GREENFIELD — After being closed for five months, Legacy Cinema is getting ready to light up its screens again with a series of popular older films for moviegoers to enjoy for free.
It’s serving as a preparation of sorts for the theater and moviegoers to adapt to changes sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic as studios get ready to start releasing films again.
Legacy Cinema, 2347 W. Main St., is screening “The Terminator,” “Back to the Future,” “Thelma & Louise” and “Jurassic Park” Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16. Showtimes for what the theater is calling the “It’s About Time!” series are available at its website, legacycinema.com.
In Indiana, movie theaters were able to open at 50% capacity in June. The film industry, however, has shuffled release dates throughout the summer due to coronavirus spikes in various places across the country.
“We are getting back into where the Hollywood release schedule is seeming like it’s going to get more firm,” said Cary Benbow, general manager at Legacy Cinema.
“Unhinged,” a thriller starring Russell Crowe, is slated to premiere in theaters nationwide on Aug. 21.
“We wanted to open up and get people used to what it will be like as far as observing physical distancing and things that will be different at the theater since the last time they were in,” Benbow said.
And, he continued, what better way to do that than with some free screenings?
The theater’s goal will be to seat about 30% capacity for each screening, Benbow said, and never more than 50%. He added some extra auditoriums will be available to handle spillovers if turnouts are big.
People who come together can sit together but will be asked to leave at least three seats between themselves and those they didn’t attend with. They’ll also be asked to wear face coverings when not enjoying concessions.
Benbow said employees will be carrying out routine cleaning at the theater throughout the weekend, especially on high-touch points. Markers on the floor inside and outside of the theater will remind customers about distancing while waiting in line. Doors will open about 30 minutes before the first showtime each day and evening.
The theater opened to sell carry-out concessions on Friday and Saturday evenings in July, which Benbow said was received well and drew good turnouts. Carry-out concessions will be available this weekend again for those in search of snacks but prefer catching flicks at home.
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IF YOU GO
WHAT: Free screenings of “The Terminator,” Back to the Future,” “Thelma & Louise” and “Jurassic Park”
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16; showtimes listed at legacycinema.com
WHERE: Legacy Cinema, 2347 W. Main St., Greenfield
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