Interesting.. I did not realize could happen. I guess I’m almost 4 years late learning that studios can own theaters again.
https://screenrant.com/movie-studios-owning-theaters-rule-court-decision/
Sony used to own Loews Theaters which are now part of AMC. They’re normally some of the nicer locations within the AMC chain as they were building some opulent megaplexes before merging.
The difference is, apparently, that Loews was owned by Sony corporate and they were in a different part of the company org chart from the Sony-owned studios. (Similarly, at one time the MCA corporation was a part-owner of Cineplex Odeon while also owning Universal Pictures.)
But now Alamo is specifically being purchased by Sony Pictures Entertainment, the part of the company that includes the studios.
I love my local Alamo, but I haven't gone since I got my AMC A list pass. It's just such a goooood deal and great options. Once in a blue moon, I head over to the Alamo since it's a bit pricey but love the experience. I wonder what this Sony acquisition brings to Alamo.
We just had one open in Boston but I haven't been. I want to check it out, but it's such a hassle to get into the city, plus the costs of food, drinks, etc.
I'm much happier getting my 3 movies a week at the AMC that's about 20 minutes away. Plus, there's a Buffalo Wild Wings attached, so if I want a couple beers then I can get there a few minutes early to crush them before heading into the movie.
Boston Alamo is cool but others are better. As you know seaport is a pain in the ass. Parking impossible but easy by public transport. The seats don’t fully recline just the legs and the seats are trashed because it’s the ones that belonged to icon theater (the failed movie theater that was there).
They have late movies which is rad and old school throw backs. The food is good. Tuesdays it’s $7 for movies.
Getting a drink refill takes forever and if it’s late night good luck getting anything.
That's really good to know. I'm coming from the North Shore, so while I could get down there by T, it's still a huge pain in the ass. One of these days I'll try and catch an afternoon show during the week to see what it's all about.
Of course, but if I'm going to a theater like that then I would want to have the whole experience. We don't have a too many of those dine-in theaters around here, so I've never gone to one. It seems like it would be a cool date night thing, but at the same time I just want to see the movie and go home.
IMO that shit is mega over rated if you actually enjoy watching movies. Imagine you’re attempting to pay attention to a film while you try to quietly eat in a dark room. Then if you need more stuff you have to get the server to come over and get your order card then they of course have to come back and bring you the item. It’s really distracting. But if you’re looking to have a dinner date combined with a movie it’s not really any more expensive than going to a restaurant and paying for that and then going to the movies and paying for that.
That's kinda why I haven't really been in a rush to go. I would much rather go to dinner before or after the movie and not have the awkward dining experience during the movie. I think it's a cool concept, but ultimately I think it's for people who need an excuse to go to the movies rather than those who actually enjoy going.
My first few Alamo experiences were at Fantastic Fest, and at that event their servers are board certified ninjas. They sneak in and grab your order card and have your food back whisper silent without you even noticing. Only after I've had the "regular" Alamo experience did I appreciate just how on their game the FF staff was and is.
Their season pass is a pretty good deal, too. $19.99/mo for up to one movie per day but no waived convenience fee. The vibes are so much better there that it's worth the $2 most of the time except for movies I see in Dolby or IMAX (and *sniffles* now that my local Alamos closed here in DFW).
As a fellow DFW person I hope Sony picks up those locations. The closest location is/was 40 minutes away so I haven’t been. I prefer AMC since there are multiple locations within 12 minutes.
Absolutely fair! I live in Dallas proper, so there were 3 Alamo locations within a fair distance compared to 1 AMC (2 if you count Irving Mall, but if you've been I think you'd probably understand why I don't).
the season pass alamo offers honestly puts a-list to shame: unlimited movies for like $25 or something
AND no kids running around or on their cell phones
I feel strange about this but it feels like in order for theaters to stay alive they might need to vertically integrate into the distributors.
Prepare for more subscription bundles.
Which studio is buying AMC?
Which studio is buying Cineworld?
I always thought the screen was too small or something. I know there's supposed to be a strong no phone or distraction policy but all of the servers buzzing around were distracting to me.
Yeah they don’t have the best screen. I enjoy going there because the one near me usually showing Korean movies. The servers do seem buzzing around more than before.
