Ahead of the Oscars, AMC promises cinema popcorn at home

No more going to the movies to buy popcorn at the movies, thanks to a new collaboration between AMC Theaters and Walmart. The movie company is launching a line called AMC Perfectly Popcorn, with options for ready-to-eat and microwaveable popcorn.

It will be available in Walmart stores on March 11, a the day before the 2023 Oscars. Shoppers will be able to get that “theater taste and aroma of movie theater popcorn” without going to the movies, AMC said in a statement Tuesday.

The ready-to-eat popcorn will be $4 and the microwaveable variety at $5. Flavors include Classic Butter, Extra and Lightly Salted Butter. If you still miss the feeling of pumping extra butter into your giant bag of popcorn at the movies, Perfectly Popcorn Microwave Extra Butter comes with packets of buttery topping.

AMC’s move into retail reflects film industry determination to stay relevant in an era dominated by streaming. Cinema chains are also exploring options such as more immersive experiences, giant screens and luxury auditoriums to entice customers.

The 95th Oscars will take place on March 12 at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET. The ceremony will be televised on ABC and can also be streamed on services such as YouTubeTV and Hulu Live TV. People can also watch on the ABC app.