The final Harry Potter film begins showing at midnight

We’ve seen the posters and previews for months now. Still, it’s hard for everyone to believe that the series about a young wizard named Harry Potter is finally coming to an end.

After this, no more watching Snape torture Gryffindors in Potions class. No more highly anticipated Quidditch matches. And then, of course, there’s Harry’s final standoff with Lord Voldemort.

 

At a theater near you

Three of the theaters closest to Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill are preparing for a big night, as are theaters across the country, since the midnight showings of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 are this evening.

Greg Wax, the general manager of Narberth 2 Stadium at 129 North Narberth Avenue, said that both theaters will be showing the film and are sold out. The theater has sold about 350-400 tickets.

“I love it,” Wax said of the added business the films bring to the theater. “We have a following, but we’ve done all the Harry Potters from the first one on.”

While staff members are not allowed to comment on the ins and outs, AMC Plymouth Meeting Mall 12 at 494 W Germantown Pike and UA Main Street 6 at 3720-40 Main Street in Manayunk have both sold out tickets for the midnight showings.

“We’ve had a lot of sell-outs,” according to a spokesperson from AMC. “There’s a lot of excitement for the midnight showings, and we’re glad to be part of it.”

There will double features at many AMC theaters which show part 1 at 9 p.m. and then part 2 around midnight. There will also be many AMC theaters offering Harry Potter trivia and handouts.

AMC’s policy does not allow for employees to speak about ticket sales for a particular location.

 

Money maker

Regal Entertainment Group, the company behind UA Main Street 6, has already reported record-breaking advance ticket sales for the film, totaling over $10 million.

“Moviegoer interest is at a fever pitch for the final installment of the Harry Potter franchise. Regal patrons are so excited to see Harry Potter that they are placing ticket orders online and at the box office at a record pace exceeding $10 million dollars and still counting,” stated Greg Dunn, President and Chief Operating Officer for Regal Entertainment Group.

Regal also does not comment on specific theaters.

 

Harry Potter Weekend coming in October

Though the films may be ending here, muggles in the area looking for an extra touch of Hogwarts can visit the Harry Potter Weekend in Chestnut Hill from Oct. 14-16. The “Philadelphia Brotherly Love Cup” Quidditch Match will be held at Chestnut Hill College and Germantown Avenue will transform into Hogsmeade Village.

“Young witches and wizards will choose their wands and robes, get sorted into their houses, learn defensive spells, make potions and more,” according to the event’s Facebook page. “Hogwarts graduates will shop, down a pint or two of Butterbeer and enjoy the local Hogsmeade cuisine.”