This March and April, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Time Capsules retrospective journeys back to the Gen X-iverse of 1994 with over thirty films returning to the big screen, including culturally-redefining cine-blasts like PULP FICTION, CHUNGKING EXPRESS, and CLERKS residing alongside landmarks like THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, FORREST GUMP and INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE. Beginning with the 1994 series, Alamo Drafthouse is also introducing a new collection of collectible pint glasses, as well as a special menu with items inspired by the films of 1994.
Alamo Time Capsule 1994 - Video
“With repertory films accounting for over ten percent of Alamo Drafthouse’s box office revenue so far in 2024, Alamo Time Capsules has been a massive success so far,” says John Smith, Alamo Drafthouse Senior Film Programmer. “It’s also been a boon to our Season Pass subscribers. For example, in a given week they can see Jim Carrey’s THE MASK, Jackie Chan’s DRUNKEN MASTER II, Tori Spelling’s DEATH OF A CHEERLEADER, and Krzysztof Kieślowski's WHITE all in the same week.”
Announced in early January, Alamo Time Capsules is a yearlong trek back through time that revisits both beloved blockbusters and forgotten favorites spanning six landmark cinema years – 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, and 1974. The retrospective – the largest and most comprehensive in the company’s history – runs throughout 2024, and includes nearly 150 different selections.
Exclusive Alamo Time Capsules collectible glassware
The 1994 wave includes the premiere of the limited edition Alamo Time Capsules pint glass collection. Each glass boasts designs by Chris Bilheimer, the acclaimed designer behind iconic ‘90s album covers for Neutral Milk Hotel, R.E.M., and Green Day.
“This was such a fun project, getting to relive so many films I remember seeing in the theater as well as getting to research films that I missed back then,” says Bilheimer.
Fans can order the 1994 edition in-theater or online at giftshop.drafthouse.com, while supplies last. The 1999 edition will only be available online.
Limited time Time Capsule 1994 menu
For over twenty-five years, Alamo Drafthouse has paired special menu items with classic cinema. That continues in the upcoming Alamo Time Capsule 1994 menu available to guests at all Alamo Drafthouse screenings from March 14th through April 30th.
● The very tasty Big Kahuna Burger.
● The Meat & Meatier Pizza, offering an incredibly dumb amount of meat.
● A garlicky take on a Bloody Mary inspired by INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE, the Bloody Claudia.
● A Popcorn With That Shake bundle, which includes a bottomless bowl of popcorn tossed with real clarified butter and the choice of a chocolate or vanilla milkshake.
Rediscoveries and remasters
To make Time Capsule 1994 programming possible in each of its forty locations, Alamo Drafthouse programmers have spent the past year collaborating with exhibition partners like Warner Bros. and Park Circus to create new digital prints (DCPs) for CLIFFORD, ABOVE THE RIM, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, THE MASK, and DUMB AND DUMBER. These films will now be more readily available for any theaters to screen.
"Everyone who works in repertory film at a studio level is so passionate and phenomenal to work with,” says Alamo Drafthouse film programmer Jenny Nulf. “DCP creation is vital for theatrical film preservation, and it's encouraging to see so many studios use their resources to bring these films to audiences who value the theatrical experience."
Though the series will cover films that audiences will have seen numerous times, it’ll also offer the opportunity for rediscovery. A particular highlight is CLIFFORD. Critically-savaged at the time of its release, the film is a cult object d’art starring Martin Short and Charles Grodin.
“CLIFFORD was one of those movies that I loved immeasurably and had no idea if anyone else had even heard of it,” says indie and specialty film programmer Jake Isgar. “A local Blockbuster allowed me to buy it from them after the VHS went out of print, likely due to the fact that I was its sole renter in a multi-year period. Between finding other obsessives on social media, delighting in references on The Best Show with Tom Scharpling, or the work of fellow fans like Hollywood Entertainment and their reunion events, it’s a thrill to be able to share this mania with our audiences.“
Also in March and April
Though Alamo Time Capsule programming will generally run in two month cycles through the year, occasionally the order will shift. Two upcoming exceptions include:
● The top-grossing film of 1999, STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE is returning to theaters for its 25th anniversary.
● A prelude to Time Capsule 1979, George Romero’s brilliant zombie epic DAWN OF THE DEAD screens this April forty-five years to the month after its United States premiere.
Upcoming Screenings
Visit drafthouse.com/1994 for tickets and showtimes. Titles marked with an asterisk are playing in select locations only.
The Week of March 1st
CHUNGKING EXPRESS
Wong Kar-wai's intoxicating dive into love and loneliness in the heart of Hong Kong.
LITTLE WOMEN
Before Greta Gerwig’s 2021’s adaptation, Winona Ryder was Jo March for an entire generation. Re-discover this heartwarming tale co-starring Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst, Trini Alvarado, and Susan Sarandon.
