Why Midnight?

I have gone to the midnight showing for 5 out of the 8 Harry Potter movies.  

#1 (Sorcerer's Stone) -- I was on a mission, doesn't count.

#2 (Chamber of Secrets) -- Freshly returned missionary, new in SLC with no money.  Matinee the first day.

#3 (Prisoner of Azkaban) -- Midnight with YSA friends, including Bethany

#4 (Goblet of Fire) -- Midnight with Bethany and YSA friends again.

#5 (Order of the Phoenix) -- Doug and I joined Bethany and other friends at Midnight.

#6 (Half-Blood Prince) -- Bethany and I went on our own to the midnight showing.
#7 (Deathly Hallows:Part 1) -- I made the mistake of thinking I was over midnight movies.

#8 (Deathly Hallows:Part 2) -- Midnight or bust.  Doug and I met up with Bethany and TJ for the final event.

Some people have asked why the midnight showing matters.  The movie is the same at midnight as it is at any other time.  My answer, dear friends, is that it is like a football game.  Sitting in a stadium filled with super fans is vastly different than watching at home with friends.  The adrenaline, the spectacle and the experience is just bigger at the stadium. 

The spectacle, hype and enthusiasm at midnight movies is unparalleled.  I just wish I had brought my big camera.  I only got a few pictures of super fans.  The plaza was filled with house elves, kids from every "house," wizards and witches, werewolves, deatheaters, ghosts, and every character possible.  Can you name all of these?

As a matter of interest:  The Gateway (where we were) was one of the top 3 theaters in the nation for midnight income from the Harry Potter movie.  http://www.ksl.com/?sid=16386982&nid=148.  All 3 of the top theaters were here in the SLC valley.