Oh, happy days are here again!
In June, we received the sad news that all Alamo Drafthouse DFW locations closed suddenly. We were heartened to hear, soon thereafter, that all local locations were acquired by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema from their local franchisee, with plans to re-open in the summer.
Now we have concrete information. Per an official release, “the opening date for each theater is as follows:
● Alamo Drafthouse Richardson – August 9
● Alamo Drafthouse Lake Highlands – August 13
● Alamo Drafthouse Cedars – August 16
● Alamo Drafthouse Denton – August 20
● Alamo Drafthouse Las Colinas – August 23.”
The official release notes: “Tickets for upcoming shows will go on sale on a theater-by-theater basis shortly before each reopening date. … Beyond simply reopening the theaters, Alamo Drafthouse plans to implement a number of improvements and upgrades to several of the venues.
“Current plans include state-of-the-art 4K laser projectors and Dolby Atmos sound in a new The Big Show auditorium – Alamo Drafthouse’s premium large format experience – at the Richardson location [pictured above] by Labor Day. At Las Colinas, we will be adding premium recliner seats and 4K laser projectors in time for the Spring 2025 movies.”
What about all the hard-working employees? “Before the theaters reopen, Alamo Drafthouse will host a hiring fair for past employees on July 23rd, at the Lake Highlands and Woodbury locations, both to make them whole for lost wages that they were owed before the closure and to give them first access to interviews for open positions.
“For anyone that is unable to make the event, then can apply here. Those who are rehired will receive a more robust benefits plan with immediate eligibility, including access to daily pay, substantial 401k match, paid medical leave, accrued PTO, free mental health services.”
Good for them! But what about us, the movie-going public? “Each location will host a soft opening celebration for the first two weeks after opening. Guests will enjoy $5 tickets for all shows and 25% off select food and beverage items. Programming for the soft opening includes some of the most anticipated films of the summer, including DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE, IT ENDS WITH US, ALIEN: ROMULUS and BLINK TWICE.
“Guests who purchased tickets before the shutdown will receive free ticket rainchecks via email once tickets go on sale. Additionally, previously purchased merchandise for INSIDE OUT 2 and DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE will be distributed to guests during the soft opening period. Season Pass members affected by the closure will also be given the opportunity to reactivate their account and receive two months free for doing so once tickets for their preferred theater go on sale.”
More official info: “Visit Drafthouse.com, join Alamo Victory (Alamo Drafthouse’s free loyalty program), and follow Alamo Drafthouse on social media for updates and news on ticket sale dates.”
On a personal note, I may start to cry. I happily attended the Richardson location for years, and then started attending the Lake Highlands location, which is not far from my current abode, so I am now feeling much better about (movie) season, at a location which is my preferred place to watch movies loudly as I eat healthy, diet-conscious food very quietly.
Dallas Film Now. 