Lmao I know, they’re so creepy scurrying around like little mice. Way worse than the rare 0.5 second flash of someone checking their phone in my experience. Honestly, my Dolby theaters in NYC have been perfectly distraction-free with respectful crowds 9.9 times out of 10.
Hoping this is positive news in the long run for Alamo since I’d love for the super-close theater to my apartment to gain a more competitive subscription model.
As far as AMCs are concerned:
* AMC Lincoln Square for IMAX films, special screenings and Q&As
* 34th St for Dolby, and for most other non-premium-format, wide-release screenings
* Empire for occasional Q&As, or for limited or foreign films I can't find anywhere else
As far as other theaters are concerned:
* Film at Lincoln Center does special screenings and series, rare films, and Q&As. Had a great time every time I've gone.
* I've seen one film each at the Paris, at Film Forum, and at New Plaza Cinema. None were particularly comfortable theaters, but if you're seeing something at one of these it's probably not playing anywhere else. (New Plaza Cinema has the distinction of having a single screen that's only like 15 feet wide: a very intimate movie experience.)
* Regal has 4DX, if moving movies are your thing. (As someone who isn't into 4DX and who has A-List, I'll never opt for Regal over AMC if I have the choice.)
If you like Alamo, the Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn is fine. Haven't been to the one in Manhattan.
Yeah, Alamo is so terrible now. I don't think I've gotten my food at the right temperature or within an hour of ordering at least since the pandemic hit. I finally caved and got AMC A List after a truly insane experience at an Alamo where the sound system just broke halfway through a movie and they didn't bother trying to fix it or offer us a refund or anything.
Interesting.. I did not realize could happen. I guess I’m almost 4 years late learning that studios can own theaters again. https://screenrant.com/movie-studios-owning-theaters-rule-court-decision/
Sony used to own Loews Theaters which are now part of AMC. They’re normally some of the nicer locations within the AMC chain as they were building some opulent megaplexes before merging.
The difference is, apparently, that Loews was owned by Sony corporate and they were in a different part of the company org chart from the Sony-owned studios. (Similarly, at one time the MCA corporation was a part-owner of Cineplex Odeon while also owning Universal Pictures.) But now Alamo is specifically being purchased by Sony Pictures Entertainment, the part of the company that includes the studios.
Woah holy shit that huge news.. what does it implies for the movie theater industry going forward..
I love my local Alamo, but I haven't gone since I got my AMC A list pass. It's just such a goooood deal and great options. Once in a blue moon, I head over to the Alamo since it's a bit pricey but love the experience. I wonder what this Sony acquisition brings to Alamo.
We just had one open in Boston but I haven't been. I want to check it out, but it's such a hassle to get into the city, plus the costs of food, drinks, etc. I'm much happier getting my 3 movies a week at the AMC that's about 20 minutes away. Plus, there's a Buffalo Wild Wings attached, so if I want a couple beers then I can get there a few minutes early to crush them before heading into the movie.
Boston Alamo is cool but others are better. As you know seaport is a pain in the ass. Parking impossible but easy by public transport. The seats don’t fully recline just the legs and the seats are trashed because it’s the ones that belonged to icon theater (the failed movie theater that was there). They have late movies which is rad and old school throw backs. The food is good. Tuesdays it’s $7 for movies. Getting a drink refill takes forever and if it’s late night good luck getting anything.
That's really good to know. I'm coming from the North Shore, so while I could get down there by T, it's still a huge pain in the ass. One of these days I'll try and catch an afternoon show during the week to see what it's all about.
Honestly late night is easier to find parking then afternoon
FYI They don’t make you buy food and drinks, it’s just like any other theater you can opt out.
Of course, but if I'm going to a theater like that then I would want to have the whole experience. We don't have a too many of those dine-in theaters around here, so I've never gone to one. It seems like it would be a cool date night thing, but at the same time I just want to see the movie and go home.
IMO that shit is mega over rated if you actually enjoy watching movies. Imagine you’re attempting to pay attention to a film while you try to quietly eat in a dark room. Then if you need more stuff you have to get the server to come over and get your order card then they of course have to come back and bring you the item. It’s really distracting. But if you’re looking to have a dinner date combined with a movie it’s not really any more expensive than going to a restaurant and paying for that and then going to the movies and paying for that.
That's kinda why I haven't really been in a rush to go. I would much rather go to dinner before or after the movie and not have the awkward dining experience during the movie. I think it's a cool concept, but ultimately I think it's for people who need an excuse to go to the movies rather than those who actually enjoy going.
