For example, locally-based Consolidated Theaters is opening Manchester Cinema, a 12-screen megaplex in Rock Hill, SC just across the state line about 30 miles south of the Queen City. The newly-opened Manchester Cinema in Rock Hill is just a screen shout away from an older eight-screen cinema, and across town from a third seven-screen cinema. The managers of the older theaters hope to compete with Manchester Cinema but already are considering changing their format by showing older movies at discount prices.

Although analysts say too many theaters spread the audience too thin, advantages of the new theaters include stadium seating that offers comfort and unobstructed viewing, surround-sound and concession stands offering everything from soup to cider. The new state-of-the-art houses are forcing other theaters to renovate or go out of business. Half of the country's largest theater operators have filed for bankruptcy protection since August.

Yet according to the Motion Picture Association of America, the number of movie screens has jumped to almost 38,000 from 28,000 since 1995. In Huntersville, for example, just 20 miles north of Charlotte, a chain is planning to open 16 screens next spring off Interstate 77 near the Palace Stadium 12, and just one exit from a dozen screens in nearby Cornelius, NC.