Yes, there are cheaper options than Alpha, ie Rothco, but Rothco's do have that great a history. If you have a local Army Navy Store should be able to get a M-65 for less than $50 and remove the epaulettes and shoulder buttons.
But from the photo, it looks like it doesn't have the gusseted back and I have yet to see a M-65 with a sealed storm zipper like that so that rules out a cheap knock-off and even a modified Alpha. Too bad his jacket is black because I already have a dark brown leather field jacket.