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Midnight Movie Premiere
By JOE MAILLET 3,420 views
ENTERTAINMENT

7 Tips For Surviving Your First Midnight Movie Premiere In Dubai

The recently released superhero film “Avengers: Endgame” has reached a new pinnacle, shattering the record for the biggest opening weekend — the blockbuster finale brought in an estimated USD$1.2 billion in global ticket sales.

In the United Arab Emirates alone, “Avengers: Endgame” set new records the for highest opening weekend ever and the biggest IMAX opening weekend.

If this particular movie’s performance at the box office is any indication, then 2019 is shaping up to be the year of midnight movie premieres. Fans are clearly excited to watch movies at the theatres. New movie releases coming to Dubai include “Pokemon Detective Pikachu,” “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” and “Star Wars: Episode IX.”

While these upcoming movie releases may not dethrone the Avengers finale for biggest opening weekend, you can expect a crowd to form nonetheless. If you’re a novice to the midnight movie screening scene, the experience can be overwhelming.

Here is your guide to planning and successfully attending your first midnight movie premiere.

1.    Pre-order your tickets.

Midnight screenings are for the fans. It’s the time when the biggest fans of the biggest franchises come in full force. Don’t be surprised if costumed attendees are sitting next to you at the midnight screening.

Because the midnight screening is the first chance fans get to watch a highly anticipated movie, always book your tickets in advance. Buying your movie tickets early will save you time and help you avoid disappointment from missing the screening.

2.    Coordinate with your friends.

Speaking of buying movie tickets online, aim to buy tickets together as a whole group. You’ll be able to ensure that you and your friends have the best seats without ever having to wait in line.

If you wait until the last minute to buy tickets as a group, you may find that you can no longer reserve the seats you want together. Having to sit separately during the midnight screening can put a damper on the whole experience.

Another added bonus of booking tickets in advance as a group is that people are less likely to cancel on you, knowing they already have a seat reserved.

3.    Choose the right cinema.

The movie-going experience in Dubai is unlike any other. With most midnight screenings being two-hour outings, you want to make sure the experience is comfortable. The last thing you want to do is limit yourself to a standard cinema experience.

Cinemas in Dubai are as glamorous and as unique as the city itself. Attending a midnight movie premiere at these cinemas is like upgrading your economy airline ticket to business class.

Certain cinemas, like the one in City Walk, Dubai offers an unforgettable luxury cinematic experience. You get access to a private lounge, and you have the option to choose a la carte dishes. You can even pre-order cinema snacks so you never have to leave your plush reclining leather seat once you’ve settled in.

4.    Rest before seeing the movie.

If you’re the type of person who’s normally in bed by the stroke of midnight, staying up to watch a midnight premiere might be a challenge. Watching a movie past your normal sleeping schedule requires you to be alert.

The last thing you want is to turn the midnight movie experience into a snoozefest. Consider taking a nap before the event. Even a half-hour nap will do wonders to rejuvenate your body and help your body prepare for the midnight experience.

If you must, drink a cup of coffee at least an hour before the movie starts. This brings us to our next tip.

5.    Snack with care.

Snacks are a time-honored tradition of the midnight screening experience. And just like everything else in Dubai, the humble cinema snack is elevated to a completely new dining experience.

Besides comfortable amenities, cinemas around the city offer delectable menus of gourmet delicacies and traditional delights.

Certain cinemas in Dubai offer diverse menus, all in a luxury setting. For example, cinemagoers in La Mer can indulge in wagyu beef burgers, chili glazed beef skewers, and a range of desserts.

In Boxpark, there’s a unique restaurant space that features an amazing lounge area complete with hand-stitched, Italian leather-trimmed seats. The lounge area serves gourmet delicacies that include rigatoni with beef ragout and quinoa tabbouleh, as well as traditional snacks like vanilla ice cream milkshakes.

Of course, we can’t forget the popcorn. But while buttered popcorn is a classic movie-going staple, moviegoers in Dubai can also mix things up with different flavors such as cheese, caramel, and a delectable cashew and almond blend.

6.    Dress accordingly.

It’s genuinely accepted that it gets cold in movie theaters. Movie theaters typically set their temperatures colder to help keep you alert. This also ensures you don’t doze off and disturb other patrons during the movie-going experience.

While it may be sweltering hot outside, you may soon find yourself shivering inside the theatre.

To avoid this, put on layers of clothing. Dress warmly and bring a jacket with you to the theatre so you can put it on once you’re seated. Another option is to bring a fleece blanket you can drape over yourself to keep warm.

If you really want to get into the spirit of the midnight premiere, consider joining the rest of the fans and get into character. Celebrate the spirit of the movie franchise and wear your favorite costume. Spidey suit, anyone?

7.    Observe proper cinema etiquette.

Everyone attends a midnight screening to have a good time and see their favorite book character or superhero come to life on the big screen. Maintaining courteous habits at the theatre will ensure that you, your friends, and those around you have an enjoyable experience.

Avoid asking questions during the movie. It’s rude and disruptive and can ruin the movie experience for everyone seated around you. If you do have questions, wait until film credits roll. Be courteous if you do have to use the bathroom during the movie and politely say “excuse me” to the people you pass.

And of course, don’t use your smartphone. Keep it on silent, or better yet, on airplane mode.

Final advice for an unforgettable movie experience

As a midnight screening novice, the last piece of advice you should remember is to have fun. Immerse yourself in the experience. Let yourself relish the fact that you get to be one of the first people to see the movie first. Laugh, cry, and even clap once the movie ends. But just remember No spoilers!

What upcoming movie are you most looking forward to watching on a midnight premiere?

Joe Maillet
Author
JOE MAILLET

Joe Maillet is an avid reader and a writer by heart. He is an author, freelance writer and a contributor writer, who write articles and blogs for various leading online media publications and for CEO and entrepreneurs from across the world. He keeps himself updated with the latest marketing trends and always recognized in the industry for providing solutions to B2B and B2C businesses.