All MS Coast movie theaters will be open by this weekend. Here’s what to know.
“Unhinged” staring Russell Crowe is the first big cinema debut as all the movie theaters in South Mississippi reopen by the weekend.
After being closed five months, it will be a new experience for movie goers. They will be required to wear masks but are expected to be encouraged rather than “unhinged” by the safety procedures.
Generally masks will be required while entering, exiting and moving around the theaters, but can be removed while seated and munching popcorn. Hand sanitizer will be plentiful.
Seats and other surface areas will be wiped down regularly. Popcorn will be pre-packaged at some theaters. Adjacent seats will be blocked to provide social distancing.
Beacon Theater in Waveland and Cinemark at the Crossroads in Gulfport already are open. The Grand Theater in D’Iberville and Premiere Lux in Biloxi return Friday, Aug. 28.
Other big movies this weekend are: “The New Mutants,” “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” “Bill & Ted Face the Music” and “Trolls.”
Here are the details:
▪ Premiere Lux at Edgewater Mall in Biloxi will have the first new movies to show on U.S. screens since March.
”So many people have stopped by asking when we’re reopening,” said John Sampson, facility director. “I think everyone is tired of being cooped up and just ready to get back to all the fun stuff in life we enjoyed before.”
Premiere will have seating capacity of 50%. The concession stand will be open but the bar and cafe will reopen in a later phase.
▪ Grand Theater in D’Iberville off Sangain Boulevard opens Friday with new procedures in place. In reserved theater locations, the cinema’s ticket sales system allow groups who order tickets at the same time to sit together, with two-seat gap on either side. In general admission theaters, occupancy generally is limited to 50%, and groups will be asked to separate by three seats and every other row will be blocked off.
Online ticketing fees will be waived until Sept. 30 and customers can use the theater’s app for tickets and to pre-order concessions for a touchless pickup
▪ Cinemark at Crossroads in Gulfport reopened with greatly enhanced cleanliness, sanitizing and safety measures — and a designated “Chief Clean and Safety Monitor” on duty at each theater to ensure the standards are followed. Staggered show times and high-tech air filters and vacuum cleaners add more protection.
In addition to the top new movies, the theater will show “Comeback Classic” films and traditional concessions at reduced ticket prices of $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. For those who want even greater precautions, a private watch party and private screening can be booked in a dedicated auditorium for up to 20 people, starting at $99.
▪ Beacon Theater on U.S. 90 in Waveland shows favorite older movies like Stephen King’s “The Dead Zone” this Friday and “Star Wars 9” on Saturday. Tickets range from $5 to $7 and in addition to popcorn, the concession stand features pickles, nachos, hot dogs and candy — with wine coming soon.
