26/09/2026
Happy 9 years since the first time I went to the Astor Theatre (astortheatremelb)! I recently found my old ticket stub for their tribute screening of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) which was screened in 35mm. It was the first time I had seen the film, the first time I had knowingly seen a 35mm film print and it was an experience I remember very fondly.
I had just finished my first week at my first job and was still waiting to be paid (I didn't until after I bought the tickets) so I brought with me $16 in coin, which luckily was enough to cover the ticket cost of $14. The cinema was packed and my friend and I got some pretty nice seats. However before the film started there were three empty seats in front of us until moments before the film started. Somehow the odds were ever more in my favour as a high school friend and her partner sat in front of me and we had a chance reunion, making the event even more special.
The film played in its glorious gritty celluloid nature and I came out a changed man. To this day it is one of the best cinema experiences I have ever had. I continue to enjoy screenings at the Astor to this day.
