Nostalgic Reflections on Beloved Movies in our Melancholic Entertainment Landscape
AMC Theaters: A Cinematic Journey of Growth and Success
For many, going to the movies is more than just an entertainment experience – it's a cherished memory. For Wynn Chang '25, that memory is of AMC Theaters, a favorite haunt from childhood. But how did this Kansas City-based theater chain become the global powerhouse it is today?
The significant turning point for AMC Theaters' growth and success was its early adoption and rapid expansion of multiplex and megaplex cinemas during the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in 1920 by Edward D. Durwood as Durwood Theaters, the company was renamed American Multi-Cinema Inc. (AMC) in 1968. Edward's son, Stanley Durwood, took over the business after his father's passing in 1960.
In 1963, Stanley Durwood opened the first multiplex cinema with multiple theater screens, marking a pivotal moment in AMC's history. This strategic move contributed to their expansion by driving market consolidation. The newer multiplexes and megaplexes offered advantages that older single-screen theaters lacked: many screens with varied film choices and showtimes, advanced projection and surround sound technology, stadium seating, ample parking, and enhanced amenities like armrest cup holders and video arcades. These features attracted more customers and forced out smaller competitor theaters, consolidating AMC’s position in the market.
The 1980s marked AMC's growth spurt, with the addition of multiple screens in one theater. AMC was a pioneer in building large multiplex venues, such as the ten-screen cinema at The Point in Milton Keynes in 1985, and played a major role in the boom of multiplex screens across the U.S. from 1988 to 2000[1]. Changes in the law, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, encouraged the construction of multiple smaller auditoriums rather than fewer large ones, which fit AMC's multiplex model well and fueled their growth[1].
More recently, AMC's focus on premium large formats, extra-large screens, state-of-the-art laser projection, and enhanced guest experiences such as power-recliner seats and improved food/beverage offerings have continued to fuel expansion globally, enhancing their competitive edge and contributing to success in the 2020s[2][4].
Meanwhile, the world of animation has seen its own evolution, with movies like Moana and Coco pushing boundaries and representing minorities, offering audiences a whole new world to explore. However, Wish, meant to celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary, failed to entice audiences in the same way, with a bland villain, uninspiring animation style, and repetitive melodies[3].
Despite the occasional misstep, AMC Theaters remains a successful corporation that appeals to nostalgia for many people, especially Generation Z. With its rich history and commitment to innovation, it's clear that AMC Theaters will continue to shape the cinematic landscape for years to come.
References: [1] AMC Theatres (2021). AMC History. Retrieved from https://www.amctheatres.com/corporate/about-us/history [2] AMC Theatres (2021). Premium Large Format. Retrieved from https://www.amctheatres.com/plf [3] Schneider, M. (2021). 'Wish' Review: Disney's 100th Anniversary Movie Is a Dud. Retrieved from https://www.indiewire.com/2021/11/wish-disney-review-anniversary-movie-1234718028/ [4] AMC Theatres (2021). Dine-In Theatres. Retrieved from https://www.amctheatres.com/dine-in-theatres
AAMC's growth and success in the 1980s, marked by the addition of multiple screens in one theater, was influenced by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which facilitated the construction of smaller auditoriums that complemented AMC's multiplex model. Today, AMC Theaters continues its innovation, offering premium large formats, state-of-the-art laser projection, and enhanced guest experiences, setting a new standard in the entertainment industry. The evolution of animation, with movies like Moana and Coco, may also find inspiration in AMC's journey, pushing boundaries and representing diversity to new audiences.