The Week of March 8th
PULP FICTION
Quentin Tarantino's genre-defying classic that intertwines the lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of bandits in tales of violence and redemption.
THE LITTLE RASCALS
A hilarious journey back to childhood shenanigans and misadventures, and a perfect prelude to the latest Fantastic Fest Presents selection, RIDDLE OF FIRE, opening this March at Alamo Drafthouse locations.
Graveyard Shift: CEMETERY MAN*
A surreal cult blend of macabre humor and existential dread starring Rupert Everett. New 4k restoration courtesy of Severin Films.
The Week of March 15th
FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL
The quintessential British rom-com by two of the masters – screenwriter Richard Curtis (NOTTING HILL, LOVE ACTUALLY), and his majesty, Hugh Grant.
ABOVE THE RIM
Co-starring Tupac Shakur, experience the gritty realism of street basketball and the dreams it carries for those on and off the court. Premiere of brand-new DCP from Warner Bros.
Kids Camp: THE FLINTSTONES
Bring your Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm to this rockin' adaptation of the original cartoon series starring John Goodman and Rick Moranis as Barney and Fred.
CROOKLYN*
Spike Lee's semi-autobiographical masterpiece, capturing the trials and warmth of family life in '70s Brooklyn.
IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS (1994)*
John Carpenter’s descent into Lovecraftian horror, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in 35mm glory at select locations.
EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN*
Ang Lee's delectable portrayal of family, love, and the universal language of food, served in 35mm. Select locations screening in 35mm.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER*
A powerful, true story of injustice and redemption, showcasing a father and son's fight for truth.
The Week of March 22nd
REALITY BITES
Director Ben Stiller’s snapshot of Gen X's existential angst through the lens of a Winona Ryder / Ethan Hawke / Ben Stiller love triangle.
Queer Film Theory 101: THE CROW
Starring Brandon Lee, a dark, stylish revenge tale that transcends boundaries, exploring themes of love and justice beyond death. Programmed by comic Micheal Foulk (Greetings from Queer Mountain, I’m Not Busy podcast), our new monthly screening series, Queer Film Theory 101, dives into the subtext of foundational pop cinema.
STREET FIGHTER
"For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday."
The ultimate showdown of good vs. evil, packed with action and iconic characters from the revolutionary game.
The Week of March 29th
CLIFFORD
“The movie is so odd, it's almost worth seeing just because we'll never see anything like it again. I hope.” – Roger Ebert
Starring Martin Short as a “human boy” named Clifford, and Charles Grodin as the uncle who refuses to take him to Dinosaur World at his own peril. CLIFFORD is perhaps the most unhinged movie ever made, and it simply has to be seen with an audience of other weirdos. Premiere of brand-new DCP from Park Circus.
FORREST GUMP
Robert Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning epic of an ordinary man's extraordinary journey through the pivotal moments of 20th-century America.
The Week of April 5th
DUMB AND DUMBER
The pinnacle of nineties slapstick comedy, taking stupidity to genius levels with every mile of their journey.
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE
The long-awaited adaptation of Anne Rice’s bestseller featured three unstoppable forces coming together – Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst in a seductively dark tale of immortality, loss, and… blood.
The Week of April 12th
CLERKS
Kevin Smith's razor-sharp autobiographical indie gem forever changed the way independent films were made (and how we feel about STAR WARS).
THREE COLORS: BLUE*
A visually stunning meditation on grief and liberation, the first chapter of Kieślowski's masterful trilogy.
TAMMY AND THE T-REX: Gore Cut*
Starring pre-fame Paul Walker and Denise Richards and from the director of MAC & ME, a bloody, bizarre, and relentlessly entertaining love story that must be seen to be believed.
The Week of April 19th
Queer Film Theory 101: THE MASK
A zany exploration of identity and transformation, where the lines between the hidden and visible self blur.
DRUNKEN MASTER II
Jackie Chan's kung fu masterpiece, combining breathtaking action with his signature comedic touch.
THREE COLORS: WHITE*
A darkly comic tale of revenge and inequality, continuing Kieślowski's exploration of the French Revolutionary ideals.
DEATH OF A CHEERLEADER*
A chilling look at the dark side of teenage rivalry and the desperate lengths to belong.
The Week of April 26th
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Initially a box office disappointment, writer/director Frank Darabont’s story of hope and friendship behind bars (adapted from a Stephen King novella) found its audience on cable. Thirty years later, it’s one of the most beloved movies of all time.
THREE COLORS: RED*
The profound conclusion to Kieślowski's trilogy, weaving themes of fate, connection, and redemption.
RED ROCK WEST*
A neo-noir rollercoaster of mistaken identity, moral dilemmas, and suspense in the American West.