Sinners guitar case popcorn bucket available at 2 AMC Theatres in Montgomery County

Sinners, one of the biggest blockbuster movies of 2025, just set a new record in 2026 for the most Oscar nominations of all time. While an anticipated nomination haul had already spurred a return to the big screen for the vampire flick, AMC Theatres has sweetened the even-better-than-fans-expected 16 nominations celebration with a very limited-edition Sinners guitar case popcorn bucket. So limited-edition, that the chain has currently removed the collectible from its website, where some lucky fans have successfully scored one when it has intermittently appeared in the online store.

That leaves buying one the old-fashioned way as your best bet. But the guitar case is not available at every AMC cineplex. Fortunately for Montgomery County moviegoers, two AMC locations here are on the list: AMC Montgomery 16 at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, and AMC Dine-in Rio Cinemas 18 at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. If they sell out there, or if it's more convenient for you, the bucket is also available at the AMC Columbia 14 in Howard County, the AMC Georgetown 14 in Washington, D.C., and the AMC Tysons Corner 16.

You may want to call ahead to confirm they still have some in stock. Tonight's showing of Sinners is already sold-out at AMC Montgomery 16. You don't have to see the movie to buy the popcorn bucket, though. Tomorrow is likely to be a no-go due to the expected impact of the winter storm that is hitting the area tonight, but tickets are still being sold for Sunday's screening as of this writing.

Jurassic World Rebirth specials at AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex in Bethesda

AMC Theatres continues to be the top cineplex chain to see blockbuster movies at. They've been on a roll since before the pandemic, when they offered cocktails and free collectibles for moviegoers screening Spider-Man: Far from Home in 2019. Starting today, July 2, 2025, the AMC Montgomery 16 theater at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda will enhance your Jurassic World Rebirth cinema experience with a free InGen ID badge and lanyard (while supplies last with ticket purchase), a dino-size Sriracha Bavarian Legend Pretzel, and a Menacing Mix cocktail made with tropical fruit, Kraken spiced rum and a "gold dusted dehydrated pineapple slice" garnish.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning movie tie-ins at AMC Montgomery 16 in Bethesda

Mission: Impossible briefcase popcorn
holder as seen at AMC Montgomery 16 in Bethesda

AMC Theatres continues to outdo itself in the movie tie-ins department, with the release of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning this holiday weekend. The MacGuffins Bar in the lobby is serving The Reckoning, a limited-edition cocktail featuring "a covert blend of spicy tequila BURSTING with juicy flavor." For agents who don't mind blowing their covers, there is a briefcase popcorn holder with a light-up Mission: Impossible logo. It sells for $50, as a combo with popcorn and drink included. Face your final reckoning at AMC Montgomery 16 at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, AMC Dine-In Rio Cinemas 18 in Gaithersburg, and AMC Wheaton Mall 9 at Wheaton Plaza in Wheaton.

AMC Theatres adds vibrating seat PRIME at AMC experience at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

AMC Theatres has completed the conversion to reclining seats in all auditoriums at the AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. But it has also topped off the retrofit of the old ArcLight Cinemas by offering its new PRIME at AMC moviegoing experience for some films. PRIME auditoriums feature newer projection technology that provides brighter colors and richer contrasts, surround sound, and "reverberating recliners." 

An AMC employee said that one auditorium is currently outfitted with the new PRIME system. A subwoofer in the recliner creates a vibrating or "reverberating" effect that, combined with the surround sound, provides a more immersive experience. Along with the superior screen images, the overall aim is to offer something as close to IMAX as possible in theaters that were not originally built to IMAX dimensions for screen size or sound configuration. 

The PRIME auditorium at AMC Montgomery 16 is currently hosting screenings of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice this afternoon, and of Transformers One this evening. That gives you an idea of the genres of film likely to get the PRIME treatment going forward, and that best capitalize on the technology. This was a nice bonus surprise to cap off the conversion from ArcLight to AMC at Montgomery Mall, along with the recliners and MacGuffins Bar.

Deadpool & Wolverine special items at AMC Theatres Montgomery 16 in Bethesda (Photos)

AMC Theatres has arguably been the top movie theater chain in recent years when it comes to special promotional items for blockbuster movies. There are almost as many limited-edition collectible and consumable products for Deadpool & Wolverine this weekend at AMC Theatres as there are cameos in the film. True believers will find all of these snacks, beverages, collectibles, and merchandise in the lobby. Here's a look at what's available for this superhero slugfest at AMC Theatres Montgomery 16 at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda:

The Coca-Cola Freestyle machine is loaded with two soft drinks based on the film, Chimichanga Chaser and Piña-Claw-Da, and both are only available at AMC Theatres. For those seeking an adult beverage, the bar in the lobby is mixing up the sweet strawberry Do-Over in Deadpool colors, and the tart orange Crossover in Wolverine yellow with green and blue accents. 

