Latest 'Twilight' film opens amid merchandising bonanza in Franklin County
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"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" has arrived: a crowd of 800 or more was expected for the midnight showing of the movie at Chambersburg Mall this morning.
In response to the success of the trilogy, the Carmike Cinema 7 in the Chambersburg Mall hosted a 12:02 a.m. showing of the newest film in the "Twilight" saga since the November 2009 release of "New Moon." Approximately 800 seats in seven theaters were expected to be filled, according to a theater spokesperson. By Tuesday afternoon, almost half had already been purchased.
Some retailers are also feeling the impact of the anticipation of "Eclipse." FYE in Chambersburg Mall has been selling "Twilight" merchandise in the store, but will be getting in on the midnight show action, too.
"FYE will have a table at the theater," said store manager Mandy Pryor.
She added that the store had a table at the midnight showing of "New Moon" as well. In response to its success, the store chose to again use the table.
The merchandise table is only the beginning of "Twilight" merchandise that FYE offers. Inside the store, a large section of a wall is devoted to "Twilight" merchandise.
Customers can pick up "Twilight" board games, puzzles, posters, action figures, jewelry boxes, trading cards and an array of other items.
"T-shirts and blankets sell the most," Pryor said.
David Feather, an assistant manager at FYE, said his own opinions about the "Twilight" saga held little ground when it came to working
in a store that caters to many fans of the craze.
"I got sucked into it whether I liked it or not," Feather said.
While this trilogy is as big as some of the past, such as "Star Wars," and "Lord of the Rings," Feather said, the push of merchandise is what makes the "Twilight" saga soar past them.
"Some people just have to have all of the merchandise," he said.
Feather said he thinks the biggest difference between the "Twilight" movies and other successful trilogies is that both girls and boys have lead characters to relate to. But young people are not alone in their anticipation of "Eclipse."
"The biggest surprise is the larger demographics," Feather said.
He said people of various ages come in looking for "Twilight" merchandise, from youngsters to grandmothers.
Joanne Painter is a mom who is a "Twilight" fan and, like her daughter, is eagerly awaiting "Eclipse."
"I got into it because of my daughter," Painter said. "I''m dying to see who (Bella) picks."
Painter also had a theory on why the "Twilight" movies have been so successful, especially in the realm of teenage girls.
"I think the love thing intertwined them into it," Painter said.
Latest 'Twilight' film opens amid merchandising bonanza in Franklin County
Tags: cinema 7, jewelry boxes