ALBANY, NY 10/2/06 – Up until a few years ago, it was not commonplace for an independent film to make the Academy Awards nominee list. Nowadays it is not unlikely to see four of the five Best Picture nominees come from independent film studios.

            Albany residents wishing to see the latest independent films need not look any further than the Spectrum 8 Theatres on Delaware Avenue. Students at the nearby College of Saint Rose, like Kurt Hassenpflug, count on the Spectrum for films of a different ilk than the ones shown at The Crossgates Mall.

            “They show movies that have less publicity and are a little more under the radar,” Hassenpflug said. “The films have more of an artistic quality to them and aren't necessarily as concerned about box office receipts.”

            Attendance at the Spectrum has been increasing for the past five years, according to co-owner Keith Pickard. Pickard attributes the increase in sales to many different factors of its ambiance.

            “The way we present film differs greatly from that of our competitors,” Pickard said. “Whether it’s the pastries we serve at our snack bar, the Ultra-Violet Café located right next door or the content of the films we show; people are getting a different experience than they get from the still mall atmosphere.”

            The more condensed seating provided by Spectrum is a favorable aspect for Hassenpflug. He feels that it enhances his viewing experience in a way that is lost in mainstream theatres.

“The Spectrum provides a more intimate film viewing experience,” Hassenpflug said. “It feels like a real theater because there's no stadium seating.” 

            Another Saint Rose student and Spectrum Theatre patron, Joseph Cipriano, took note of the smaller seating when he attended one of the Spectrum’s sold-out “Underground Film Series” showings.

“There were too many people,” Cipriano said. “The workers were kind enough to accommodate me with a folding chair so that I could still enjoy the show.”

The Spectrum recently wrapped its “Underground Film Series;” a weekly after-hours showing that featured classic films voted on by the public.

“A friend of mine had told me about it,” Cipriano said. “We saw ‘Reservoir Dogs.’ I had never seen it before, so I decided to go with him and really enjoyed myself.”

            Cipriano also considers the theatre a way to escape from boredom when the school week is over and he makes his weekend plans.

            “It is definitely an alternative option to the normal college atmosphere,” Cipriano said. “It’s also cheaper and more convenient to go there.”

            Spectrum regular and fellow Saint Rose junior Geoff Arbuckle shares Cipriano’s feelings on the theatre’s convenience. Arbuckle usually attends the theatre at least once a week.

            “Sometimes I’d go to the Madison Theatre,” Arbuckle said. “Usually I’d go to Spectrum to save money.”

            Arbuckle has noticed the trend of more people attending Spectrum and seeking out independent films. He considers the trend to be partially the result of people’s desire to be part of a fad and to seek an image.

            “I think there’s a lot of people who go just to feel like they’re elitists,” Arbuckle said. “It’s getting more popular either way.

            The Spectrum is closer to Saint Rose than the Crossgates Mall and adult tickets on an average night are $8.50 while Regal Cinemas at the mall charge $10. Every Wednesday the Spectrum allows college students in for $6.75 with their college ID.

            Hassenpflug considers the trend towards independent film viewing to be gradual, but on a definite rise.

“Some people crave more than just big budget, special effects-driven spectaculars that the major studios force feed to the American public,” Hassenpflug said.  “In this age of special effects, I think some try to dazzle the audience with high-tech visuals.  I think that anyone who can truly appreciate great film making can benefit from what the Spectrum has to offer.”

Pickard recognizes that the films shown at the theatre, which he shares with three other co-owners, are aimed at a more mature audience than those shown at the typical mall cinemas.

“Attendance to our cinemas has been on the rise due to a maturing film audience,” Pickard said. “We almost never show horror or exploitation films, and you don’t see the barrage of video games on your way in.”

Out of everything that the Spectrum has to offer the public, Hassenpflug considers it simple to sum it up.

“It's a small audience watching small films from some lesser-known little guys with some big ideas.”