Alamo Drafthouse Bans Phones During Movies, Angers Fans

Alamo Drafthouse is facing significant backlash following the announcement of a new mobile ordering policy that will require customers to use their phones during movie screenings. This shift, set to begin next month, replaces a decades-old system of handwritten orders. The company's CEO, Michael Kustermann, stated the change aims for a "smoother, more responsive experience without added distraction," a claim widely disputed by fans and critics.

Loyal customers and prominent figures like actor Elijah Wood have expressed strong disapproval, calling the decision "antithetical to the ethos of the Alamo." The Austin Film Critics Association issued a statement highlighting how the "Don't Talk. Don't Text" policy was foundational to the chain's success. Concerns have also been raised about staff being forced to police phone usage and the potential for piracy.

A petition has garnered over 5,000 signatures urging the cinema chain to reverse its decision. Despite the outcry, Alamo Drafthouse has stated that staff will be trained to manage phone use and that a service request button will be added to the app. The implementation has already been described as chaotic, with issues like poor cell reception and system bugs reported by users, leading some to cancel subscriptions.

Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired Alamo Drafthouse last year. While insiders suggest this mobile ordering initiative was in development before the sale, the parent company ultimately approved the new system. Critics worry this move will damage the brand's prestige and alienate its core fanbase, diminishing the unique, distraction-free movie-watching experience it was known for.