Austin theaters offering digital screening options for movie fans stuck at home

AUSTIN, Texas — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, everyone is encouraged to stay at home to slow its spread – which means a lot more time to watch movies, but no way to go to the theater.

But good news, film fans. Several local theaters are stepping up to help you find something to watch, even if you're not able to settle into their seats.

Tha Paramount Theatre announced this week that they will be revealing a week of double features – and where to stream them – ever Friday, curated by Film Programmer Stephen Jannise, the man behind the theater's popular "Summer Classic Film Series."

First up in the "Paramount Quaranscreen Film Series," it's "Family Week." In an effort to save parents' sanity after the millionth screening of "Frozen 2," Paramount released a collection of seven double feature possibilities:

• "Babe" (1995, available on HBO) and "Whale Rider" (2002, available to rent)
• "Hugo" (2011, available on Netflix) and "A Trip to the Moon" (1902, available on YouTube)
• "A Little Princess" (1995, available on Netflix) and "The Secret Garden" (1993, available to rent)
• "Little Women" (1994, available to rent) and "Little Women" (2019, available for purchase now and for rent starting April 7)
• "Mary Poppins" (1964, available on Disney+) and "Saving Mr. Banks" (2013, available on Disney+)
• "Pete's Dragon" (2016, available on Disney+) and "Christopher Robin" (2018, available on Netflix)
• "The Red Balloon" (1956, available on The Criterion Channel) and "UP" (2009, available on Disney+)

And Paramount isn't the only local theater getting into the digital game. On March 25, Alamo Drafthouse announced new "Virtual Cinema" screenings, "a way to see incredible new films at home while still being able to financially support local theaters." 

Drafthouse's initial Virtual Cinema lineup includes:

• "Bacurau" (tickets available now)
• "Extra Ordinary"
• "The Whistlers"
• "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band"
• "Corpus Christi"
• "The Wild Goose Lake"
• "Balloon"
• "Perfect Nanny"

Violet Crown has also partnered with distributors to offer virtual cinema screenings. Its current offerings include:

• "Sorry We Missed You"
• "L'Innocente"
• "The Whistlers"
• "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band"
• "Corpus Christi"
• "The Wild Goose Lake"

WATCH: The haunted history of the Paramount Theatre

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

• Austin media outlets announce joint telethon to raise funds for All Together ATX
• How Texas School for the Deaf, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired are preparing for distance learning
• Mozart's and Black's BBQ combine for new 'drive-thru'
• Coronavirus: Which parks are open or closed in some parts of Central Texas?
• UT-developed 3D-printed masks could be in hospitals by next week
• Shelter in Shape: Camp Gladiator