Drafthouse Films Announces New Releases, Alliance Program
Drafthouse Films released The FP this week on DVD and Blu-ray as well as digital video -on-demand (VOD) platforms; Bullhead follows with a similar release on June 26. The FP, which premiered at SXSW 2011, is about gang wars that take place using a dance-fight video game. Academy award nominee Bullhead -- which also took home Fantastic Fest 2011 "Next Wave" Spotlight awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor -- is an intensive character study amidst the violent and disturbing world of a criminal beef trade. Read my Fantastic Fest review as well as Don's review for more about my favorite film of 2011.
To encourage sales of Drafthouse Films titles, the company launched a new "Drafthouse Alliance" membership program this week. A subscription (which costs about $125) allows members to receive either a Blu-ray or DVD along with digital download of a current Drafthouse Films title of their choice, as well as the next nine releases shipped automatically.
Drafthouse Alliance members will also receive exclusive deals, bonus gifts, and screening opportunities throughout the year -- note that the membership is based on the number of releases from the time of purchase, and not on a yearly basis. This program strongly resembles the successful Circle of Trust program of Oscilloscope Films, which owns the distribution for critically acclaimed indie cult films such as Exit Through the Gift Shop and Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale.
Drafthouse Films' upcoming theatrical releases include the Danish comedy Klown, which opens in a few cities including Austin as well as on VOD July 27, and the 1987 ninja cult classic Miami Connection, which debuts at the New York Asian Film Festival on July 7 with a theatrical release slated for fall. Miami Connection fans can download two free tracks from the synth rock soundtrack by subscribing to the Drafthouse Films newsletter.
In related news, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema also announced plans for a new location in Kansas City, Missouri, at the former flagship AMC Mainstreet Theater in the downtown Power and Light District. The facility will continue to operate through the summer but will open as an Alamo Drafthouse later this year. The venue will feature six screens of new release movies, independent and repertory films as well as Alamo's unique signature programming. The Mainstreet was renovated in 2009 and features 4K digital projection, wall-to-wall screens and Dolby 11.1 sound.
The Alamo Drafthouse renovation will eliminate the traditional front row and include their signature food and drink service. The Mainstreet also features a spacious interior bar, which will be re-imagined as The Chesterfield, with an emphasis on jazz as well as a list of classic cocktails and weekly music programming.