Industry Leadership and Innovation

AMC has a long history of industry leadership and innovation, and is credited with many of the industry’s “firsts.”

Key Innovations

Multiplex & Megaplex Theatres
In 1963, AMC created the first-ever mall multiplex with the opening of a two-screen theatre at the Ward Parkway Mall in Kansas City, Missouri. Three years later, we introduced 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 guests 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 guests see films today.

Cupholder Armrest
More than 25 years ago, AMC introduced a simple armrest design typifying our guest-centered approach to innovation. The cupholder armrest is popular because guests 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 guests 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. Guests 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 United States, allowing AMC guests 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 our ability to show alternative program content such as concerts and independent films.

AMC Gift Cards
In 2002, AMC introduced the AMC Gift Card, the industry’s first circuit-wide gift card. Today, guests 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 theatre concessions. In 2003, AMC launched its first branded candy, Clip Gummi Stars^®. The following year, we had another first when we partnered with FritoLay^® to create AMC MovieNachos^®, the first movie theatre product of its type. In 2008, we launched our second branded candy, Frooti Tootis™.

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). We plan for the deployment of digital cinema in theatres includes procuring equipment, arranging financing and negotiating usage agreements with studios and other content providers.