
Sad day. by Kraken	Mar 21st, 2007 02:19:53 AM
And I'm sure this can't be easy for Tim and Karrie either. I realize that they would love to stay where they are, and I know they fought to stay. Still, I can't help but feel sad. I wish the new Alamo all the best of luck, and I'll be there to support it and Tim and Karrie. But there will always be a little sigh let out each time I visit and I remember the Alamo, original. Good luck guys!
Last Night? So There by Jed	Mar 21st, 2007 02:43:32 AM
and that's a drive, make no mistake.
Damn you Michael Bay by MCMLXXVI	Mar 21st, 2007 02:48:11 AM
Damn you Michael Bay
Good luck Tim & Karrie by reni	Mar 21st, 2007 02:58:49 AM
Shit I just woke up and saw the Drafthouse is closing. H, Tim, Karrie thank you! I'll miss it but looking forward to the new place!
Goodbye dear friend.. by longevitymonk	Mar 21st, 2007 03:06:27 AM
This is the place I met Crispin Glover and Chuck Norris. That I saw The 300 and FOTR for the first time. The place that I got to hang out with the monster squad and ask Fred Dekker why Robocop 3 was so crappy. I will never forget the Alamo downtown...I kinda hope this is an april fools joke...oh well.
sigh Austin sounds nice... by FilmCritic3000	Mar 21st, 2007 03:09:08 AM
Maybe one day I'll get to visit; every five minutes I'm alerted to the coolness of that city. This one (Savannah, Georgia) could have a cool artistic side (and does in some respects, but nowhere near Austin's) but it's a continual battle between people like myself, who want to preserve the city's history and move it into the 21st century, and others who want to keep the city mired in the past.
End of June? by NeuroticErotica	Mar 21st, 2007 03:38:16 AM
There's no way they can get the Ritz open in time... Looks like I'm going to be second-homeless for a while :(
FilmCritic3000, I hear ya... by JimmyLoneWolf	Mar 21st, 2007 03:48:08 AM
I don't understand why Austin is the only place in the USA that has cool movie theaters that let people DRINK and EAT at the movies, have amazing film festivals almost monthly, and actually have "theme nights" that turn movies into full-blown "adventures". There are so many great cities in this country, why haven't they been able to erect theaters with at least a SIMILAR degree of coolness? I live in the vicinity of both Boston and Providence, RI, and neither of those cities have theaters like the Alamo Drafthouse. I can only ask myself, "Why?" Would it not make money? Are people opposed to the ida of drinking at a movie theater? What is the problem? Whatever it is, the rest of the country needs to catch up with Austin, Tx., not only in terms of their theaters, but in terms of their entire attitude towards movies. For the people in this small but vital city, movies are cherished treasures, objects of reverence, things to never be taken for granted. If only the rest of the country could adopt this wonderful outlook maybe I could actually meet a girl who loves movies as much as I do. Believe me, its no easy task! Thank God for Myspace, at least it gives SOME hope...even though that hope is usually around 1-3,000 miles away!
Indeed, I am British... by Quintus_Arrius	Mar 21st, 2007 05:09:20 AM
... therefore, I don not care!
I make it a point at every BNAT by Nordling	Mar 21st, 2007 06:15:07 AM
to just stand at the Drafthouse and inhale the smells, the sounds, the air of my favorite movie theater in the world. I'm sad for its passing, but I look forward to its new incarnation at the Ritz. A bigger theater? That's terrific news. And with Tim and Karrie behind it, I'm certain I'll love the Alamo Ritz as much as the Downtown location. I'll be in Austin in April, however, and I'll be sure to visit the Downtown theater and have one last Alamoburger there. It's been a wonderful ten years!
Theater Experiences by Asaraiel	Mar 21st, 2007 06:18:13 AM
We have a neat little theater in my city called The Nickelodeon. I went to it for the first time recently to see PAN'S LABYRINTH. Even though it isn't nearly as comfortable or big as any of the usual chain theaters in my area, I fell in love with it almost immediately. It was a place that was full of a love and appreciation for movies. It's cool to see that people still get that. There is a charm to theaters that love being theaters for the movies, not for the corporate side of the business. Best of luck to the next phase of the Alamo.
