Hey, folks. Capone in Chicago here.
So I just got off the phone with the folks from Paramount (yes, they work on Sundays, those animals), and they seem intent on finding a way to thank the cities that put PARANORMAL ACTIVITY on the map on the evening of September 24, when a slew of cities hosting midnight screening of the scare film to capacity crowds. I was lucky enough to see the film at the best place in the world to see it, which was the Alamo Drafthouse South, where it will be screening again this Thursday. As a result of me being at that Fantastic Fest screening, I missed the Chicago screening at the palatial Music Box Theatre.
So what Paramount has dreamed up is a series of premiere-like events in select cities this Thursday night at midnight. We're talking surprises, prizes, giveaways, and more surprises. You see, the only real downside to the way this film rolled out is that it never really got to have a classic Hollywood red carpet deal, and we're going to help make up for that in a couple cities. Austin is already on board, and now I want to see the same thing happen in Chicago.
Here's how this works. There a Thursday night/Friday morning 12:01am showing of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY at the AMC River East 21 theaters in downtown Chicago. If this paid showing sells out in advance, Paramount has promised to throw a big shindig at the screening to celebrate the release and success of this film.
I can't reveal any details, but if you know about Paramount's history with special screenings in Chicago over the years (they are the ones that gave AICN readers exclusive screenings of IRON MAN, TROPIC THUNDER, STAR TREK, and most importantly the big I LOVE YOU MAN event earlier this year, with more to come before the year is done), I don't feel I'm going out on a limb by saying they will not disappoint. In case you hadn't figured this out, for a studio to do this is kind of unprecedented. They are not only doing this to thank the host cities of the original midnight showings, but they are also acknowledging the role that online writers and readers played in making this movie a success, which is why we're getting the heads up on this first.
If you haven't seen the film yet, this is your chance. If you have and loved the experience, come see it again. You probably won't walk away empty handed. I'll be there hosting whatever goes on, so I'll see you there. Whoever gets their tickets first is in for some serious VIP treatment. Just click the link above to pre-order your seats. See you there…
-- Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com
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