If you’re like me, going to the theater is one of your favorite pastimes. And when it comes to the ultimate movie experience, there’s no place like AMC theaters. Me and my cousins will often head out to the local AMC whenever a good movie comes out.
AMC Theaters – A long time ago…
AMC (American Multi-Cinema) theaters have been around for quite some time now, and have revolutionized the way we watch movies. From the first AMC theaters to the latest, let’s take a look at the history of this iconic movie theater chain.
The first AMC theater opened its doors in 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri. Back then, it was called the Durwood Theater, named after the founder of AMC, Edward Durwood. It was a single screen theater that showed silent films and seated around 600 people.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, AMC continued to expand, opening up more theaters across the Midwest. In the 1950s, they even started experimenting with widescreen and 3D technology, offering audiences an even more immersive movie experience.
But it wasn’t until the 1960s that AMC really took off. They introduced the concept of the multiplex theater, which featured multiple screens playing different movies. This allowed AMC to offer more movie options to their customers, and also increased their revenue. By the end of the 1960s, AMC had 16 theaters with a total of 90 screens.
In the 1980s, AMC once again pushed the boundaries of the movie theater experience by introducing stadium seating. This revolutionary design allowed for unobstructed views of the screen and made for a more comfortable movie experience. AMC also started to focus on the amenities they offered, such as snack bars and larger screens.
In the 1990s, AMC continued to innovate, introducing state-of-the-art sound systems and digital projection. They also started to offer more upscale amenities, such as luxury seating and in-theater dining options.
The Latest Movie Technologies
Today, AMC Theaters continue to offer the latest in movie technology and amenities. Their theaters feature some of the biggest screens, the most advanced sound systems, and even reclining seats. And let’s not forget about their amazing food options, which range from classic movie theater snacks to full-on meals.
Depending on your location, AMC offer’s some of the following options:
- IMAX – 70mm analog films.
- Dolby Cinemas featuring large format dual 4K laser projectors with HDR, Atmos surround sound, recliners with seat-mounted sub woofers.
- PRIME at AMC – large screens with Dolby Atmos. Conversion of Prime to Dolby Cinemas started in 2015.
- RealD 3D – Most popular 3D tech used in theaters.
- BigD – 70ft screens. Added with the acquisition of Carmike Cinema.
- Dreamscape – Virtual Reality.
- Laser – Superior brightness and contrast while delivering vivid colors.
AMC Stubs
In addition to the traditional theaters visits, AMC also offers a subscription service called AMC Stubs. For a monthly fee, subscribers can see up to three movies a week and enjoy other perks like free popcorn and soda refills, priority box office and concession lanes, and free online reservations.
Random Facts & Final Thoughts
While reading up on the history of AMC, I ran across some facts that may be of interest:
- AMC Theaters was the first movie theater chain to introduce cup holders in their seats, a feature that has since become standard in theaters worldwide.
- AMC Theaters owns the largest cinema screen in the world, located in their theater in Sydney, Australia. The screen measures 117 feet wide by 48 feet high and is 10 times bigger than a traditional movie screen.
- In 2016 AMC acquired Carmike Cinemas, making AMC the largest movie theater chain in the world.
- AMC Theaters was the first chain to introduce sensory-friendly screenings for people with autism or other sensory sensitivities. These screenings have reduced sound and dimmed lights to make the movie experience more comfortable.
- The first ever showing of Star Wars took place at an AMC theater in 1977 in Springfield, Missouri. The theater, now known as the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, is still in operation today.
- AMC theaters has no relationship to the television channel AMC (American Movie Classics).
From a single screen theater in Kansas City to a movie empire that spans the globe, AMC has come a long way. And with their commitment to innovation and customer experience, they’re sure to continue to be a favorite among moviegoers.
