This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

DENVER (KDVR) — As COVID restriction ease, multiple movie theater chains are reopening in Colorado this week.

Some AMC theaters are already open, with safety protocols in place. Harkins Theatres are selling tickets for shows starting on Friday, Jan. 8. So are Cinemark theaters.

“We have taken this very seriously,” said Cinemark Senior Vice President Chanda Brashears.

Brashears says masks are required. Theaters will have staggered showtimes and limited capacity seating. Seat buffering technology will automatically block out seats next to a group when they book, and each auditorium will be disinfetced in between showtimes. 

If you are looking to see a movie but do not feel comfortable gathering with people you do not know, Cinemark is offering private watch parties.

While some fans are excited to get back to the theater, Brashears knows that others may be hesitant. 

“It really is extremely safe. We have worked with health experts, and again been able execute this to 96% guest satisfaction. Part of it is just getting in and experiencing it for yourself. I think in this day and age everything is a little bit different,” she said.

The industry has been hit hard during the COVID pandemic.

“It’s been challenging, undeniably. Part of it is we don’t have as much new film content,” Brashears said.

With new movies like Wonder Woman 1984 playing in theaters, she hopes that movie lovers will head back to the theater. “I think it’s going to take some time, but I do think the theater industry will continue to thrive as the vaccines continue to roll out,” she said.

Where:

  • Century Boulder [cinemark.com]
    • Located at Twenty Ninth Street, Boulder CO 80301
  • Cinemark Carefree Circle and IMAX [cinemark.com]
    • 3305 Cinema Point, Colorado Springs CO 80922
  • Cinemark Tinseltown USA and XD [cinemark.com]
    • 1545 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., Colorado Springs CO 80906
  • Cinemark Fort Collins [cinemark.com]
    • 4721 South Timberline Rd, Fort Collins CO 80528
  • Cinemark Movie Bistro and XD [cinemark.com]
    • 335 E. Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins CO 80525
  • Cinemark Greeley Mall [cinemark.com]
    • 2160 Greeley Mall, Greeley CO 80631
  • Century 16 Bel Mar and XD [cinemark.com]
    • 440 S. Teller St., Lakewood CO 80226
  • Cinemark Tinseltown Pueblo [cinemark.com]
    • 4140 North Freeway, Pueblo CO 81008
  • Century Aurora and XD [cinemark.com]
    • 14300 East Alameda Ave., Aurora CO 80012

COVID-19 Safety Protocols, according to Cinemark:

  • Each auditorium will be extensively disinfected between showtimes using pressurized sprayers with products identified by the EPA to be effective in eliminating COVID-19.
  • Theatres will have staggered showtimes and limited capacities to maximize physical distancing.
  • Seat-Buffering Technology will automatically block seats adjacent to a party upon ticket purchase.
  • Face masks will be mandatory for all guests within the theatre and may only be removed for eating and drinking in the auditoriums.  Face masks and gloves will be required for all employees.
  • Cinemark is raising the fresh air rate by adding refresh and replace cycles and utilizing supply fans to increase total volume of fresh, outside air flowing into our theatres.
  • All public and high-touch spaces will be thoroughly sanitized every 30 minutes.
  • Ample supplies of seat wipes and hand sanitizer will be available for customer use.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online and use contactless payment methods for a more contact-free experience.  Cinemark said cash payments options will be limited.