AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is pleased to unveil its plans for its first location in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  The ten-screen theater will be owned by EPR Properties and operated by Alamo Drafthouse and located at 180 Portage Street, former home of the Rave Cityplace 14.

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"Kalamazoo reminds me a lot of our hometown of Austin with its strong economy, large university, great beer scene and solid arts community.  We are very excited about this opportunity and to become a part of the neighborhood," says Alamo CEO Tim League.

Alamo Drafthouse combines dinner, drinks, films and events, all under one roof. The theaters have been heralded for their unique programming events and high exhibition standards, earning accolades like "Best Theater Ever" (Time Magazine) and "the coolest theater in the world" (Wired).

Alamo Drafthouse provides a unique combination of theater and restaurant, showing first-run movies, independent films and special programming events with an extensive menu made from scratch in a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen. Customers order food and drinks from servers who quietly attend to them throughout the movie.

Customers are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Instead of a barrage of advertising, the Alamo shows a curated collection of rare and humorous clips.  "We're proud of the fact that we don't show any advertising," Tim League said. "People don't want to pay for a movie and then be bombarded with 20 minutes or more of shampoo commercials and military recruiting ads.  If you don't like the movie, we strive to produce a pre-show good enough to still make for a great experience."

Additionally, Alamo Drafthouse protects the theater experience with a zero tolerance policy for people who disrupt the film with talking or texting.  Alamo Drafthouse was featured on global news for a viral "Don't Talk" PSA that used a humorously misguided voicemail from an actual patron who was ejected for texting during the film.  The full story on the long tradition of Alamo's no talking/texting policy can be found here.

Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo will feature ten screens of new releases, repertory programming and the Alamo's unique signature programming with seating for 900 moviegoers.  Each of the auditoriums will be equipped with state of the art digital projection and sound.  Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo will also be equipped for 35mm projection.  In addition to the superior AV equipment, the layout of each screening room will eliminate the traditional front row, ensuring every seat in the house allows for a great viewing experience.  The theater is expected to open in mid-2013.

About Alamo Drafthouse

The Alamo Drafthouse is an entertainment brand comprised of the acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United States and a collectible art gallery. Named "the best theater ever" by Time Magazine, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover's oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed "The Geek Telluride" by Variety. Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood studios. The Alamo Drafthouse's collectible art gallery, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States.

About EPR Properties

EPR Properties is a specialty real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in properties in select market segments which require unique industry knowledge, while offering the potential for stable and attractive returns. Our total investments exceed $3.1 billion and our primary investment segments are Entertainment, Recreation and Education. We adhere to rigorous underwriting and investing criteria centered on key industry and property level cash flow standards. We believe our focused niche approach provides a competitive advantage, and the potential for higher growth and better yields. Further information is available at www.eprkc.com.

SOURCE Alamo Drafthouse