Houston’s downtown indie cinema is finally up and running again!  Since Angelika closed last fall, there has been a definite lack of variety in local (non-art house) theatres. The theater group, launched by Robert Redford, marks Houston as its third and southernmost location. The grand opening was held just before the Thanksgiving holidays at its residence in the Bayou Place.  The sold-out event, with roughly 1400 in attendance, raised funds for the Montrose Counseling Center, Galveston Bay Foundation, Houston Cinema Arts Society and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Film Department.

Similar to Studio Movie Grill, they offer reserved seating and ‘real food’ to eat at your seat.  They’re said to offer healthier meal options too; a welcomed departure from the oily popcorn, nachos and hotdogs offered at most cinemas. They’ll still have some of the traditional concessions- but with a slightly less warmed over taste and undoubtedly more worthy of the seriously marked up price. Some of the options are: popcorn (offered with real butter), gourmet hotdogs, cookies and brownies.  Keeping with the eco-friendly motif, drinks will be served in recyclable glassware.

Ticket prices are comparable to other theatres: $10.50 for evening showings, $7.50 for matinee, those under 13 and seniors. However, there is a tacked-on “amenity fee” that varies from zero to $3, depending on the day and time of your showing.  Predictably, weekends and evenings are scaled higher than, a Tuesday at noon, per say. So, what amenities will you be receiving in return for the up-charge? There’s the parking (underneath, the usual), the seat-reservation system and the facility’s cost of maintaining a eco-conscious cinema. The 8-screen theater also promises no TV-style advertisements before movies start (meaning you actually have to show up on time less the 5 minute cushion).  Their current line up is: Melancholia, The Muppets, Women on the 6th Floor,  My Week With Marilyn,J. Edgar,Twilight: Breaking Dawn,Hugo in 3D,and Herzog’s Into the Abyss.

And, on a side note (in which I hope I don’t sound like Hermann Cain) but the theatre opening is coincidentally close to the Occupy Houston settlement.  Job hungry camper meets hipster friendly job opening?  A match made in post-recession heaven. This was posted on their Facebook today, if you’re interested:

Sundance Houston is still accepting applications for part-time and seasonal help! If interested, please email rob.arcos@sundancecinemas.net.

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