Two movie theater chains are delaying their reopenings as major movie releases are postponed.
After setting its reopening for July 15, AMC Theatres is pushing the date to July 30.
It will open 450 theaters July 30, with the goal of having all 600 U.S. theaters operating by early August.
Cinemark will delay its reopening, initially scheduled for July 3, until July 24. It will show classic movies to start, and then begin with new releases July 31 with “Unhinged.”
An AMC Theatres news release said the reopening date will better align with the delayed release of “major theatrical blockbusters” such as “Tenet,” which will open Aug. 12, and “Mulan” on Aug. 21.
There are three AMC Theatres locations in the area. AMC Regency 24 is at 9451 Regency Square Blvd.; AMC Orange Park 24 is at 1910 Wells Road; and AMC Classic Yulee 10 is at 96012 Lofton Square Court.
There are two Cinemark theaters in Jacksonville – Cinemark Tinseltown at 4535 Southside Blvd. and Cinemark Durbin Park at 435 Durbin Pavilion Drive.
In accordance with Florida’s phase two reopening, theaters can operate at 50% capacity.
“Our multi-phased reopening plan was thoughtfully designed with multiple contingencies in place that enable us to efficiently adapt to today’s ever-changing environment,” Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi said in a news release.
“We continue to pay close attention to (the) status of the virus, local mandates and availability of new content while prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, employees and communities.”
AMC Theatres managers returned to work June 29 to prepare for the reopening.
“We continue to devote extraordinary resources into our plan to operate our theatres with a hyper commitment to the safety and health of our guests and associates, notably in the United States through our new AMC Safe & Clean initiative,” AMC Theatres President and CEO Adam Aron said in a release.
AMC Theatres will require masks.
Both theater chains said they will have safety precautions and sanitization protocols in place upon reopening. They will make sanitizing stations available, and will frequently clean theaters and other high touch areas. Social distancing will be in place.
Concessions will be discounted at Cinemark, and cash payments won’t be accepted.
AMC Theatres will also not accept cash at the concession stand. The concession menu will be reduced to allow for faster service. Popcorn and fountain drink refills will not be available.