EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — It's been a year since most of us have been to a theater to see a movie.

Theaters in Los Angeles County have been closed since last March. But with COVID-19 cases dropping and vaccinations rising, theaters are reopening — with some restrictions in place. Los Angeles Times reporter Ryan Faughnder spoke to both moviegoers and the CEO of Cinemark Theaters about the new rules.

What You Need To Know

  • With COVID-19 cases dropping and vaccinations rising, theaters are reopening with restrictions 

  • Theater auditoriums are restricted to 25% capacity in L.A. County, and masks are required

  • To ensure social distancing, Cinemark’s online ticketing system automatically blocks off at least two seats next to tickets that have already been purchased

  • Analysts say it will be at least 2022 before theatrical attendance in the U.S. comes even close to pre-pandemic levels

L.A. County is the last major urban area in the country that is reopening.

"Los Angeles is the heart and soul of the movie business," said Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi. "When you walk in now, no more movie takers. It’s on your phone, just like when you go on an airplane. And the vast majority of people are buying reserved seats. So we know where they are sitting inside, so after they leave, we can wipe down those specific seats because we know where they have been."

Technology has been a big help for ticket and snack purchases because it helps avoid big crowds inside the theaters.

"When you buy a ticket, if you and a friend came and bought two tickets next to each other, the two seats on your left and two seats on your right are automatically blocked out," Zoradi added. "Another one is that we do online ordering for concessions. So when you buy your ticket, you will then be allowed to purchase whatever you want to purchase. You can pick it up at the snack bar, or we will deliver it to your seat."

Moviegoers are relieved to know that theaters are now open, saying they miss the cinematic experience.

"There are certain movies I want to see on the big screen, and I love and miss my movie theaters," said moviegoer Ken May. "I work from home, and what I do keeps me in, so I need to get out. I just got to get out."

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For some parents, going to the movie theater is a fun way to spend time with their kids, and they are happy to be able to renew their moviegoing habits.

"We just thought it would be a great experience for the kids to come back and visit their favorite movie theater because they haven’t been able to go at all," said another moviegoer, Pamelyn Rocco. "We would come here once a week or as soon as a new movie would come out. It’s just the experience. It’s something to do as a family, so we were really big moviegoers."

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