Rest assured that one day movie theaters’ doors will open once again and we will be able to enjoy films the good old-fashioned way. But until that time comes (sooner rather than later!), try to support one of these local establishments with your mounting ticket & popcorn reserves.
by Max Fischer
By supporting the establishments below, your money won’t be helping the film industry as a whole but rather the people inside that industry that, lets face it, need as much help as they can get right now
Movie theaters aren’t going to open for a while. You may have seen some article on the internet saying otherwise, you might of even seen that AMC promotion where the companies reopening with 15 cent tickets, but I’m here to tell you the current film viewing landscape we are all currently living in is filled with hearsay and gimmicks. Now I know what you’re thinking, “I can just stay home and watch new releases on V.O.D.” And while you surely can do that, do you really want to pay $19.99 for a new release just to stay home and more then likely feel the bitter sting of buyer’s remorse as soon as the credits roll?
Now, we can’t give you a sure fire way to never feel the pain of buyer’s remorse, but we can point you in the direction of some places that will provide the one crucial aspect that many of us have been missing out on for awhile now, the communal experience (albeit a modified one).
Artpark
Artpark is a great way to get your film fix with its Drive-In Film series, and also it’s ever-changing events, concerts and shows line-up
Artpark is a great way to get your film fix with its Drive In Film series. Showcasing a wide breath of cinema ranging from pop culture classics like The Goonies to critically acclaimed concert films like Stop Making Sense, only a few shows remain for the season so check it out. With Artpark’s ever changing events, concerts and shows like the Art of Walking or The Music In The Woods Series, there’s more than one reason to get out of your car before or after the movie is over and go explore. We are sure you’ll find something to pique your interest!
The Transit Drive-In
Transit Drive In is all about the experience, from the sound of gravel hitting your tires as you park to messing with the radio until you get the right station to hear the movie
The Transit Drive-In is your best bet to indulge any 50s nostalgia you may have hidden away deep inside you (don’t worry, this is a judgement free zone). Recapture that amazement that comes when you combine the spectacle of the big screen with the intimacy and comfort of your own car. Granted the majority of screens will be showing classics like JAWS or The Wizard of Oz as opposed to new releases, but perhaps more than going into an actual movie theatre, The Transit Drive-In is all about the experience: the sound of gravel hitting your tires as you park and decide on which screen you want to watch, messing with the radio until you get the right station to hear the movie, the slight chill you get as you get out of your car and walk over to the concession stand, the slight whiff of hand sanitizer that lingers in the air for the entire night. All these aspects make the modern Drive Thru experience with it’s melding of old and new admittedly strange, but nonetheless enjoyable!
Dark Alley Drive-In
The mission statement of Dark Alley Drive-In is clear and concise: when the theatres reopen, they’ll pack it all up and the spot will once again become a vacant K-Mart lot. But until that time comes why not checkout what’s playing?
If The Transit Drive In represents an accurate interpretation of the 50s Drive In experience, then the Dark Alley Drive-In represents its D.I.Y cousin. As makeshift an establishment as you’re likely to find anywhere, the fine people behind this endeavor transformed the old K-Mart parking lot on Hertel Avenue, into a projector screen for one reason. THE PEOPLE NEED MOVIES! Their mission statement is clear and concise when the theatres truly reopen, they’ll pack it all up and the spot will once again become a vacant K-Mart lot. But until that time comes why not checkout what’s playing? At this current time Dark Alley Drive-In shows primarily schlock films such as The Toxic Avenger and They Live (With the second of which being a taught social, and political commentary as well as schlock). Although, if your in the mood for a more classy sort of picture they’re showing the 90s classic Clueless as well. Things are of course subject to change, so if you want to experience this passion project act soon!
Screening Room Art Café
If you want to rent a room and have your own small viewing party while sipping on some hot coffee, The Screening Room Art Café has you covered!
The Screening Room Art Café is the more swanky choice for your viewing pleasure. Whether your just going by yourself to see The Big Lebowski in a comfortable setting with limited space and 6 feet social distancing between tables so you don’t have to worry about anything except the action on the screen, or if you want to rent a room and have your own small viewing party while sipping on some hot coffee, The Screening Room Art Café has you covered!
North Park Virtual Cinema
Show some support to one of Buffalo’s oldest theaters, The North Park Theatre by checking out their North Park Virtual Cinema. 50% of every purchase goes back into The North Park Theatre
The North Park Virtual Cinema deserves your attention just off of the simple fact that through this new service they’re showing some great and varied stuff like the documentary Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind or the Golden Bear nominated Norwegian film, Out Stealing Horses. It takes a lot of gusto to come up with a streaming service at anytime let alone in one such as this. So, show some support to one of Buffalo’s oldest theatres. 50% of every purchases goes back into The North Park Theatre, so whatever you decide on watching you can rest assured that your moneys going to a good cause, and your assuring that once The North Park Theatre finally reopens it opens strong!
LONG LIVE CINEMA!
Film as a medium and an art form is incredibly resilient. No matter how tough it is today rest assured that one day the cinema’s doors will open and will be able to enjoy films the good old fashioned way. But until that time comes try to support one of these establishments. At this point your money won’t be helping the film industry as a whole but rather the people inside that industry that, lets face it, need as much help as they can get. Even though the situation surrounding this circumstance is certainly unfortunate, always remember that we’re in this together and things that help us remember this like the communal effect of movies are incredibly important at a time like this.
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