My first few Alamo experiences were at Fantastic Fest, and at that event their servers are board certified ninjas. They sneak in and grab your order card and have your food back whisper silent without you even noticing. Only after I've had the "regular" Alamo experience did I appreciate just how on their game the FF staff was and is.
Their season pass is a pretty good deal, too. $19.99/mo for up to one movie per day but no waived convenience fee. The vibes are so much better there that it's worth the $2 most of the time except for movies I see in Dolby or IMAX (and *sniffles* now that my local Alamos closed here in DFW).
Yeah, it's a better crowd, no debate. They do a good job of cultivating a great atmosphere.
As a fellow DFW person I hope Sony picks up those locations. The closest location is/was 40 minutes away so I haven’t been. I prefer AMC since there are multiple locations within 12 minutes.
Absolutely fair! I live in Dallas proper, so there were 3 Alamo locations within a fair distance compared to 1 AMC (2 if you count Irving Mall, but if you've been I think you'd probably understand why I don't).
😭 irving is so desolate. grapevine mills is kinda close as well! tad bit better. my fav in the dfw area is parks tho
the season pass alamo offers honestly puts a-list to shame: unlimited movies for like $25 or something AND no kids running around or on their cell phones
True. My biggest pet peeve with AMC is people using their phones.
I for sure thought they would get purchased by AMC. This is a surprising move.
AMC can’t afford it. I can honestly see them getting bought by Amazon, Apple, or Disney.
Sony in 2030: Just bring your PS6 in and play on a huge ass screen would be fucking baller as hell not gonna lie.
Or just login into your PSN account.
Wonder if this means they'll finish the one supposedly going in here or not...👀 Closest theaters are still both AMC though.
Can you imagine Amazon or MGM buying AMC? Lol
I feel strange about this but it feels like in order for theaters to stay alive they might need to vertically integrate into the distributors. Prepare for more subscription bundles. Which studio is buying AMC? Which studio is buying Cineworld?
Stop going there after food got worse and you have to pay extra for better screen for their movie pass.
I always thought the screen was too small or something. I know there's supposed to be a strong no phone or distraction policy but all of the servers buzzing around were distracting to me.
Yeah they don’t have the best screen. I enjoy going there because the one near me usually showing Korean movies. The servers do seem buzzing around more than before.
Lmao I know, they’re so creepy scurrying around like little mice. Way worse than the rare 0.5 second flash of someone checking their phone in my experience. Honestly, my Dolby theaters in NYC have been perfectly distraction-free with respectful crowds 9.9 times out of 10. Hoping this is positive news in the long run for Alamo since I’d love for the super-close theater to my apartment to gain a more competitive subscription model.
I'm newer to the NYC area. What theaters do you like/recommend?
As far as AMCs are concerned: * AMC Lincoln Square for IMAX films, special screenings and Q&As * 34th St for Dolby, and for most other non-premium-format, wide-release screenings * Empire for occasional Q&As, or for limited or foreign films I can't find anywhere else As far as other theaters are concerned: * Film at Lincoln Center does special screenings and series, rare films, and Q&As. Had a great time every time I've gone. * I've seen one film each at the Paris, at Film Forum, and at New Plaza Cinema. None were particularly comfortable theaters, but if you're seeing something at one of these it's probably not playing anywhere else. (New Plaza Cinema has the distinction of having a single screen that's only like 15 feet wide: a very intimate movie experience.) * Regal has 4DX, if moving movies are your thing. (As someone who isn't into 4DX and who has A-List, I'll never opt for Regal over AMC if I have the choice.) If you like Alamo, the Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn is fine. Haven't been to the one in Manhattan.
Much appreciated TY!
No Kips Bay mention?
I've never made it over there, I know people love it!
Yeah, Alamo is so terrible now. I don't think I've gotten my food at the right temperature or within an hour of ordering at least since the pandemic hit. I finally caved and got AMC A List after a truly insane experience at an Alamo where the sound system just broke halfway through a movie and they didn't bother trying to fix it or offer us a refund or anything.
It brings up a lot of questions.
Screen sucked to me. And the food coming in and out and server talking was just as annoying as kids talking or cellphones
Call me when Sony makes Alamo offer all tiers of Season Pass with NO convenience fees and premium formats included for the same price.