Great news! But please, no jello shots. by Lance Rock	Mar 21st, 2007 07:53:02 AM
It will be very interesting to marry the Alamo to the current 6th street, which is in my opinion a waste of real estate. I hope that this turns the tide on businesses down there. Good luck Tim and Karrie!
morning matinee!!! by samuraiyao	Mar 21st, 2007 08:58:37 AM
I live here in Houston,tx and its about a 2 1/2 hour drive to Austin. What i remember most about the Alamo is that when i would go to a first showing of a movie at Fantastic fest, i would order a meal beforehand, and if the movie sucked cock, i would eat my meal and then take a quick nap that feels so amazing.
great memories by thefreeagents	Mar 21st, 2007 09:00:47 AM
I live about 4 hours away from Austin so I've only been there a few times, but they were all memorable. Sitting in the front row as a drunken, rambling Quentin Tarantino introduced Rolling Thunder, Harry nearly running over my foot with his wheelchair, but he was very polite and just last year I got to see Revenge of the Nerds with Booger in the audience. 1 of my buddies lives in Austin and goes there alot, so he is REALLY going to miss it.
Sad, but happy... by 433	Mar 21st, 2007 09:06:50 AM
I get down to Austin only once a year (for BNAT), but I try to see at least one or two movies in the Alamo Downtown if at all possible. I love this theater, and if at all possible, my girlfriend and I will want to come down from Minneapolis for one final movie. Thanks, Tim and Karrie, for all your hard word over the last ten years, and thanks to Harry for championing what moviegoing SHOULD be.
This Daft House Touched Us all in a Particular Way by DarfurOnTheRocks	Mar 21st, 2007 09:10:54 AM
...Adieu. Life will not be the same...
this is a good this by jrbarker	Mar 21st, 2007 09:23:43 AM
I just hope they keep some of the funkyness and don't make it something for all the rich yuppies that take over everything cool in Austin so normal people can't enjoy them anymore.
Funny how they thank all sorts of people... by W3bzpinn3r	Mar 21st, 2007 10:03:20 AM
but not Harry Knowles for years of free advertising on his site, keeping them in business... oh well. Congrats Harry on the engagement! I guess her greencard is expiring, huh? Gotta stay in this great country somehow, even if it means marrying a guy whose idea of a honeymoon is watching movies in a theater and eating greasy popcorn rather than a cruise, or a trip to hawaii, or anything else that will get his fat pasty ass out in the sunlight.
One of the reasons I moved to Austin... by Lordchairmankaga	Mar 21st, 2007 10:39:12 AM
was Weird Wednesday at the Alamo on Colorado. I'd come down for a job interview and had a couple of extra days to explore the city. The Chronicle led me to the free midnight movie, and the spirit of the place sold me on the city. Any city that could support a theater like the Alamo was a place I wanted to be. I still will only see films at one of the three Alamos and try to go to as many of the downtown events as I can. I kinds think it sucks that the "original" location will now be right on Sixth Street, ause although it's good for visibility it sucks for locals who actually want to go there. I avoid Sixth Street like the plague, but now it seems I'll have to make the occasional exception. Sigh...
Goodbye, but Good Luck Puttin' On The Ritz by smallerdemon	Mar 21st, 2007 10:48:37 AM
Wow. Indeed this is sad but also fascinating. Death and rebirth. A good easter story. :) I remember my first time at the Original Alamo. QT5 Good Ol Boy night. My wife bought us a trip to Austin in the middle of August to go see three nights of QT5. It was HOT and the trek to the Alamo from where we were staying was walking and bussing, so when we got inside the draft house, into that cool, black-walled and free from outside light sanctuary, and I saw the seats and the bar tables, I was more than delighted. Add Tarantino up on the stage pontificating about the wonders of Dixie Dynamite and The Brotherhood of Death and it's not something I will ever forget. Then again the next night, a fantastic evening of the amazingly Dark of the Sun and Eastern Condors. Finally wrapping it up with the genesis of Kill Bill with revenge night with Joe Don Baker's Framed and the absolutely stunning Rolling Thunder... and wow, yeah, I've got a great first impression in my mind. Add BNATs 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, and the Original Alamo has one of the highest emotional spots in my heart and mind as the ephemeral existence of a "place" can have. Kudos to the Leagues for making my life significantly better than it would have been otherwise.
