New York City was once known for its bountiful movie going choices, mainly its revival houses and midnight movie screenings. Cult legends such as Rocky Horror Picture Show, Eraserhead and Liquid Sky made quite a splash through these alternate distribution choices, and we as moviegoers were all the better for it. Sadly, those days seem very far away, what with the almost total domination of DVD and Netflix.

Some theaters, however, are still keeping the torch burning: Landmark's Sunshine is one that comes to mind, with their weekend midnight screenings of classic cult and arthouse fare. But hands down, my fave would have to be The Pioneer over in the East Village. They've been offering great film revivals and midnight shows, along with edgier first-run theatrical fare.



This weekend, to celebrate Friday the 13th, we are to be treated to a rare screening of a new 35mm print of 80s Canadian horror classic Curtains, complete with an appearance by star Lesleh Donaldson. Bringing this obscure, thoroughly enjoyable gem back to the screen is a stroke of twisted genius. It's exactly why I love The Pioneer.

And with the weather as steamy as it's been, what better way to relax than in a cool theater with soda, popcorn and your favorite slasher movie?

Labels: cult movies, horror, midnight movies, theaters

# posted by André Salas @ 6/11/2008 01:13:00 PM