Getting the most out of a midnight premiere

The month of November is full of movie premieres. Typical movie goers are sure to be entertained by blockbusters such as Thor: The Dark World and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. But, for some movie goers, attending the midnight premiere is a must.

Super fans who anticipate the release of these movies with a bit more excitement than the average audience member, feel the need to see these movies as soon as possible. For these fans, attending a midnight premiere is an event that allows them to view and celebrate the long awaited film . Premieres allow for large gatherings of fans to view the movie together as soon as it is released. Those who are  new to attending premieres should be aware of how crazy these events can become.

AHN senior Lily Veith explains that premieres are a lot of fun but you have to remember it is different than a normal screening.

“I love midnight premieres because I know everyone there loves and is looking forward to the movie as much as I am, but they’re a lot crazier than your typical movie.”

Before attending a midnight premiere, take a look at our survival guide created to assist viewers in getting the most out of a midnight premiere.

Before the actual movie there are a few things you should take care of. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, at least a few days before the event. Depending of the movie, it is very possible that the premiere will sell out. Buying tickets ahead of time assures you a ticket. Plan on getting there earlier if you need to pick it up at the ticket booth or machine.

If you are not dressing as a character from the movie, dress comfortably. As there is considerably more waiting involved in midnight premieres than average movie going experiences, you want don’t want to be uncomfortable for the duration of the wait.

Senior Maddie Jones always make sure to dress as comfortably as possible.“I usually bring a blanket, maybe a pillow. I even wore my pajamas once.” If you own any t-shirts or other apparel relevant to movie this is the time to wear them without judgment.

Make sure you figure out your snack and drink situation. Eat dinner before the movie. Lines for the concession stand can be unbearably long and tend to be on the expensive side. If you are bringing your own snacks make sure you bring enough to hold your appetite throughout the entire movie.

It is a wise idea to nap before; it will most likely ruin your experience if you fall asleep during the movie and miss it. Also, make sure nothing you have to do the next day, especially in the morning, is too important. Though midnight premieres are exciting during the movie, they take away from valuable sleep time and make you drowsy the following day.

Upon arrival, carefully consider where to sit. Avoid picking a seat near anyone who looks like they may be irritating during the movie. These people are usually nestled in large groups and are already acting obnoxiously. If they continue this behavior during the commercials, it is usually a sign that this behavior will persist throughout the movie and you should move seats if possible. Socializing is an important part of your enjoyment, but avoid any behavior that is disrespectful to those around you.

During the movie, cheering and clapping during appropriate moments is part of what makes midnight premieres so special. However, avoid being unnecessarily loud because this is disrespectful to the fans around you. Do not cheer or clap during serious or emotional moments. Your applause is best saved for an action sequence or funny moment.

Make sure you have a plan for what to do after the movie. It is a good idea to know where a nearby 24-hour restaurant is. Sleepovers are also a good idea, so that you avoid driving home while exhausted.

Following these steps is the best way to make sure you get the most out of your midnight premiere. These premieres are the best way to experience a movie surrounded by fans who are just as excited as you, provided that you are adequately prepared.