Somerdale Cinemark Reopens Next Week

After being closed for nearly six months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Cinemark movie theater in Somerdale will reopen next week, the theater company announced. The announcement came after Gov. Phil Murphy announced earlier this week that movie theaters across the state could reopen beginning Friday at 25 percent capacity, up to 150 people.

Cinemark has been closed since March 17. At its reopening, Cinemark locations across the country have reopened with ticket sales for new flicks such as Unhinged, The New Mutants and Tenet.

"Cinemark is thrilled to once again welcome moviegoers across the U.S. to enjoy the unparalleled immersive experience of watching movies on the big screen," Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi said. "Through our very successful test-and-learn theatres, we have heard firsthand from moviegoers that we are truly setting The Cinemark Standard by providing the out-of-home entertainment experience they have been craving in a way that makes them feel protected."

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Classics such as Jurassic Park, Back to the Future and Raiders of the Lost Ark will be screened prior to the release of newer films.

Dubbed "Comeback Classics", the nostalgia film screenings will cost $5 per adult and $3 for children and seniors. Concessions will also be sold at a discount.

All Cinemark theaters will also see "enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols", with the addition of staggered showtimes and limited capacities, sanitation of theaters between screenings and available seat wipes and hand sanitizer for customer use. Supply fans will facilitate air flow in theaters and specialized filters will be utilized in facility vacuums. All customers and employees will be required to wear face coverings when not eating or drinking.

For movie buffs seeking the VIP treatment, the chain will also be offering Private Watch Parties, where customers can host a private screening of a film in a dedicated theater for up to 20 people.

Groups can sit together but others must be 6 feet apart. Masks must be worn at all times, but they can be pulled down for eating popcorn and other theater food.

Theater employees will undergo safety and sanitization training prior to the location's reopening and must complete a wellness check-in prior to every shift. Each theatre will designate a Chief Clean and Safety Monitor to ensure Cinemark's standards of safety are met.

"We have been extremely pleased with the results of our 15 test-and-learn theatres across the U.S., which have consistently been top performers among the 500+ indoor theatres opened," Zoradi said. "These strong results, coupled with consumer feedback, underscore that moviegoing is a favorite global pastime, and our teams are trained and prepared to safely welcome guests back to the cinema."

See related: NJ Coronavirus Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know