The AMC Lincoln Square in New York City has become a hub for a unique brand of movie mania, with patrons lining up for showings in the pre-dawn hours. Crowds have been observed gathering at the theater as early as 2:45 a.m. for screenings of films like "The Odyssey," a nearly three-hour Christopher Nolan movie. This surge in late-night and early-morning showings marks a significant shift in film culture, with some attendees rearranging work and sleep schedules to catch these premium experiences.
This phenomenon is particularly pronounced for films shown in the IMAX 70mm format, which is offered exclusively at the Lincoln Square location in New York. Tickets for upcoming screenings of "Dune: Part Three," scheduled for December, have already sold out for these early morning slots. The demand has led to significant challenges in securing tickets, with digital platforms buckling under the pressure and scarce premium tickets appearing on resale sites for prices approaching $1,000 for a pair. Some social media users have reported bulk purchasing of tickets, prompting concerns about accessibility and fair distribution.
![An eBay listing asking $950 for two last-row tickets to "The Odyssey" on August 21.]( "An eBay listing asking $950 for two last-row tickets to "The Odyssey" on August 21.")
AMC Theatres has acknowledged the challenges. Ryan Noonan, vice president of corporate communications at AMC Theatres, stated that these round-the-clock showings are a response to exceptional demand, not a marketing gimmick. He noted that while not typical or feasible at every location, the Lincoln Square's IMAX 70mm auditorium is accustomed to late-night showings, especially during opening weekends. The sustained demand for "The Odyssey" has even led to these overnight hours continuing on weekends, several weeks after its debut.
Experts suggest the fervor is driven by a desire for premium, large-format viewing experiences that create a sense of scarcity in a digital-saturated world. Ross Melnick, Presidential Chair in Media Studies at the Carsey-Wolf Center, highlighted that in an era of ubiquitous digital screens, the context and the venue are paramount. He compared the current moviegoing excitement to that of a rock concert, reviving a sense of thrill in the challenge of securing seats, echoing the sentiment that "we sell tickets to theaters, not movies."
Paul de Lumen, an assistant professor at the University of Tampa, added that audiences are increasingly seeking shared experiences after years of private home viewing. This blockbuster moviegoing trend is adopting elements of scarcity and FOMO (fear of missing out) typically associated with exclusive events like concerts and limited-edition product drops. The thrill of obtaining tickets for limited releases provides a rush comparable to acquiring sought-after sneakers or concert passes.
Moviegoers themselves describe the experience as unique and memorable. Christian Probst, a Broadway actor, recounted attending a 2 a.m. IMAX 70mm screening of "The Odyssey" after his performance. He and his friend, Simone Policano, took a brief nap before heading to the theater. Policano described the crowd as "pajama-chic" and found the late-night absurdity, coupled with the film's quality and the IMAX screen's impact, to be part of the appeal. "The movie is incredible, don't get me wrong, and unfortunately the IMAX 70mm screen really does make a difference," she said. "But I would've chosen 2 a.m. even if a normal showtime had been available. You gotta do it for the lore."
The experience often extends beyond the screening itself, with attendees describing the journey home through the quiet city streets as part of the overall "odyssey."