Port Washington Theater Bans Costumes Ahead Of 'Joker' Movie

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Seven years after a gunman opened fire on a crowded Colorado theater during a showing of "The Dark Knight Rises," a Port Washington theater joined two national movie theater chains in taking safety precautions ahead of the highly-anticipated opening of "Joker." In a Facebook post Tuesday, Soundview Cinemas announced a ban on costumes this weekend due to unspecified safety reasons.

Capes, masks, cloaks and "simulated weapons" will not be allowed on the premises, the theater said. Additionally, all bags will be searched before entry.

"Thank you, we look forward to seeing you this weekend for the premiere of The Joker movie," the theater company said.

The ban comes days after Los Angeles-based Landmark Theaters — with more than 50 venues nationwide — told Reuters it was banning masks, face paint and costumes at its locations. AMC Theatres, the largest movie-theater chain in the country, is also telling customers to refrain from obscuring their faces. Costumes, however, are still allowed.

"Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face," the company told media outlets in a statement this week. "AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the moviegoing experience."

In July 2012, 12 people were shot to death inside an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater and another 58 were hurt during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" Batman movie. Twelve more were hurt trying to escape. The gunman, James Holmes, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

In "Joker," which will be released nationwide Thursday, actor Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck, a party clown who ultimately becomes Batman's arch nemesis.