Cineplex details plans to reopen theatres
TORONTO — Cineplex has announced its plans to reopen cinemas across Canada starting with six theatres in Alberta on June 26. More locations and theatres will follow suit on July 3.
Like other theatre chains across the continent, Cineplex was forced to close its venues in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Throughout the planning process, our top priority has always been the health and safety of our employees and guests and ensuring that your time with us is safe, comfortable and welcoming,” Sarah Van Lange, executive director of communications for Cineplex, said in an email to the Sun.
When it reopens, Cineplex will implement reserved seating in all auditoriums across the country to ensure proper physical distancing between its guests.
Cineplex also announced its Rec Room properties — which features arcade games and dining options — will be reopening this week in Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. While there is no timetable for reopening in Toronto and theatres across Ontario, “we are hopeful that there will be news to share on that front as well soon,” Van Lange adds.
With some films delayed until later in the year, Van Lange says that Cineplex will be showing previously released titles on its screens.
The first wide releases of the summer come July 10 with the Russell Crowe roadrage thriller Unhinged and the Selena-Gomez-produced rom-com The Broken Hearts Gallery both slated to open. Summer blockbuster moviegoing officially gets underway July 23 when Disney’s liveaction remake of Mulan hits theatres. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. will roll out Christopher Nolan’s Tenet on July 31 with a third Bill & Ted movie due out in August.
When venues reopen, Van Lange says Cineplex will implement stringent cleaning protocols, “ensuring our team has the personal protective equipment they need to keep everyone safe and implementing physical distancing measures throughout our buildings, including our lobbies, games floors and food service areas.”
Van Lange also noted that its VIP experiences, which serve food and alcohol, and its Clubhouse auditoriums will open at a later date.
Cineplex will also be dealing with the fallout of its failed $2.8-billion acquisition by U.K.-based theatre chain Cineworld PLC, which collapsed last week.
Cineworld pointed to a deterioration in Cineplex’s business, with Cineplex countering that there is “no legal basis” to terminate the agreement.