Two theater-goers can share the Deadpool & Wolverine Double Take Combo, which also plays off of the costume color schemes. Deadpool-red Nashville Hot Gourmet popcorn joins Wolverine butter-yellow traditional popcorn, along with large Chimichanga Chaser and Piña-Claw-Da sodas, and red strawberry Twizzlers and yellow Peanut M&Ms.

Choose your choice of hero in the form of Mystery Cups with figurine toppers, or in collectible popcorn vessels. Each popcorn holder includes a large popcorn from the snack bar. While supplies last. Excelsior!

AMC Montgomery 16 theater to add recliners at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

AMC's acquisition of the former ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda came with great hopes that the cineplex chain would upgrade some of the outdated elements of the theater, now known as AMC Montgomery 16. That's finally about to happen. AMC says it is moving forward with a plan to replace the fixed, cloth seats in the 16 auditoriums of the complex with its current recliner model. 

The company says it will spend nearly $3 million on the seats, and some other minor updates to the cineplex, which are expected to begin early next year. AMC notes that the addition of recliners will reduce the total number of seats in each auditorium. The renovation plan tells us that AMC is committed to keeping this theater open for a long time to come.

Assault at AMC Montgomery 16 movie theater at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at the AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda Sunday night, July 17, 2022. The assault was reported at the theater at 8:54 PM. Four assaults were reported at the mall between May 18 and June 7 this year; this is the first to be reported at the mall's movie theater.

Jurassic World Dominion/Jurassic Park double-feature event at AMC Montgomery Mall theater in Bethesda

AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda is hosting the ultimate opening weekend event for Jurassic Park fans this Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Enjoy a double feature of the original 1993 classic that started it all, Jurassic Park, followed by the new Jurassic World Dominion. Tickets are on-sale now.

But, wait - there's more! AMC also has an online store with some exclusive Jurassic World Dominion collectibles you can't buy anywhere else.

Image courtesy Universal Pictures

AMC Montgomery 16 applies for liquor license for MacGuffins Bar as concessions supply chain issues persist

AMC Theatres chose wisely to open its new AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for the opening weekend of The Batman. While the chain was able to turn around the shuttered ArcLight Cinemas for reopening earlier than many anticipated, and Batfans snapped up tickets, the theater isn't even firing on all cylinders yet. Several key concessions items like hot dogs were out of stock in recent days. And the trademark MacGuffins Bar, which AMC had confirmed last week would replace the ArcLight lobby bar, hasn't opened yet.

Apology message from AMC regarding
supply chain issues appears on the 
electronic menu boards at the snack bar

AMC says the temporarily-smaller menu is due to supply chain issues. Items unavailable at the snack bar over the last week include chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, the jumbo Bavarian Legend soft pretzel, and the plant-based Impossible Nuggets. 

Don't worry - Mac & Cheese Bites
are still in stock

It turns out there's a really good reason the bartenders weren't mixing drinks for opening weekend: the theater doesn't have a liquor license yet. AMC has now applied to Montgomery County for a license. A hearing on its application has been scheduled for April 14 at 10:00 AM.

Final preparations made at AMC Montgomery 16 theater at Montgomery Mall for today's opening

Workers were making final preparations for today's grand opening of the AMC Theatres Montgomery 16 cineplex at Westfield Montgomery Mall last night. The floor has been waxed to a reflective shine, but there were still boxes in the lobby. An AMC "guide to movie ratings" framed poster had been tacked to the wall in the former gift shop area. It will be interesting to see the status of the MacGuffins Bar, as last night there were still boxes on the bar, and few tables and chairs in the seating area from the old ArcLight Cinemas bar.

AMC Montgomery 16 opening at Montgomery Mall on Wednesday, March 2

AMC Theatres Montgomery 16 cineplex will open for the first time tomorrow, Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Tickets are now on-sale for screenings beginning tomorrow, and a mall spokesperson confirmed that AMC intends to open the theater tomorrow. Also confirmed via AMC is that a MacGuffins bar will indeed replace the ArcLight Cinemas bar in the lobby of the theater. 

AMC Theatres Montgomery Mall update (Photos)

The first official AMC Theatres "coming soon" signage is now up at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Inside the theater lobby, you can see that AMC Theatres ticket kiosks have been installed, as preparations continue for the expected opening next month of the AMC Montgomery 16.

