The Violet Crown Cinema in downtown Austin will be reopening on a limited basis March 5, kicking off a program called RSVP Cinema.
It’s the first phase of reopening since it shut down because of the coronavirus last year. And the program allows patrons to rent a private theater and choose a new release movie or classic film to enjoy with friends.
Customers choose the day and time for the screening, and can choose from more than 100 films, both current and classic. Theater rentals range from $50 to $100, depending on the time of the day, plus the price of the ticket. When you have a screening confirmed online, you’ll get an email link to send to guests to purchase tickets for the screening.
Film screenings will be staggered to ensure minimal contact.
First-run movies that are available for screening include “Minari,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Mank,” “Sound of Metal,” “Tenet,” “Time,” “Trial of the Chicago 7,” and “One Night in Miami.”
Violet Crown’s JukeBox cinema will offer more than 100 older releases, inclusion Bong Joon Ho’s “Mother,” the Coen brothers’ “Fargo” and the Talking Heads documentary “Stop Making Sense.”
Reservations for all new releases and JukeBox Cinema can be made beginning Friday, Feb. 26, at austin.violetcrown.com.
If you wish to eat and drink during the film, the cinema has created an Order More option, which can be set up with a staff member before the start of the screenings. You’ll receive a text to opt in with your order, and delivery will be made inside the auditorium.
The Violet Crown, located at San Antonio Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets, closed on March 17 of last year because of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Many of our patrons have reached out over the past several months, asking about opportunities for private screenings at our theater,” said Chief Operating Officer Melody Smith. “RSVP Cinema allows our guests to experience movies again on the big screen in a safe and comfortable environment.”
