AMC Theaters reopens doors

WEST HOMESTEAD, Pa. — The lights started slowly coming back on in theaters nationwide Thursday with AMC Theaters, the country’s largest chain, leading the charge.

AMC opened some 113 locations across the U.S., advertising 15-cent ticket retro pricing and retro screenings to entice audiences back to the movies. Regal, the second largest exhibitor, is following suit Friday.

When the doors at the West Homestead, Pennsylvania, theater opened, masked employees stood in the lobby to greet patrons and help them navigate the new safety protocols inside, where masks are required (except when eating and drinking concessions). Pretty soon, the number of customers had doubled and in time, there was a steady stream of people of all ages coming through the doors.

“My son and I counted the days until it reopened. We love coming to the movies. That’s why we’re here,” said Betty Gallagher.

After opening day, the back-catalog films from “Black Panther” to “Grease” will cost $5 a ticket.