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Harry Potter flies into theaters

The fifth Harry Potter movie will premiere this week and the final book debuts July 21.

By STEPHANIE GARRY
Published July 9, 2007

Harry Potter mania is about to hit fever pitch, and this week is just the beginning.

The fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, opens in theaters at midnight Tuesday. The seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, comes out 10 days later on July 21. (The sixth book has been out for some time.)

Muvico Baywalk 20 will show the last 20 minutes of the film in 3-D IMAX. A sign will appear at the bottom of the screen to cue viewers to put on the glasses. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

Muvico will also have a regular midnight showing of the movie. Those tickets are $8.75 for adults, $7 for students and $5.75 for children. Muvico recommends people buy their tickets ahead of time.

Regal Park Place Stadium 16 in Pinellas Park will open as many theaters as needed 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. From Wednesday on, it plans to have five auditoriums dedicated to the film. Fans can buy advance tickets on Fandango.com or stop by the theater.

April Stoneberg, 21, who works for the House of Make Believe costume store in Clearwater, said customers have started streaming in with requests to dress up as Harry Potter or other characters in the series.

Most are preparing for the upcoming book release, but some dress up for the midnight movie showings. People came to the store asking for costumes for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies as well, she said.

"I'm just glad it's not pirates anymore, " Stoneberg said. "I'm just sick of them."

[Last modified July 9, 2007, 01:29:04]