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'The Interview' will open at two theaters in Valley
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
Mahoning Valley residents will get a chance to see “The Interview” in local theaters after all.
The comedy movie that stirred up an international incident will open Friday at Encore Cinema in Niles and Movies 8 in Boardman. Both theaters show second-run films at reduced prices, and are owned by Brian DeCiancio.
The nation’s major movie chains announced that they would not show the movies after threats were received. President Barack Obama has blamed North Korea for hacking into Sony Pictures computers — the maker of the film — and threatening retribution if the movie is screened.
The Regal and Cinemark chains, which operate the Mahoning Valley’s multiplexes, were among those that decided not to show the film.
DeCiancio said he approached Sony Pictures about showing the film.
“We’re usually not given the opportunity to show first-run movies but once the chains passed on it, it left the door open,” said the Howland resident. “Also, it’s a unique situation. The film is already available through On Demand.”
A film’s ticket price drops in value once it is available for home rentals, said DeCiancio.
“The Interview,” which was released Christmas day, also has been available for $4.95 on online services such as YouTube Movies and Microsoft’s Xbox video console. It also opened in a few hundred independent theaters, and was put on sale as a DVD for $14.95.
Tickets are $5 at Encore ($4 for matinees) and $3 at Movies 8. Those prices will apply to “The Interview.”
For show times, go to nilesencore.com or boardmanmovies8.com.
DeCiancio said he’s not worried about the threats, but added that he does have security at his theaters.
“I’m not concerned,” he said. “There were no incidents anywhere else it was shown. You have to stay aware. But it has brought out more patriotism than anything else.”
The film stars James Franco and Seth Rogen as the host and producer of a TV show who land an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and are then recruited by the CIA to assassinate him.
Directed by Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the raunchy comedy strongly pokes fun at Kim Jong Un.