Movie News

The Dark Knight to Pack Theaters Just Before the Dawn

Source:Fandango

July 9, 2008

Need we say more?

With more than a week to go before the highly-anticipated release of "The Dark Knight," Fandango, the nation's leading moviegoer destination, reports that many of its pre-opening Thursday midnight shows on July 17 are already sold out in cities across the country, from New York to Boise, Idaho. Theaters continue to add 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. pre-opening showtimes to meet the ticketing demand.

"'The Dark Knight' may be responsible for a lot of bleary eyes at work next Friday morning," says Rick Butler, Chief Operating Officer for Fandango. "We're seeing a record number of late-night showtimes selling out in advance, while theaters are adding new performances every day."

More than 1,500 late-night showtimes of the movie have been scheduled for the film's pre-opening on Thursday night (Friday morning), July 17-18, at Fandango.com/TheDarkKnight. An online survey of more than 3,000 "The Dark Knight" fans on Fandango.com over the holiday weekend offered the following information on the late-night surge:

* 37% of respondents plan to see the film at least once during one of the late night performances on Thursday night.
* 38% say that they intend to take off a few hours or the entire day from work on Friday as a result of seeing the movie the night before.
* 60% of these moviegoers are male.
* 71% are under the age of 35.
* 39% plan to see the film in IMAX(R).
* 92% expect that the Academy will recognize Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker with a posthumous Oscar(R) nomination next year.

For Fandango, "The Dark Knight" is poised to be the year's top advance ticket-seller in wide release, outpacing "Iron Man," "Indiana Jones 4" and "Sex and the City" at the same point in those films' sales cycles.

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COMMENTS (65)

Posted by:

Travis

July 9, 2008

People say first to try to have some claim to fame, everyone wants to feel they mean something, no matter how insignificant that something is. You have to be a pretty big loser in life to feel like pointing out that you were the first to post on a website under a specific topic makes you important.

Posted by:

Rudy

July 9, 2008

I already seen this film at the press screening... IT WILL BLOW YOUR MINDS! I work at a theatre and you know I am going to see it at least twice before our midnight screening....
WHOMP!

Posted by:

Joe

July 9, 2008

The midnight showings, for me, are all about the audience. You're in that theater with a group of people who are just as excited to see the movie as you are. No screaming kids, no one yelling at the screen (except to cheer) - it's just a great movie experience. It's like the whole room is enjoying the show with you.

Posted by:

Cruci

July 9, 2008

"I work at a theatre"

"You have to be a pretty big loser in life"

Quoted for truth.

Posted by:

mama!

July 9, 2008

Don't underestimate Mama Mia to be this summer's biggest hit.

Posted by:

Patrick

July 9, 2008

To the person who can't understand the hype of midnight shows I ask, have you ever been to one? If you go, you will then understand as there is a lot of excitement in the air and the place is packed with energy. Just a very fun crowd!

Posted by:

JMD

July 9, 2008

I'm with Joe, that's the whole reason I go see certain midnight showings is for the audience. You're with a group of fans that all laugh and cheer at the same parts (and like he said, no screaming kids). And Bouncy X "Yes" I am impatient and can't wait a few more days. This is my #1 anticipated movie this year!

Posted by:

Adam

July 9, 2008

"No screaming kids, no one yelling at the screen." I wish! This may be more accurate with Batman, but I've had plenty of late night screenings ruined by young, new parents who just HAD to go the midnight premier, and thought it perfectly okay to bring their kids.

Posted by:

Mr OASYS aka Neil

July 9, 2008

Oh come on folks.....its just a bit of fun.The early screenings are part of the cinema experience. Sometimes its just perfect to watch something with a bunch of people who show great enthusiasm for a piece of great entertainment.Its why films are made,to give the audience pleasure....sometimes its even better to share that pleasure with others,bit like watching a major sporting event with your family at home.I think a few people need to lighten up and enjoy life. Why so serious??? Hahahahahahaha. Each to their own though.

Posted by:

stevedamien

July 9, 2008

you know cruci, its the easiest thing to be an ass online, since you dont have to own up to your ignorant comments in person.
just because you can hide at home and make fun of people on movie forums, doesnt mean people still dont think your a coward.
why dont you say something about the post, stop wasting our time.

ill show you how its done:

looking forward to tdk. already got a spot for a friday showing, thursday IMAX already sold out in Chicago.