NEW HARTFORD - "Dark Knight," the new Batman movie opened up nationwide at midnight on Thursday night. Locally, there were four showings, three of which sold out.

It has been three years since the last Batman movie and now that long anticipated sequel is finally here. Central New York fans of the superhero are ready to see if the movie meets the hype.

"Since the first trailers came out on it, I have been waiting, watching trailers and I'm excited for it, says Brian Benson.

"I like the first one before this, "Batman Begins," so I'm hoping it will live up to that. Plus I'm looking forward to Heath Ledger's role as the Joker, it's supposed to be really good ," added Andy Byrd.

"Really good" is an understatement according to one Central New York fan, who says the late Heath Ledger steals the show.

"Oh the Joker, simply put the Joker. Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is just the most phenomenal thing I have ever seen on the TV, on the screen," said Brandon DeJesus.

The movie is expected to contest with previous major movie debuts when it comes to box office dollars. The staff at the Marquee Cinema say there will be roughly a dozen showings Friday and Friday night.

Next week however, that number will increase, to an average of 15 shows per day.