BOSTON — Movie theaters in Massachusetts now have the green light to reopen as early as Monday, July 6th, as part of Phase 3.
The thought of heading into an indoor theater with strangers is a concept that might be met with some reluctance.
Cinema chains have spent months working to redefine and reengineer the indoor theater experience during a pandemic.
Norwood based Showcase Cinemas is expressing confidence that movie-goers will come back under its “Be Showcase Safe” health and safety program.
“It might take some time for people to come back. For others, we know they want to see a movie on the big screen and get off the sofa,” said Mark Malinowski, Vice President of Global Marketing at Showcase Cinemas.
Mark Malinowski told Boston 25 News that Showcase plans to reopen all of its 26 theaters in the U.S. on a rolling basis.
He said Showcase likely won’t reopen its first theater in Massachusetts until July 17th.
According to Malinowski, audience capacity will be cut by 50% and there will be extended time between showings for enhanced cleaning procedures.
He said contact-less ticket purchasing will automatically space people apart from others.
“There’s an algorithm built in so the seats around what they choose will automatically block off,” said Malinowski. “They won’t be sitting next to someone they don’t know.”
Malinowski also said new air purifying systems are being installed in every auditorium.
He added that movie goers will be required to wear masks and will only be permitted to take off their masks when seated for the film.
Movie theaters in the City of Boston won’t be allowed to reopen until July 13th at the very earliest. The one week delay applies to all Boston businesses included in Phase three.
In addition to Showcase, a number of cinema chains are projecting later reopening dates.
AMC has pushed its nationwide reopening date to July 30th citing distribution delays involving new films.
Showcase will start by playing classic films for $5 dollars, including Jurassic Park and Ghostbusters.
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RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
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