Pirates invaded theaters around the country last night. Celluloid ones, of course. Disney's
My local AMC was screening the film on eight of its 24 screens, and all of the 8 p.m. showings were sold out. Clocking in at a chunky 2 hours and 45 minutes, the lengthy time will mean fewer showings per day than a theater operator can squeeze out of, say, a 93-minute showing of DreamWorks Animation's
But who are we kidding here? The film is going to be huge. Sony's
The fact that screen records are being broken as seamlessly as perforated ticket stubs should be encouraging for the multiplex industry. Obviously, it's growing again. Last month's IPO of Cinemark Holdings
For Disney, this is more than just a movie. It's based on one of Disney's oldest theme park attractions. The theatrical success led to movie-based enhancements to the ride, making it even more popular. Disney has also been able to cash in on the popularity of its Disney Princesses line, coupling Pirates and Princesses to create in-park special ticketed events that appeal to both sexes.
So let Jack Sparrow and his crew search for treasure. Disney has already found its stash.
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Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz wants to remind you to order your tickets early if you're heading out to the movies over the weekend. Yes, he owns shares of Disney and DreamWorks Animation. The Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.