Alamo Village Rocks Cutting Edge Digital 3D!

The day before Christmas, Alamo technical guru Andrew McEathron and I got on a plane to Los Angeles for a side-by-side comparison of digital technologies.  We've been toying around with the idea of a digital conversion for years, but frankly, we weren't thrilled by what we had seen to date with the standard digital cinema projectors.

Word in the nerd circles, however, was that Sony's new system had been blowing the doors off the competition in side by side tests, and that's what we were flying to LA on Christmas Eve to see. With 12,582,912 pixels per frame (four times the amount of any other cinema in Austin), we were sold.

Check out our blog post on the subject for more technical details.

The long and short is, starting Friday at the Village, all new release movies will be presented digitally at the Village, including Monsters Vs. Aliens, in beautiful Real D Digital 3D.

Two films you need to see this week at the Ritz

THE CHASER
Monday through Thursday at the Ritz!
Get your tickets here

We are thrilled to offer up this 2008 Fantastic Fest treat as an exclusive theatrical engagement!

"A return to form for the Korean crime film."
-Tim League, Fantastic Fest

A serial killer is preying on call-girls from various escort agencies. In the midst of police indifference and incompetence, Jung-Ho (Yun-Seok Kim), an ex-cop-turned-pimp must dust off his old flatfoot skills to find the killer and save the life of one of his girls who has gone missing.

THE ROCK-AFIRE EXPLOSION
Monday through Wednesday at the Ritz!
Get your tickets here

We heard you loud and clear, so here you go! We got so many requests to bring this film back after a string of sold-out shows last month, we had no choice but to oblige. Miss it once, shame on you, miss it twice, you'll be so shame-ridden you'll be forced to live in exile.

"Move over, THE LAST WALTZ, GIMME SHELTER and DON'T LOOK BACK, because what will undoubtedly be he greatest Rock Doc of all time is finally upon us."
- VH1 Best Week Ever

With the closing of Showbiz Pizza Place in the early '90s, and the subsequent removal of robotic rockers The Rock-afire Explosion, a small but determined group of fans persisted with the hopes of reviving their fallen obsession. It wasn't until 2007, with the resurgence of the Rock-afire Explosion on YouTube with songs like "Miss New Booty" and "Love in This Club," that the animatronic band found its way back into the public consciousness. This impossibly inspiring documentary follows heroic obsessives Chris Thrash, a car salesman from Alabama who led the charge with his inventive programming and clever song choice, and Aaron Fechter, creator of the Rock-afire Explosion and sole employee of Creative Engineering Inc.

"Taste of SXSW" Sunday at the Ritz

This Sunday at The Ritz, to celebrate some of the greatest films of SXSW 2009, and to give everyone (including non-SXSW-goers) the opportunity to catch some great movies they may have missed, we're proud to bring you one last individual screening of heavy metal doc ANVIL!, Thai martial arts explosion ONG BAK 2, Andrew Bujalski's affecting BEESWAX and an advance screening of ADVENTURELAND from SUPERBAD director Greg Mottola! All this Sunday, all good, all fun, all YES. SXSW badgeholders - your badge does get you admission to any of these screenings. For those without badges, advance tickets are available for all shows.

Black Metal Doc UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US at Lamar

UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US
Alamo South Lamar Thursday 11:55pm
Buy Tickets Here


The acclaimed and controversial Black Metal documentary UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US comes to the Alamo South Lamar for one show only this Thursday. Filmmakers Audrey Ewell and Aaron Aites will be there - and have they got stories. This is not a SXSW screening, you must purchase tickets.

UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US is a feature length documentary chronicling the history, ideology and aesthetic of Norwegian black metal - a musical subculture infamous as much for a series of murders and church arsons as it is for its unique musical and visual aesthetics.

This is the first (and only) film to truly shed light on a movement that has heretofore been shrouded in darkness and rumor and obscured by inaccurate and shallow depictions. Featuring exclusive interviews and verité with the musicians, a wealth of rare, seldom seen footage from the “Black Circle”s earliest days, Until the Light Takes Us explores every aspect of the controversial movement that has captured the attention of the world.

This is the movie that gets inside the minds and hearts of black metal’s musicians. The filmmakers moved to Norway, living and filming there for two years. The movie is not about them though - it’s about the extraordinary people and events that make black metal unique, unforgettable, and inevitable. This is black metal as seen through the eyes of those who created it, of those who live it, of those who are at the center of the story of black metal. Featuring: Gylve “Fenriz” Nagell, Varg Vikernes, Jan Axel “Hellhammer” Blomberg, Kjetil “Frost” Haraldstad, Ivar Bjornson, Abbath and Demonaz Doom Occulta, Kris “Garm” Rygg, Bjarne Melgaard, Harmony Korine, and more.

You can get tickets here. And get them fast because they’re selling like porncakes.