Blah blah blah... by PwnedByStallone	Mar 21st, 2007 11:04:27 AM
Where's the Lost talkback?
Harry has a wife? by JBouganim	Mar 21st, 2007 11:20:32 AM
There is hope for me
Great Memories of the Alamo for Harry... by JBouganim	Mar 21st, 2007 11:20:53 AM
Where he caught his for BJ
at first... by porkchop_Xpress	Mar 21st, 2007 11:51:06 AM
...i was shocked upon reading the headline, but now i'm excited! yet more reason for me to return to austin more often!
I don't know anybody who wants this site to go back to by chrth	Mar 21st, 2007 11:59:22 AM
pre-Talkback or pre-Moriarty.
Kinda off topic by Nozoli Apples	Mar 21st, 2007 01:02:37 PM
Does anyone have a picture of Harry's girlfriend? Also a historic theater closing is always sad, glad to hear they're going to reopen another.
This news sucks only kinda... by kilik777	Mar 21st, 2007 02:05:07 PM
Yeah this news is a good thing overall. The warehouse district does kick the shit out of 6th street anyday but im all up for the change especially if it means a bigger venue, more seats and a better sound system. Maybe ill actually be able to be selected for Bnat for once. Yeah Weird Wednesdays and Terror Thursdays are easily my favorite things to attend.
This news sucks only kinda... part 2 by kilik777	Mar 21st, 2007 02:06:50 PM
oh yeah i forgot to ask is this location withing walking distance of the club part of 6th street or further west? http://tinyurl.com/pv8do
I WAS THERE!!!! by mescal	Mar 21st, 2007 02:50:07 PM
I believe that I was there for that first ever showing atthe ALamo Drafthouse! I thought the place was awful, but I was told in the future that they would be serving beer, so I was slow to criticize. I think the film playing was Gross Point Blank and I was sitting next to Allison Macor, formerly of the Statesman, who was covering the screening for SXSW. Gonna be sad to see the place go, but if there is ANY location in Austin that would be perfect to carry on the Alamo tradition Downtown, it would be the Ritz. Without a doubt. BTW... John Stewart Rules as a projectionist!
very cool by purplemonkeydw	Mar 21st, 2007 03:03:32 PM
that is indeed cool news...the ritz...man, that place was so skanky, now maybe i'll enjoy going to sixth street? congrats leagues!
I live in LA and I like the Arclight. by Barry Egan	Mar 21st, 2007 04:01:57 PM
Despite QT's dislike for it.
There are a LOT of music venues right next to the Ritz by Elmore Rigby	Mar 21st, 2007 04:06:24 PM
And loud ones, at that. I wonder how that old ass building is gonna do with the soundproofing?
I love Austin by johnnykool	Mar 21st, 2007 04:44:25 PM
I love that city. The music is phenomenal, especially if you love rockabilly/psychobilly as much as I do. The clubs and venues are great. Shiner Bock is the world's worst beer. The people can be very nice. The city is clean. The traffic isn't bad compared to my city. Yeah, Austin is cool. Hey you Austin people, if you know The Flametrick Subs, tell them that Atlanta DJ that keeps bugging them to come out East is continuing to demand their presence outside of Tejas!
Where's my black arm band? by bmsatter	Mar 21st, 2007 04:52:32 PM
About eight years ago I made a pact with God that if I lead a noble life and tried to always do good in the world, be kind to others, and help those in need that upon my ultimate demise he would see to it that I sit out the remainder of eternity at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown. Now what's he going to do? What's the point? Heaven just won't be as good anymore.
The Ritz by chavee	Mar 21st, 2007 05:11:57 PM
I think this is a great idea. I've been to some great screenings at the Alamo downtown but moving to the Ritz brings it back to it's cinematic roots. Plus 6th ST just isn't as cool as it used to be. About the only places I go down there are Casino(for the best burger in town) and the Jackalope.
Vicarious Memories by Sinisterjim	Mar 21st, 2007 07:33:15 PM
Sad to say, I've never been to the Alamo Drafthouse, always wanted to go since, hell, almost since it's inception. I have to say, Knowles writings about Austin over the years, and especially the Drafthouse have been the main reason's I want to move to Austin, or nearby. I will definately make at least 1 event prior to them shutting there doors, and hopefully, in the near future, my wife and I can enjoy the Ritz Drafthouse on a regular basis. Harry, thanks for allowing us readers the opportunity to get a micron of the expeirience through your enthusiastic musings! Remember the Alamo!
