VALLEY VIEW, Ohio — When the pandemic hit, movie theaters took a hit. Some of the country’s biggest cinema chains saw a drop in revenue of up to 96% for the third quarter. Now, some movie theaters are trying to lure customers back into the theaters.
Along with implementing new safety protocols like sanitizing before every show, staggered showtimes and enhanced cleaning, Cinemark is now offering private watch parties.
“The private watch parties add an extra layer of comfort and ensures you know who is in the auditorium with you” said Caitlin Piper, Cinemark Public Relations.
Since launching the private theater experience, Piper said they’ve sold 50,000 across the country, getting 600,000 moviegoers back inside their theaters.
“Some of our guests who have come to a watch party have said that’s what brought them back to the theater,” she added.
“We just wanted to spend some time together and get out of the house,” said Lorraine Dougherty, who bought a watch party for her family at the Valley View Cinemark Theater on Tuesday. “It’s a wonderful option."
The cost of the private watch party is $99 for older films and $149 for newer movies.
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