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In some countries, cinemas are slowly reopening – but not as we know it. Various rules and regulations have been put in place to ensure a clean, safer environment for those heading to the movies across the next few weeks.
But when are cinemas reopening? And what exactly are they doing to ensure you can go and watch the latest films – such as the upcoming Tenet – without having to worry?
Below, we’ll run through all the major cinema chains in the US and UK, detailing when they’ll reopen and the official measures that have been announced. That’s all so you can compare and contrast everything from Vue, Odeon, Regal, AMC, and more to hopefully help you make the decision you’re most comfortable with.
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When are US cinemas re-opening? (Alamo Drafthouse, AMC, Cinemark, Regal)
Alamo Drafthouse
When is Alamo Drafthouse re-opening? Summer
What safety measures does it have in place? Masks required; hand sanitisers and wipes available; “auditorium seating capacity will be consistent with either local, federal, or Alamo Drafthouse’s distancing limitations – whichever is stronger.” For more on how Alamo Drafthouse is planning to re-open, read its COVID safety guide.
AMC
When is AMC re-opening? Mid-August
What safety measures does it have in place? Masks required; hand sanitisers and wipes available; screens at 30% capacity; every other row is blocked off. For more, check out AMC’s Safe and Clean plans.
Cinemark
When is Cinemark re-opening? July 31 (some locations)
What safety measures does it have in place? Masks required; hand sanitisers available and staff wash hands every 30 minutes; reduced capacity “in compliance with all local and state guidelines.” The full Cinemark Standard guide can be found on its website.
Regal
When is Regal re-opening? August 21
What safety measures does it have in place? Employees and guests will be required to wear masks; hand sanitisers available; screens at 50% capacity; two empty seats between groups. See the full list of regulations and rules here.
When are UK cinemas re-opening? (Cineworld, Odeon, Showcase, Vue)
Cineworld
When is Cineworld re-opening? July 31
What safety measures does it have in place? PPE provided to employees; social distancing (currently “one metre plus”) must be observed; hand sanitisers available; distanced seating; staggered film times. The full list of measures is available on Cineworld’s website.
Odeon
When is Odeon re-opening? July 4 (10 locations), more to re-open in late July
What safety measures does it have in place? PPE provided to employees; limited seats available to help maintain social distancing; sanitising stations with gels and wipes; more frequent cleaning. Here’s everything else Odeon will be doing to help keep you safe.
Showcase
When is Showcase re-opening? July 4
What safety measures does it have in place? Capacity reduced by 50%; hand sanitising stations available; more frequent cleaning.
Vue
When is Vue re-opening? August 7 (10 locations)
What safety measures does it have in place? Vue: “We look forward to working further with the government and the UK Cinema Association in the coming days to demonstrate the specific steps we will take in the UK, including physically isolating family groups through our online booking systems, staggering film times to maintain social distancing and operate responsibly, and introducing enhanced cleaning and employee protection protocols.”
