Sony Pictures Entertainment has purchased the luxury theater chain Alamo Drafthouse in a bid to keep movie houses alive. 

Sony announced the deal Wednesday, saying it exemplifies the company’s commitment to theatrical entertainment.

“The deal reinforces SPE’s long-held commitment to theatrical exhibition and continued initiatives in experiential entertainment,” Sony Pictures Entertainment wrote in a statement.

Alamo Drafthouse has built a die-hard fan base since it launched in 1997. The chain is small compared with other theater giants like AMC and Cinemark, but the chain’s unique dine-in experience and hardcore no-talking policy have attracted millions of film fans. 

The $200 million deal gives Sony control over all 35 locations across the U.S., and CEO Michael Kustermann will remain in power but report directly to SPE President Ravi Ahuja. 

The deal is a gamble on the future of entertainment as major studios shift away from theaters to streaming. While theater attendance declined during the pandemic, particularly at Alamo Drafthouse, blockbuster releases have reignited interest in theaters.

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.