Film / News
Showcase chain plans to reopen its Bristol cinemas
US-based cinema exhibitor National Amusements has become the first UK multiplex operator to announce a reopening date.
The chain says it is “working towards” de-mothballing its Bristol cinemas – the Showcase Avonmeads and Cinema De Lux in Cabot Circus – in line with the government’s provisional phased lifting of coronavirus lockdown measures.
Throwing open the doors on July 4 is one thing. Persuading punters that it’s safe to return is quite another.
Showcase Cinemas UK general manager Mark Barlow is eager to reassure cinemagoers that social distancing and other safety measures will be in place for the grand reopening.
Barlow said: “These measures include being able to restrict capacities per auditorium to maintain social distancing requirements, as well as staggered film start times on a reduced schedule, online bookings, contactless payments throughout, Perspex shields at all till points, and wipes and hand sanitiser stations located throughout our buildings.
“We have also designed a comprehensive new cleaning programme and employee PPE requirements to ensure that our number one priority – the health and safety of everyone in our cinemas – is achieved.”
The other multiplex chains are likely to follow suit with similar announcements shortly. The situation is likely to be more challenging for the indies. The Watershed, for example, is not expecting to reopen its cinemas or cafe/bar before September.
Only two blockbusters are currently scheduled for release in July. The main one is Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, about which little is known apart from the fact that it’s officially billed as “an action epic evolving from the world of international espionage”.
Currently set for release on July 17, this one was shot on 70mm film and features an international ensemble cast led by John David Washington alongside Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Clémence Poésy, with Kenneth Branagh and Nolan’s old chum Michael Caine.
It’s followed a week later on July 24 by Disney’s live-action version of Mulan, which was originally due for release in late March.
https://youtu.be/Vz81-Sq7zXw
Main photo of John David Washington in Tenet courtesy Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.
Read more: MUBI launches fund to support independent cinemas as industry plans June reopening
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