Grab your ticket and face mask, movie theaters are now open but moviegoers can expect some changes to their theatre experience amid coronavirus pandemic.
AMC movie theaters reopened across the country on Thursday after being shut down since the start of the pandemic.
Movie fans will see classic movies mixed in with the latest blockbuster movies on the marquee. Classics like The Goonies, the original 1984 Ghostbusters, Grease, and Back to the Future will be featured at AMC 20 Elmwood, also Star Wars Empire Strikes Back and a director’s cut of Christopher Nolan’s Inception will featured at AMC 12 Clearview.
Unhinged, starring Russel Crowe is the first major movie filmed in New Orleans since the pandemic shut down 'Hollywood South'. It makes its debut Friday at all AMC theaters.
However, seeing these movies in an AMC theater will be a much different experience during the pandemic.
“As we reopen we recognized the world has changed,” said AMC Entertainment CEO and President, Adam Aron said in a video on AMC’s website. “As a result, the health and safety of our movie theatre guests and movie theatre staff is our absolute highest priority at AMC.”
Aron says AMC theatres will follow all CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Theatre crews will wipe and disinfect points of contact like doors and credit card machines. Crews will also deep clean every night using electro-static misters and hepa-filtered vacuum cleaners. Hand sanitizer will be available for guests.
Below is a breakdown of what moviegoers can expect when seeing a movie at AMC.
Masks Required for All
Facemasks are required to be worn by guests and staff. However, only medical masks will be allowed at the theatre. AMC will not allow neck gaiters, open-chin bandanas and masks with vents or exhalation valves. AMC theaters will have masks available for sale at the box office for $1.
Social Distancing
Guests will be expected to practice social distancing when in line at AMC.
Limited Seating
All AMC theatres will be operating at a reduced 40% capacity. In auditoriums with reclining seat like AMC’s Dolby auditoriums, the seats on either side of a seat a guest selects in the digital ticket selector will become unavailable for purchase. In auditoriums with traditional seating, the seats surrounding the seat selection in all directions will become unavailable.
Concessions
There will be a simplified concession menu. Popcorn, soft drinks, hotdogs, nachos, kid’s packs and candy will only be available at this time. Condiments and butter popcorn topping will only be available by request. Popcorn refills and refills at the soft drink dispensing kiosk will not be available. Cash will not be accepted at concession stands or MacGuffin bars.
You can learn more about AMC Theatres and their “Safe and Clean” policy on their website.
