ONTARIO — With all that’s happened in 2020, it seems fitting that the area’s only local indoor movie theater reopens with a showing of the new film, “Unhinged.”
Such is the case when Cinemark 14 Mansfield Town Center resumes operations Friday afternoon for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Ohio in March.
Cinemark had planned to reopen in early July, but a surge in cases around the state derailed the efforts.
The local movie house at 2355 Walker Lake Road relaunches with seven movies — two new releases and five Cinemark is dubbing “Comeback Classics.”
Older films may be a staple of movie theaters for the foreseeable future given the havoc COVID-19 has wrought upon Hollywood and the movie industry.
According to an Aug. 9 NBC news story, filmmakers have dealt with an unprecedented shutdown due to coronavirus.
In the last six months, almost every facet of Hollywood from production through exhibition has ground to a halt, an economic setback unprecedented in cinematic history.
“It wasn’t a fade to black, it was a snap to black,” said Colleen Bell, executive director of the California Film Commission.
The 2020 release “Unhinged,” starring Russell Crowe, will be shown at 3 p.m., followed by “Jurassic Park” at 3:05 p.m.; “Inception 10th Anniversary Events” at 3:40 p.m.; “Words on Bathroom Walls” at 4:25 p.m.; “I Still Believe” at 4:50 p.m.; “Despicable Me” at 5:25 p.m.; and “Star Wars: Episode V” at 5:35 p.m.
Movies will be shown again during the evening. For a complete schedule, visit the theater’s website.
Things will look and feel different for moviegoers, according to the Cinemark website.
“As we begin thoughtfully reopening theatres, the health and well-being of our guests, employees and communities is a top priority. You will notice greatly enhanced cleanliness, sanitizing and safety measures at every step of your movie-going experience,” the website said.
Changes include:
FACE MASKS REQUIRED: For the safety of guests, employees and communities, Cinemark will require that face masks be worn throughout the theatres. Masks may be removed when eating and drinking inside the auditorium.
REDUCED AUDITORIUM CAPACITIES & STAGGERED SHOWTIMES: For the time being, overall auditorium capacities are being reduced for safety and to maintain compliance with all local and state guidelines.
When you purchase movie tickets at Cinemark, the theater now automatically blocks the seats adjacent to your party.
“In addition, we are staggering showtimes to allow more time for guests to exit and prevent overcrowding in our restrooms, halls and lobbies. This also allows employees more time to clean and sanitize between movies,” the website stated. “Guests are encouraged to practice physical distancing when entering and exiting the auditorium.”
CONTACTLESS TICKETING: Patrons are encouraged to buy tickets online, which will allow for a more contactless in-theatre experience.
“If you prefer to purchase tickets in a theatre, please consider using a contactless-enabled credit card or your preferred mobile wallet payment type. Good news — we have also streamlined our in-theatre ticket verification process to minimize contact and get you to your movie faster.
“Guests who purchase tickets online via our website or app (or a third-party provider such as Fandango or Atom Tickets) are no longer required to also carry a printed ticket. Simply show your ticket confirmation QR code to the usher at the ticket podium to scan. Guests purchasing tickets at the box office or theatre kiosk will still receive a printed ticket, however it no longer needs to be handed to our ushers for tearing. Just show your ticket and be on your way.”
ASKING GUESTS FOR COOPERATION & PATIENCE: “As we navigate this new normal, Cinemark is taking every precaution to ensure your safety — and we’re asking our guests to do the same. Please help us by considering the following: Dispose of all trash, seat wipes and unwanted protective gear in proper bins upon leaving the auditorium, which helps limit indirect contact and also gives our employees time for enhanced sanitizing.
“Please practice physical distancing of at least six feet from fellow guests and employees in all areas of the theatre — including entrances, lobbies, concession areas, restrooms, hallways, restaurants, game rooms, lounge areas and auditoriums. Physical distancing markers have been placed on floors throughout the theatre as a reminder.”
WELLNESS OF GUESTS: Any guest who feels unwell, has a fever, and/or has any COVID-19-like symptom is asked to please refrain from entering the theatre, and instead, request a contactless refund online, in our app or call 1-800-CINEMARK.
CASH EXCHANGE: To help reduce potential contact between cash and food-handling areas, cash payments will not be accepted for snack purchases. However, each theatre will have a designated area where cash will be accepted, and gift cards will be available. As always, gift cards are redeemable at the concession stand.
