Record Crowds Flock to ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ Midnight Opening

People started filling up the Eastpoint Movies 10 Theater in Dundalk at 10:30 p.m.

Tim Dunham drove all the way from Harford County to southeastern Baltimore County, arriving Thursday night with a group of friends and family.

“Everywhere else was sold out so we decided to come down here,” Dunham said. “We looked online and found the tickets last minute and headed down.”

Dunham, of course, crossed county lines for the midnight opening of the second part of the final installment of one of the most successful film series ever: “‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.”

By late yesterday afternoon the film had already shattered the record for advance ticket sales ahead of its midnight opening, according to the New York Post. The Post reported that according to Fandango, more than 6,000 of last night’s midnight shows sold out in advance and venues began adding additional 3 a.m. showtimes.

The latest of eight films, beginning in 2001 with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” author J.K. Rowling has made it known that no more H.P. novels are forthcoming. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” is the second half of Rowling’s last Harry Potter book, split into two movies.

John and Samantha Krysiak from Dundalk, dedicated Harry Potter fans, wouldn’t miss the rare late show.

“I’ve seen every single one in the theater,” John Krysiak said. “I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. I wanna go to Hogwarts. I should be there now training. This is the one I’ve been waiting to see, it’s my favorite book.”

Samantha added: “I’m probably more of a fan than he (John) is.”

The film is being shown in both 3D and 2D at the Eastpoint. The 3D version is being screened on theater’s huge 58-foot screen with 600-capacity stadium seating and state-of-art sound system. The film’s already received strong reviews across the country.

Los Angeles Time film critic Kenneth Turan reported that the final installment is one of the series best, with usual cast of characters and creative team returning “with a thrilling and satisfying finish.”

“In a classic storybook finish,” Turan wrote… "’Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2’" turns out to be more than the last of its kind. Almost magically, it ends up being one of the best of the series as well.”

Expectations are high. Ray Ewing, also of Dundalk, has watched them all in a theater.

“I have seen all them in the theaters. I am anticipating this one a lot,” Ewing said. “Part 1 was really good so I’m hoping it’s the same from this one.”

Beth Damico, an Eastpoint manager and her team, along with projectionist Steve Prodey, decided to mark the special occasion by hosting the midnight opening.

“This is a big deal. We’re close to sold out for both shows tonight,” Damico said before the final totals were tallied. She added that Friday is already looking good, too. “We’ve already sold 200 tickets for the 1 p.m. showing,” Damico said.

Since this is the last planned installment there was sure to be some sadness that the series was ending.

Derek Fleetwood, from Baltimore City, doesn't want it to end.

“I’m pretty bummed, but they are awesome movies,” Fleetwood said. “The series has been wonderful. The books are good. I don’t want it to end.”