Industry Leadership and Innovation

Dedicated to innovation, service excellence and quality presentations, AMC has earned a well-deserved reputation as the industry leader for more than 85 years. Our company continues to seek creative ways to provide the best possible out-of-home experience for our guests. AMC has led all major industry innovations to transform the theatre experience to what moviegoers enjoy today. Some of our firsts include:

1963  —	Pioneers the multiplex with the world's first shopping center "twin" theatre in Kansas City, Missouri
1966  —	Automated projection booths are introduced and installed
1966  —	Opens the industry’s first four-screen theatre in Kansas City, Missouri
1969  —	Opens the industry’s first six-screen theatre in Omaha, Nebraska
1979  —	Establishes the exhibition industry’s first management training facility
1981  —	Develops the patented cupholder armrest
1982  —	Installs computerized box offices
1985  —	Builds the United Kingdom’s first multiplex
1990  —	Launches AMC MovieWatcher®, the first wide-scale guest loyalty program that rewards frequent moviegoers
1990  —	Installs first-ever ATM-style ticketing system, predecessor to the current Automated Box Office, allowing guests to purchase tickets with credit cards
1991  —	Introduces Clip®, a “film strip” character, to serve as an ambassador of the brand
1991  —	Establishes Silence is Golden®, a program promoting a distraction-free moviegoing environment
1991  —	Launches TeleTicket™, an automated system to order tickets by phone
1995  —	Pioneers the megaplex concept in North America, opening The Grand 24 in Dallas, Texas, with stadium-style seating
1995  —	Introduces unique LoveSeat®-style seating to theatres
2000  —	Co-founds MovieTickets.com and Fandango, two leading online ticketing services*
2001  —	Begins testing DTDS® (Digital Theatre Distribution System), a proprietary pre-feature digital system
2002  —	Introduces the AMC Entertainment Card, the industry’s first circuit-wide gift card
2003  —	Launches first branded candy, Clip Gummi Stars®
2004  —	Partners with FritoLay® to create MovieNachos®
2006  —	Launches AMC SELECT®, a program dedicated to the best specialty films
2006  —	Introduces A.M.Cinema®, a value program offering the best ticket price of the day before noon on select Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday periods** at all AMC locations in the U.S. and Canada
2006  —	Unveils Clip’s PicksSM, a value menu providing moviegoers the opportunity to choose their favorite movie snack combinations from the Clip's Picks menu at a great price
2007  —	AMC, Regal and Cinemark form an equal partnership to create Digital Cinema Implementation Partners, LLC, to help implement the deployment of digital cinema technology in theatres.
2007  —	AMC and IMAX Corp. agree to deploy 100 IMAX® digital projection systems at top performing AMC theatres in 33 U.S. markets
*Fandango originally co-founded by Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corporation. **Check local listings for availability of A.M. Cinema showtimes in your area.

Key Innovations

Multiplex & Megaplex Theatres
In 1963, AMC created the first-ever mall multiplex with the opening of a two-screen theatre at Ward Parkway Mall in Kansas City, Missouri. Three years later, the company would introduce the world’s first four-screen theatre, followed by the first six-screen theatre in 1969. In 1995, AMC introduced North America’s first megaplex: the AMC Grand 24 in Dallas Texas. This theatre was the first of its kind, boasting 24 screens with state-of-the-art amenities. The birth of the megaplex also represented the introduction of stadium seating in the movie industry, providing moviegoers with a permanent “all clear” for optimal viewing. With 48-inch row spacing, there’s even more legroom — and getting in and out is easier too. Each row is an industry-leading 18 inches above the row in front of it. AMC’s introduction of the megaplex and stadium seating forever changed the way moviegoers see films today.

Cupholder Armrest
More than 25 years ago, AMC introduced a simple armrest design typifying the company’s guest-centered approach to innovation. The cupholder armrest is popular because moviegoers keep their favorite beverages close at hand — rather than on the floor or in their laps. The innovation has now become an industry standard.

LoveSeat^®-Style Seating
In 1995, AMC also introduced LoveSeat-style seating, featuring double-wide, cushioned cupholder armrests that lift up so moviegoers can cozy up. Now, for even more extended comfort, AMC guests can enjoy the extra benefit of the AMC lounger-style seat, with the added feature of articulating seat backs.

Online Ticketing
In 2000, we co-founded and launched two online movie-ticketing services, MovieTickets.com and Fandango*, creating a new world of convenience by providing consumers the ease of a virtual box office in their homes and offices. Moviegoers may access showtimes, purchase tickets and even create a home page customized to their movie preferences. Just order tickets online and pick them up at an Automated Box Office kiosk or Guest Services area. (*Fandango originally co-founded by Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corporation.)

Digital Theatre Distribution System (DTDS)
Less than five years ago, AMC began testing a proprietary digital pre-feature system called DTDS. The system would soon be deployed to approximately 2,700 screens across the U.S., allowing AMC moviegoers to enjoy enhanced pre-show entertainment that now includes a first-look access to everything from movies, television, music, sports and advertising. DTDS also expanded the company’s ability to show alternative program content such as concerts and independent films.

AMC Entertainment Card
In 2002, AMC introduced the AMC Entertainment Card, the industry’s first circuit-wide gift card. Today, moviegoers can give the AMC experience to others with the gift card, which is available at our theatres and at nearly 50,000 retail outlets nationwide. The gift card can be used at the box office or concession stand at any one of our theatres. It’s movie tickets, concessions and fun, all in one!

Branded Food Offerings
AMC is also an innovator in movie theatre concessions. In 2003, AMC launched its first branded candy, Clip Gummi Stars^®. The following year, the company had another first when it partnered with FritoLay^® to create AMC MovieNachos^®, the first movie theatre product of its type.

Digital Cinema
The motion picture industry is at the threshold of another major theatrical transition: the transformation from celluloid 35mm film to digital technology. In 2007, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group formed an equal partnership to create Digital Cinema Implementation Partners, LLC (DCIP). The company plan for the deployment of digital cinema in theatres includes procuring equipment, arranging financing and negotiating usage agreements with studios and other content providers.