Scion and AMODA present DATAPOP 09

Scion and AMODA present
DATAPOP 09
Wednesday, March 18, 9pm, FREE TO ALL
1142 South Lamar Blvd (same complex as the Alamo South Lamar)
Complimentary beverages provided by Scion

In a vacant retail space just off South Lamar - a sub-sub-genre is set to upend what is considered instrument and skill—how innovation can drive creativity and vice versa. A contingent of "chipmusicians" from across the country will descend upon Austin for Datapop 2009, an explosive night of 8-bit music taking place right as the SXSW Music Festival busts out of the gates. "GameBoy music" or Bitpop is a type of composition and performance produced using a game system of the GameBoy line. Datapop will feature such underground sensations Anamanaguchi, Bit Shifter, 8BK-OK, Graffiti Monsters, IAYD, Nullsleep, and Sievert.

To produce music of the genre, thousands of devotees have hacked the old GameBoy console and use an unlicensed cartridge containing the appropriate software. The Game Boy music scene is quite small and spread around the world, with musicians creating music in a wide range of styles. The resulting music ranges from techno to rock to pop to noise and has a fervent creator and fan-base. Datapop 2009 should produce sounds - and sights - unlike anything else.

Preview some of the featured chipmusicians:
+ http://bit.shifter.net/audio.php
+ http://www.nullsleep.com/more.php
+ http://www.myspace.com/iayd
+ http://www.8bitcollective.com/members/Anamanaguchi/

ABOUT THE "BITPOP" PHENOMENON
Bitpop is a type of electronic music, where at least part of the music is made using old 8-bit computers, game consoles and little toy instruments. Popular choices are the Commodore 64, Game Boy, Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System. Due to its origins, bitpop is also referred to as 8-bit. The name has also been considered as a pun on britpop and the word bit.

This party is 100% free and open to the public, no badges or wristbands or RSVPs required. The complimentary drinks provided by Scion are limited in supply, though, s arrive early! A cash bar will be available as well.

Map to the party.

THE HORSEMAN

SXSW presents
Fantastic Fest at Midnight
featuring
THE HORSEMAN

We've been staying up late these past few nights bringing a little of that Fantastic Fest charm (read: mania) to the SXSW crowd. Tonight is no different, as our Fantastic Fest at Midnight series for SXSW continues with the North American premiere of THE HORSEMAN, the feature-length debut from 26 year old Australian director Steve Kastrissios.

This raw, action-filled revenge drama, which received awards for both Best Australian Film and Best Australian Director at the 2008 Melbourne Underground Film Festival, signals the emergence of a serious new talent.

THE HORSEMAN tells the story of Christian Forteski (played by veteran Australian actor Peter Marshall) whose drug addicted daughter dies after appearing in an amateur porn video. Christian deals with his grief as any father would by burning, kicking, smashing and stabbing his way through the network of pornographers involved in the video. This one is a lean, tight film that boils down the revenge formula to its most essential, time-tested elements: an engaging story, interesting characters, and a powerful dose of skull-pounding violence.


SXSW badge holders are seated first, then SXSW Film Pass holders and then remaining seats are available to the general public for purchase at the door.

Fantastic Fest @ SXSW Midnights!

SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight

We've been staying up late these past few nights bringing a little of that Fantastic Fest charm (read: mania) to the SXSW crowd. Maybe the audiences weren't expecting the pyrotechnics, the loin-clothed shofar-wielding harbinger of the apocalypse or even the pre-game beer-chug relay race to kick off the the night's festivities, but, as it is with Fantastic Fest, it's the film in the spotlight.

Tonight, we've got the World Premiere of LESBIAN VAMPIRE KILLERS & the North American Premiere of THE HORSEMAN. And, as you should already know, we wouldn't be playing these films is they weren't goddamn good. Be there.

SXSW badge holders are seated first, then SXSW Film Pass holders and then remaining seats are available to the general public for purchase at the door.

Fantastic Fest presents KARAOKE APOCALYPSE

Fantastic Fest presents
KARAOKE APOCALYPSE
Sunday, 3/15, 8pm
in the old Salvation Army space near the Alamo South Lamar

You always wanted to be in the band but didn't have the time, the energy or the talent. You wanted the chicks, the drugs, the booze, but you just couldn't get it together. Friends, you don't have to suffer your lame ass life anymore!

Get instant rock-star-fantasy gratification with KARAOKE APOCALYPSE. Live band backed karaoke for indolent rock stars!

You get to lead the band through your own rendition of a classic punk rock or heavy metal number. Choose from over 80 timeless headbanging, fist pumping songs!

We'll provide a lyric sheet with easy to read lyrics and directions on the arrangement of the song, but you shouldn't need them...because this ain't your granddad's karaoke, this shit is for real!

If you've ever seen KARAOKE APOCALYPSE perform before, you know they're a solid, well-rehearsed, talented outfit of ass kickers- and yet they let you be the one in the spotlight. If this is really what the apocalypse is like, call me the anti-christ.

This party is going down at the abandoned Salvation Army space in the Alamo South Lamar shopping center on Sunday, March 15. The party will end in time for the "SXSW presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight" shows that night. Admission is free, and beer and cocktails will be available. There is no advance sign-up, please find the hostess day of the show.

This show is open to the public, but 2009 Fantastic Fest and SXSW Badge Holders will have priority admission.