The best movie theater ever... by BDT	Mar 21st, 2007 07:35:46 PM
The best movie-going experiences ever! Everything I loved about movies growing up with a palace theater in my home town, I am able to share with my kiddo because of the Alamo and Harry Knowles. I have faith in Tim & Karrie and hope they can tap into the "spirits of movies past" that visited The Ritz and may still linger in the nooks and crannies. I also have faith in Alamo staff and supporters. I would suffer serious Alamo withdrawal if it weren't for my second favorite theater, Alamo S. Lamar. An Alamo DH on 6th street will certainly class up the area. Best of luck!
Holy crap! by director stan arthur	Mar 21st, 2007 09:00:53 PM
So glad finally got to go there last week. Great news about the Ritz, though.
Man, I've never even been to Austin by samsquanch	Mar 21st, 2007 09:19:25 PM
and this bums me out.
Meanwhile in H-Town... by Big Bad Clone	Mar 21st, 2007 10:55:55 PM
I live near the two Alamos in Houston but rarely go. Perhpas that has to do with both being on a side of town with the most annoying traffic. Or it could be the plethora of eatery/movie houses springing up around town. It's like every other old dollar theater changed into a pale reflection of Alamo.
What a shot to the gut!!! by Cleef Palette	Mar 21st, 2007 10:57:24 PM
I love the Downtown Drafthouse .... especially for soemone like me who lives over 100 miles away from it, but I have made it there over 100 times over the years. The Ritz location will be nice, but my memories will be with the old Drafthouse for the rest of my life...
From everything I've seen and read... by indiephantom	Mar 21st, 2007 11:20:08 PM
the old drafthouse was a pretty shitty venue to watch movies in. Change is good, people.
Saint Louis by Otto Parts	Mar 21st, 2007 11:25:47 PM
Austin sounds like they know what's going on, that's for sure. It's a little off topic, but here in Saint Louis they've definitely stepped up their game (movie theater-wise) within the last five years. In every cinema within the city limits, you can buy beer & wine. In one incredible venue, The Moolah, they not only have a full bar and food service, but it's housed in an incredibly ornate old Shriner temple complete with a basement bowling alley. Granted, there's rarely any revival screenings (outside of a yearly Big Lebowski throwdown), but it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. The downside? You gotta live in Missouri.
One of 2 sites I was kinda pulling for. by AuntieMeat	Mar 21st, 2007 11:56:41 PM
I was hoping, if the Drafthouse had to move, I'd take residence in one of the two remaining old Austin theaters. 6th Street annoys me, I worry about more idiots who like to talk during movies wandering in (they better still kick 'em out if I alert management), but the downtown Drafthouse belongs somewhere with some foot traffic - other than yuppies, that is. The Varsity(The old Tower Records building on the Drag with Rudy Ray Moore on the side) would have been my alternate choice, aside from the Ritz, but then again, it's a little too close to the Dobie for comfort, and if you think parking is bad downtown, then you haven't ever tried parking near campus. At least they have garages downtown. I look forward to the move, but I'll always have deep love for the Original. I need to make it back down and bring my camera at least one more time before they close. The Original Drafthouse is soon to be dead... long live the Drafthouse at the Ritz!
Damn you, Michael Bay. by MCMLXXVII	Mar 22nd, 2007 12:36:11 AM
Damn you, Michael Bay.
wait wait wait by ClarkWayne	Mar 22nd, 2007 08:30:07 AM
ok so i have tickets to the hot fuzz screening...am i fucked
Damn you, MCMLXXVII by Quintus_Arrius	May 16th, 2007 07:47:29 AM
Damn you, MCMLXXVII
Oh, and last! by Quintus_Arrius	May 16th, 2007 07:47:56 AM
Yeeeeeesssssshhhh!
Great idea.. by Quintus_Arrius	May 20th, 2007 03:30:09 PM
.. make sure this big breasted and tight-waisted and blond...

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The Alamo Drafthouse Downtown is closing, but it will rise again, oh yes, it will...

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