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Dipson To Reopen Warren, Keep Local NY Theaters Closed

Lakewood Cinema 8. P-J file photo

Those hoping to catch a flick at the Chautauqua Mall or Lakewood’s Cinema 8 will have to wait a bit longer, even as Dipson Theatres announced Thursday it plans to reopen its nearby Warren location later this month.

The Western New York-based theater chain, which operates the Warren, Chautauqua Mall and Lakewood locations among others in the Buffalo area, detailed its plans to bring movies back to the big screen. Theaters, like many businesses, closed in March due to COVID-19.

In Warren, Dipson said it will resume shows at its 4160 Market St. theater on Friday, Aug. 21, starting with “Unhinged” starring Russel Crow.

Michael Clement, Dipson president, said the reopening plan does not include its theaters in New York.

“Unfortunately, our New York locations must remain closed per the direction of the Governor of New York state,” Clement said. “We are hopeful we will be allowed to open soon.”

Clement, in a statement, said measures will be taken to keep employees and patrons safe.

“Customer service is, and will remain, Dipson Theatres’ highest priority,” he said. “Our entire staff will be wearing personal protective equipment for as long as it is required to do so. We have also installed plexiglass in front of all of our concession stands.

“All employees will have their temperatures taken before the start of their shifts. We have invested in epa approved cleaning products and equipment that continue to kill COVID-19 for up to 90 days on any surface.

“All areas of the theatres will be treated by this process and we will continue to tirelessly spot clean every touch point using EPA approved products. Our seating capacity will remain at 50% for the time being. We will be providing additional hand and seat sanitizers at all locations.

“We encourage everyone to purchase their tickets online-in-advance. Showtimes will be more spread out to reduce crowd sizes for each showing and cross traffic. Customers will be mandated to wear masks in the lobbies and bathrooms and while watching the movie while not enjoying our delicious popcorn and other treats. Social distancing has become the new norm and it will apply in all areas of the movie theatre.”

Elsewhere, AMC Theatres — the nation’s largest movie theater chain — said will reopen in the U.S. on Aug. 20 with retro ticket prices of 15 cents per movie. AMC Entertainment, which owns the chain, said Thursday that it expects to open the doors to more than 100 cinemas — or about a sixth of its nationwide locations — on Aug. 20 with throwback pricing for a day.

AMC theaters have reopened in numerous international countries but have remained shuttered in the U.S. since March. The chain touted the reopening as “Movies in 2020 at 1920 Prices.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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