Early risers for The Dark Knight

Cork fans of the forthcoming blockbuster film, 'The Dark Knight Rises' will need a very early alarm call this Friday morning to be the very first to catch the film in Cork. That's because the Reel Picture Cinema in Blackpool will premiere the film at 5.30am. The early start hasn't deterred die hard fans of the film from booking in their number so they can be the first to see the eagerly awaited film starring Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy and directed by Christopher Nolan.

"We had to wait until the midnight screenings in New York were over before we could start and we're hoping the die hard fans will come out in force for this special early morning screening. The beauty of this screening means that people who have work around 9am will be able to make it on time and it's a great way to start a Friday morning, " said Gillian O'Connor, manager of the cinema.

"We're not the first but I know there aren't too many cinemas doing it, although some are showing it at 5am but overall there's only a handful of cinemas doing this early screening."

Already interest in the screening has been increasing over the last few days as the hype around the film explodes and Gillian admitted that they have already a good number of bookings for the film and expects more interest as the day approaches.

For those who might find the early start a bit daunting there will be later screenings in the morning from 9.30am and 10.30am and if you see some caped crusaders while on your way to work then rest assured they have just come from the cinema.