Midnight Movies Are Becoming A Thing Of The Past

BY ADAM SHLOMI

Midnight movie premiers have been a tradition in the film industry for generations. These events are home to excited audiences, unable to wait another day to see a new film. This group almost never includes young children however, so at these midnight screenings, it’s all groups of restless teenagers and eager adults. However, this cultural staple may be becoming a thing of the past. Ever since the Aurora shooting, when an armed person entered a Dark Knight Rises premiere and opened fire, midnight movies are becoming increasingly rare, as theaters, fearing for the well being of their audiences, elect for earlier 9 P.M. premiers.

Midnight movies are still around, but they’re gasping for breath. Local theaters such as Cinemark (Formerly Muvico) and Flippers still proudly premier movies at midnight. However, Flippers no longer shows the Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight. In fact, they’ve now chosen to no longer show the film at all, much to the anger of the local teenage community. Local Theater, Ridge Cinema 8, has taken a “family friendly” approach to premiers, showing them at 10 P.M.  It seems as though Cinemark is the only theater, which hasn’t completely adjusted their late night showings.

“We switched [to 9 P.M. premieres] mainly to provide a more safe and family friendly environment to our customers” A Ridge Cinema Employee said.

Although, in reality, anyone could shoot up a movie theater at any time, earlier showings seem to promote safety in other ways. These early showings discourage moviegoers from drinking before they attend a movie. Car accidents may also be avoided as those leaving the movie are now leaving at roughly 11:30-Midnight instead of 2:00-3:00 A.M.

Earlier premiers also allow a far more diverse audience, as more teenagers and even families are able to attend a 10 P.M. showing. Often younger teenagers are unable to go out so late and this prevents them from experiencing something as special as a movie premiere.

Many people dislike this change, most of them being midnight movie loyalists, but earlier premiers are safer, easier to attend, and better for theaters and their employees. However, these earlier screening are thought to take away from the magic of attending a premier. Midnight screenings are a tradition that is an exciting and unique.

“Midnight movies are a ‘one of a kind’ experience. There is nothing like being in a theater full of hardcore fans and the collective anticipation of being the first to see something,” senior Jeremy Haas said.