The Alamo Drafthouse, a theater famous for serving moviegoers with food during shows, has announced they are filing for bankruptcy, according to a spokesperson. Although local Alamo Drafthouse locations will not be closing their doors for good, many are wondering about the future of cinema experiences.
Ryan Gurchin, a former Drafthouse employee, said he can’t wait to go back to the movies.
“I mean yeah it’s a pandemic, but I can’t wait – I just enjoy the big screen,” he said.
Ryan is an avid film lover and said he enjoys streaming movies, but physically being at a theater is his favorite. He worked for the Alamo for about a year in college.
“I have history at that theater – it makes me sad to see such a dope idea fail. But I mean they might open one day, right?” he said.
Still, some theaters are open with strict guidelines like always wearing a facemask. AMC opened its doors last week with distanced seating and limited showings. Chance Oliver, host of the film podcast “Box Office Bros,” said streaming just isn’t the same.
“HBO, Netflix and Disney Plus are great, don’t get me wrong – but there’s something about paying for $20 popcorn and having your phone away that streaming can’t offer,” he said.
Chance also said that vaccines could provide the much-needed boost theaters need.
“I encourage everyone to visit their local mom and pop theater when this is all over – support small theaters as I’m sure they’re struggling the most right now.”
Many box office hits are releasing straight to streaming services, making the future of movie theaters unknown. For now, it looks like Netflix and chilling, while socially distancing, is one of the only options.
