Internet sensation 'Paranormal Activity' expanding due to popular demand

Paramount Pictures announced tonight that the well received horror/thriller "Paranormal Activity" will expand into 20 markets beginning this Friday, Oct. 2.  As with the first 12 cities that opened the film, the picture will  play only at midnight.

According to the studio, over 230,000 people voted for the new markets on the official Paranormal Activity website.  Those new markets and theaters include Los Angeles, CA (Arclight Hollywood); New York, NY (AMC Empire); Chicago, IL (AMC River East); Dallas, TX (AMC Northpark); Houston, TX (AMC Studio); San Diego, CA (AMC Mission Valley); Phoenix, AZ (Harkins Tempe Marketplace); San Francisco, CA (AMC Metreon); Philadelphia, PA (National Amusement Bridge); Atlanta, GA (Atlantic Station); Miami, FL (AMC Adventure); San Antonio, TX (AMC Huebner Oaks); Las Vegas, NV (Rave Town Square); Minneapolis, MN (AMC Rosedale); Denver, CO (Regal Continental); Detroit, MI (AMC Forum); DC/Baltimore (AMC Georgetown); Sacramento, CA (Cinemark Complex 14); San Jose, CA (AMC Mercado); and Tampa, FL (AMC Veterans).

Not surprisingly, the new cities also happen to align with the top media and moviegoing markets not covered by the original release.  While the online activity no doubt confirmed interest in those cities, distribution sources tell HitFix Paramount had already booked the new theaters before "Activity" opened this past weekend.  Obviously, the studio would have cancelled the bookings if the premiere failed, but it appears it's all been part of an expected release plan.

"Paranormal Activity" will continue to play in the original "college" markets it debuted in: Seattle, WA (Neptune); Ann Arbor, MI (State); Durham, SC (Southpoint 16); Baton Rouge, LA (RAVE Mall of Louisiana 15); Boulder, CO (Cinemark 16); Columbus, OH (Studio 35); Orlando, FL (AMC Universal Cineplex); Madison, WI (Marcus Eastgate 16); Santa Cruz, CA (Del Mar 3); State College, PA (Premiere College 9); Tucson, AZ (El Con); and Lincoln, NE (Ross Media Center).

The film grossed $77,873 in 12 theaters and limited showings over the weekend.

To buy tickets for "Paranormal Activity" (if it's playing near you) click here.