Sony Photos Buys Beloved Theater Chain Alamo Drafthouse

Alamo Drafthouse is a vacation spot for moviegoers, however because the theater chain has struggled to stay afloat on this period of streaming, it wanted somebody to return in and save the day. The would-be savior is Sony Photos, which has acquired Alamo Drafthouse for an undisclosed quantity, first reported by Variety on Wednesday. The theater chain will maintain its headquarters in Austin, Texas, however it will likely be underneath a brand new division at Sony Photos referred to as Sony Photos Experiences.

Whereas it may not be probably the most perfect purchaser of the favored theater chain, the choice might have been a non-public fairness agency that may chop up the corporate’s property or institute some horrible practices (like now not throwing out those who talk and text during a movie).

“We’re past thrilled to affix forces with Sony Photos Leisure to increase our firm imaginative and prescient to be one of the best rattling cinema that has ever, or will ever, exist now in methods we might solely ever dream of,” stated Tim League, founding father of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, in a press launch. “They’ve a deep respect and understanding of cinema’s potential to each drive progress and create lasting cultural impression which aligns completely with all the things Alamo Drafthouse stands for.”

Based in 1997, Alamo Drafthouse has been a haven for cinephiles. Every location has meals and drinks service throughout a movie and has a agency “no discuss, no textual content” rule. Together with taking part in the most important motion pictures of the yr, every location additionally options particular showings of films from the previous.

Alamo Drafthouse and different movie show chains are having a rough 2024. Final week, five Drafthouse theaters in North Texas were shuttered after the franchise proprietor of these areas filed for chapter.