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World War Z, Brad Pitt More

How much would you pay to be the first person on your block to see "World War Z"? Paramount Pictures and Regal Cinemas are betting that zombie and/or Brad Pitt fans are willing to dig deep for the chance to see the big budget zombie epic a few days ahead of schedule, to the tune of $50.

A limited number of "mega tickets" have been devised for for mega fans. Early screenings of "World War Z" will be held in five cities on June 19, two days before the movie opens wide. Ordinary early tickets for the pre-release screenings will be available for $16.50 ($14.00 for children), already a bit steep for a mid-week showing, but Paramount is also offering their super-sized version for the princely sum of $48.75, which tops off at an even $50 when the $1.25 service fee is included.

So what does that $50 get you? Well, the screening is in RealD 3D, and you'll receive a pair of special collectable custom 3D glasses (which you presumably won't be asked to recycle after the show). You'll also get a full-size copy of a limited edition "World War Z" poster and a HD digital download of the film the day it becomes available on home video.

And because they're staying classy, the promoters are even throwing in a bag of popcorn. Small size, of course — but what do you want for fifty bucks?

By the way, it looks like these guys got to see it for free!

Before the start of minicamp, the #49ers got a sneak preview of #WorldWarZ, which opens June 21. pic.twitter.com/RcdDn5t7j8 — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 11, 2013

The luxury-priced screenings of Brad Pitt's zombie invasion movie are happening in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and, yes, also in San Diego (pronounced San Dee-yah-go to "Anchorman" fans).

The mega ticket screenings are the first of their kind, according to Paramount, suggesting that if enough people are willing to part with half a Benjamin for the privilege of seeing "World War Z" a few days early — and get some goodies thrown in — this could become a regular part of the launch cycle for event movies.

In an amusing coincidence, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas spoke at an event at the University of Southern California on Wednesday, where the veteran filmmakers offered dire predictions about the future of the movie industry as budget for potential blockbusters continue to grow.

"There's going to be an implosion where three or four or maybe even a half-dozen mega-budget movies are going to go crashing into the ground, and that's going to change the paradigm," Spielberg said.

As a consequence, Spielberg said he expects a future where theaters and studios will maximize profits by charging more for major attractions. "You're gonna have to pay $25 for the next 'Iron Man,' you're probably only going to have to pay $7 to see 'Lincoln,'" Spielberg said.

Congratulations, Mr. Spielberg! In less than 48 hours, your prediction came true — and then some. Can we interest you in a poster and a small bag of popcorn?

Watch 'World War Z' Clip — Broken Mirror:

