AMC bets on premium screens as Hollywood slate boasts big blockbuster titles

Group 1 - AMC Entertainment is expanding its premium screen offerings by adding 40 Dolby Cinema theaters in the U.S. by the end of 2027, resulting in a 25% increase in the number of branded premium screens to over 200 [1][7] - The partnership with Dolby Laboratories aims to enhance the moviegoing experience, providing audiences with immersive film experiences through Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology [2][4] - The expansion follows AMC's recent partnership with CJ 4DPLEX to introduce 65 Screen X auditoriums and 40 4DX theaters globally, indicating a strong focus on premium large format (PLF) experiences [2][7] Group 2 - Premium large format screens (PLFs) are characterized by elevated viewing experiences, often featuring larger screens and superior sound systems, which command higher ticket prices [3] - PLF ticket sales have significantly benefited blockbuster films, with titles like "Oppenheimer," "Avatar: The Way of Water," and "Dune" capturing a large share of the PLF box office [5] - As of 2024, there were over 950 theaters in North America with PLF screens, marking a 33.7% increase from five years prior, and these screens accounted for approximately 9.1% of the domestic box office, generating around $600 million [8][9] Group 3 - The average premium ticket price is just under$17, reflecting an 8% increase since 2021, indicating a growing willingness among audiences to pay for enhanced viewing experiences [8] - The PLF box office has experienced a 33% growth over the past five years, although it still represents a small portion of the overall box office, with most audiences still opting for traditional digital screens [9] - The upcoming box office slate for 2025 and 2026 is filled with major franchise films, which are expected to drive further demand for premium viewing experiences [6]