The west in three dimensions
Drafthouse Films goes 3D, forgotten gem Comin at Ya! later this month
Drafthouse Films (distribution arm to Alamo Drafthouse) continues to distinguish itself from other film distributors by bringing truly bad-ass cinema to audiences across the world, from the culturally stimulating to the Academy award nominated and, now, groundbreaking 3D spaghetti westerns from the 80s.
COMIN’ at Ya! 3D is a perfect fit for the Drafthouse, both as a film distribution company and a theater. As a distributor, the film's selection shows the company is willing to take a risk on a movie that isn’t exactly well-lauded amongst most viewers, but can still be considered entertaining with the right crowd (and, of course, a bucket of beers).
Tim League, founder of Drafthouse Films, says of the movie, "COMIN' AT YA! 3D is the kind of experience you can only get in a theater, and we're proud to offer it to our home state first.” Remaining loyal to its Texan roots, Drafthouse Films will release the movie exclusively in Texas on Feb. 24th at three of Austin's Drafthouse locations.
This is exactly the direction fans of "Drafthouse, The Theater" were hoping "Drafthouse, The Distributor" would take when the local company expanded last year: a steadfast devotion to the audience experience rather than an overwhelming focus on driving numbers, like most big name distribution companies are inclined to do.
And without question, COMIN’ at Ya! 3D — a tale of revenge following H.H.Hart, (played by 3D film pioneer Tony Anthony) who is robbed of his betrothed on their wedding day — is a movie married to the theater experience. The film is a spectacle that incorporates techniques many today would see as gimmicky (flaming arrows hurling toward your face, terrifying snake strikes) into an earnest display of filmmaking — something that is absent from most contemporary 3D films. Not only that, but thanks to restoration efforts by the Drafthouse, the film’s 3D effects have been cleaned up in order to be displayed in HD using RealD 3D technology.
The film also received the Mondo treatment, a trend fans hope to see the Drafthouse continue. Purveyor of cool, geek-art, Mondo released a limited edition print by past contributor, Jay Shaw. The print evokes the rugged, grandiose feel of classic spaghetti westerns with emphasis on the “in your face” 3D effects, creating a gritty, retro movie poster. As is the case with all Mondo prints, Iron Jaiden’s piece sold out in server-haltingly fast time.
Comin at Ya! 3D certainly isn’t the best or first 3D film ever made, but it is an important piece of cinema history. Drafthouse Films should be commended for bringing it to a modern audience in a way that is both respectful of the film (it was directed by genre-veteran Ferdinando Baldi, after all) and entertaining for the astute viewers attracted to the Drafthouse.
Be sure to visit Alamo’s South Lamar, Lakecreek or Village locations starting Feb. 24th to see this grindhouse favorite — and, of course, to support Drafthouse Films in its effort to bring the weird, wonderful and overlooked to hometown audiences.
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Ticketing info will be available at a future date here.