I think the AMC brand is going to be a positive for the mall, as it has more name recognition than ArcLight Cinemas did. ArcLight provided an enjoyable, high-quality and unique moviegoing experience when it first opened at the mall. But over time, it shed nearly all of the selling points the brand was based on - special cocktails for big movies, the giant image wall in the lobby that featured the current blockbuster release, the movie costumes and props display across from the concessions stand, and the barring of entrance to the auditorium once the film had started. 

By the end, the only things left were the lack of commercials before the movie, and the cap on the number of trailers shown, both of which I found disconcerting and disappointing, respectively. There was a blank screen with a static, abstract, blurred image, and some kind of funereal background music, more suited to a seance than a night at the movies. This was good if you were planning on an in-depth conversation with your seatmate(s), but tedious and boring if not. And the trailers were almost always not targeted to the audience for the film being screened, which is usually not the case at other chains.

Finally, ArcLight did not have leather recliners, which are now ubiquitous nationwide. This could be overlooked when the theater was providing a top-notch experience in the early years, and they were surprisingly comfortable for ponderous, three-hour movies. But once there weren't any super hero cocktails, and people were doing the "excuse-me" high-step in front of your face 15 minutes into the movie, the immobility of those increasingly-stained cloth seats could no longer be ignored!

Expect AMC to replace those with recliners over time, if not before the grand opening next month. The recliners are so much a part of their branding now, it would be a glaring exception if they didn't offer them soon. Just before the pandemic hit, AMC was providing perhaps the top moviegoing experience in Montgomery County at its Rio Lakefront cineplex, with an expansive Dine-In menu (not expected to be at this location so far), film-related cocktails at the lobby bar, IMAX, and something else foreign to ArcLight - lobby promo stand-ups for future films. With plenty of room for the latter in the expansive lobby here, cinephiles have much to look forward to at the new AMC Montgomery 16.

AMC Montgomery 16 takeover of Bethesda ArcLight Cinemas includes expanded menu

The new AMC Montgomery 16 cineplex hasn't even opened yet at Westfield Montgomery Mall, and the menu at the concessions stand has already expanded. Where former owner ArcLight Cinemas had few food options beyond chicken tenders and flatbread pizza, the standard AMC Theatres concessions menu is now on display behind the snack bar. AMC took over the lease at the shuttered ArcLight in January.

Pictured on the screens are AMC's Bavarian Legend Pretzel, Mac Bites (macaroni-and-cheese balls), Pretzel Bites, mozzarella sticks, and Curly Fries. Of course, there is also a hot dog. And if chicken tenders and flatbread pizza were always part of your movie experience at this theater, AMC has their own versions of those on the menu.

Like all AMC theaters, popcorn will be their industry-best-selling Perfectly Popcorn. That recipe is so popular, AMC is now going to sell it as a retail product. Last week, the chain showed it was deadly serious about this venture by hiring a former Frito-Lay executive to take charge of retail popcorn sales.

AMC logos are now appearing on flatscreens in the former ArcLight lobby. They are also on ticket machines, indicating AMC software is being installed. Large signs posted above the theater entrance doors promise a "New Experience" that is "Coming Soon." According to AMC, "soon" is next month.

AMC Theatres taking over shuttered ArcLight Cinemas at Montgomery Mall

AMC Theatres is officially taking over the shuttered ArcLight Cinemas movie theater at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The chain will revive the abandoned cineplex as AMC Montgomery 16. This will be a major shot in the arm for the mall, especially after Spider-Man: No Way Home proved that moviegoers will return to theaters when studios give them a reason to, despite the ongoing pandemic that caused ArcLight to permanently close its theaters nearly a year ago.

AMC Theatres considering acquiring "strongest" ArcLight Cinemas locations

There's a faint glimmer of hope on the horizon for the shuttered ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Rival AMC Theatres' CEO Adam Aron said yesterday on Twitter that his chain is considering acquiring the "strongest" ArcLight locations that were recently permanently closed due to pandemic losses. Aron said the potential expansion into ArcLight locations was one reason for a recent sale of AMC stock that netted the cineplex operator $230.5 million.

The CEO did not identify which ArcLight locations he considered the strongest, but said the ArcLight option is at the very top of his list for the newly-aggressive firm. "Watch out naysayers," Aron tweeted Tuesday, "$AMC is going to play on offense again. Here we come!" 

If the Montgomery Mall ArcLight were to become an AMC, it could be a great turn of events for the mall and moviegoers alike. Without the draw of the very-expensive ArcLight addition that topped a $90 million expansion and renovation over the last decade, the future of the mall is in serious question. And AMC's Dine-In theater model could easily fit into the existing setup at the ArcLight, bringing AMC's upscale entrees, milkshakes and MacGuffins Bar to the mall cineplex.