AMC will close U.S. theaters for the next 6 to 12 weeks amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
AMC Theaters, the largest theater chain in America, announced it would close 630 locations starting March 17 for at least 6 to 12 weeks due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. AMC CEO and President Adam Aron will comply with local, state, and federal mandates to ensure the public health of staff and moviegoers.
“We are ever so disappointed for our moviegoing guests and our employee teams that the new CDC guidelines that Americans should not gather in groups larger than 10 people make it impossible to open our theatres. Still, the health and wellbeing of AMC guests and employees, and of all Americans, takes precedence above all else. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and look forward to the day we can again delight moviegoers nationwide by reopening AMC movie theatres in accordance with guidance from the CDC and local health authorities.”
Landmark Theaters, Cineplex Odeon, and Alamo Drafthouse also closed their entire chain until further notice.
AMC will also stop A-List memberships for the first time, with no billing or payments occurring for customers.
“Members will be notified prior to this pause expiring and will have the option to choose to extend the pause for another month if they so desire. Additionally, any A-List member who did not renew their membership any time so far in calendar year 2020 will not have to wait the customary six months to rejoin,” read a statement.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend time with your family or find something to watch, check out AMC’s AMC Theaters on Demand channel.
In other related entertainment news, Universal Studios to release movies currently in theaters as $20 rentals.
Following the Coronavirus outbreak, Universal movies will be available to rent, including ‘The Hunt’ and ‘The Invisible Man.’
As Donald Trump announced new guidelines to stem the Coronavirus outbreak, and the shutdown of non-essential businesses roll out across the United States, box office sales are taking a massive hit. Movie theaters are now sitting virtually empty. Until now, movie studios were patient and waiting out to see the impact of the pandemic. But, Universal will be the first entertainment company to break a long-held tradition. Universal will make theatrical releases available for on-demand rental starting this week.
Starting with ‘The Hunt’ and ‘The Invisible Man’ and ‘Trolls World Tour, Universal will offer titles for rent over streaming for $19.999 for 24 hours.