Master Pancake demolishes JURASSIC PARK at Village!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Master Pancake mocks everyone's favorite Spielberg dinosaur movie: JURASSIC PARK. OK, let's be honest: we know we're often mocking BAD movies and JURASSIC PARK is mostly pretty GOOD, but we've discovered that when people are really scared it makes them laugh harder at our jokes. Also, we really wanted to play the drinking game with a group of 150 folks shouting "Hello, Newman" every time Wayne Knight's character appears on screen. Plus, we really miss the early 90's, when Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum could be action heroes and Samuel Jackson could still play nerdy computer guys. Also, we love Laura Dern as a sweet archaeologist in hot shorts. We love it so much we wish we could seal this moment in cinematic history in amber and somehow reconstruct it years later for your enjoyment. In fact, we have, with a little bit of Master Pancake DNA thrown in to round it all out. Come see Master Pancake rip that T Rex a new one at the Alamo! (John)

Tickets are available HERE!

Gameboy Music Invades Austin!

Reformat the Planet: March 10 and 11
"...one of the best music documentaries I have seen in years."
Brian C. Gibson, Filmschoolrejects.com

"...if you're a fan of the music or a videogame enthusiast in general, than this movie is a must see."
Eric Moro, IGN.com

BLIP FESTIVAL: REFORMAT THE PLANET is a feature length documentary which delves into the movement known as chiptunes, a vibrant underground scene based around creating new, original music using old video game hardware. Familiar devices such as the Nintendo Game Boy and Nintendo Entertainment System are pushed in new directions with startling results.

Using New York as a microcosm for a larger global movement, "...Reformat the Planet" maps out the genesis of the first annual Blip Festival, a four day celebration of over 30 international artists exploring the untapped potential of low-bit video game consoles. With floor-stomping rhythms and fist-waving melodies, trailblazers of the chiptune idiom descend upon Manhattan to pen a new chapter in the history of electronic music. Producer Paul Levering will be live in person at each screening.

If you enjoy the film, Champion Scion is sponsoring an free evening of Chiptune music on March 18, more details at www.datapopparty.com.

Saturday - Back by Popular Demand!

THE TOMMY BOY QUOTE-ALONG
Saturday, March 7, 7pm at the Alamo Ritz
Advance Tickets available here

THE POP PRINCESS SING-ALONG
Saturday, March 7, 10:35pm
Advance Tickets available here

This Saturday night we have the ultra-rare opportunity of bringing back two of our most popularly awesome shows of the year: when we first launched THE TOMMY BOY QUOTE-ALONG, we weren't sure if anyone else on the planet loved that fat guy in the little coat quite as much as we did. After that "one night only" show sold out too quickly, we thought maybe we should bring it back for an encore. After we sat in the theater and experienced the pure glee of 175 people tearing into their dinner rolls as if it was their one chance at a successful sale, we knew we had no choice. Son of a! That's gonna leave a mark!

Not to be outdone, the late show on Saturday night is also a doozy - the POP PRINCESS SING-ALONG is back for one more screening in 2009, because after WATCHMEN tears us all a new one on Thursday and Friday we're going to need something to believe in again. Beyonce and the Spice Girls will be there to show us that no matter how bad things get, dance will always be there, and dance will always take the pain away.

Come a little bit closer baby, put it on, put it on, cause Saturday night, is the night, when we *ALL* become one.

THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN tonight!

Wanted: The Texas Film Series Presents
THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN at the Alamo Ritz!
Tickets and Info here

The Texas Archive of the Moving Image presents the final installment of some of the best (and most rare) Texas film treasures this week at the Ritz...so if you call yourself a Texan, listen up.

This film is not on DVD! Helen Slater and Christian Slater (unrelated, despite their roles as siblings) star in this 1980s cult classic about a Corpus Christi teenager who becomes an outlaw in her quest for justice. Fighting under the slogan "Fair is fair," Billie Jean goes on the run from the law with her brother and best friends, becoming an unlikely hero for oppressed teens everywhere. After cutting her hair as an homage to Joan of Arc, the once demure Billie Jean transforms into an authentic Texas outlaw by taking a righteous and inspiring stand against The Man. One of the all-time greatest Youth in Revolt films, and an incredibly rare theatrical experience.

And just to sweeten the pot, the fine folks from Scooter Revolution have donated a 150cc scooter (just like Billie Jean's!) which you can buy a raffle ticket to win before each of these three screenings! The prize will be awarded after the screening tonight! All proceeds go to The Texas Archive of the Moving Image.

THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN will also play again on Saturday at the Ritz for a special brunchtime show, so if you miss it tonight, don't miss it on Saturday. You'll be sorry you did.

Finally, serious Texans, if you've got your own 'Texas'-related moving images, then bring them to Alamo South Lamar on Sunday, March 8, for the Texas Film Round-Up! Texas Archive for the Moving Image will be on hand to digitize your Texas treasures to be included in the archive for all time! Plus, they'll give you your very own digital copy! Plus plus, they're going to treat us to a screening of the very best and most rare treats from their collection, including some of the earliest known moving imagery of Austin!

Come out and support this very important project...and see an incredible film while your at it.