Cineworld Will Reopen Theaters in US and UK in Less than a Month
We've been waiting for theaters to come back and now we have a date.
The conversation between theaters and consumers has been ongoing all spring. The movie season has been almost non-existent, with people renting things at home and going to drive-in theaters. But now, Cineworld, the owners of Regal Theaters, has decided to reopen on July 10th.
Cineworld operates 787 theaters and 9,500 screens across 10 countries, including Regal’s 546 theaters in America.
So, this would be a big shift in the current climate in which no theaters are open.
But here's the catch. This reopening plan will be subject to local ordinances. So, if you have a high corona rate in your area, those theaters might stay closed. If Cineworld makes money and has success, you can bet AMC will not be far behind.
“We are thrilled to be back and encouraged by recent surveys that show that many people have missed going to the movie theater. With a strong slate confirmed for the coming weeks, including among others Tenet, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, Wonder Women 1984, Black Widow, Bond, Soul, Top Gun Maverick and many more, the entire Cineworld team remains committed to being ‘the best place to watch a movie,” Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger said in a statement.
If those titles are truly confirmed and definitely debuting, this is excellent news and could revive the season.
But, how are they keeping us safe?
Theaters will operate at 50% capacity and make sure you have two seats between you and the person "next to" you. There will be ULV “Foggers” in order to clean and sanitize each auditorium. And they are working with a contactless way to provide concessions.
But will people go?
We are at 118,000 deaths in America. The virus is coming back in a big way across parts of the south and midwest. I truly cannot imagine going to a theater. I went to a drive-in 50 miles away from my apartment in LA and felt safe and great about that environment, so I might try to catch these titles there.
Do you feel comfortable seeing a movie right now? Let us know in the comments.
