Some drive-in movie theaters have experienced a surge of interest, as other entertainment venues have been forced to close their doors amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
According to a report from The LA Times, drive-in theaters have become a popular choice for cinephiles looking for an alternative to movie-watching in isolation, as several of the 305 outdoor venues in the United States have reported a recent increase in business while the majority of brick-and-mortar movie theaters, including major chains, AMC and Regal, remain closed in adherence to government advisories on social distancing.
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Operators of drive-in movie theaters in California, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri told the publication that they were “mindful of restrictions on large gatherings and would close if a mandate required them to do so,” though many are already taking extra measures to minimise contact, including shutting down or limiting concessions and ensuring all employees are wearing gloves while examining tickets.
These additional precautions are in place to protect the increased number of people who are indulging in the escapism of the outdoor movie-watching experience. The Paramount drive-in theater in Lakewood, California, reported a spike in demand for a Tuesday showing of Pixar’s Onward, with sales that were “at least double” what they would typically be. In total, 320 tickets were sold for the nighttime screening.
“It has been a welcome relief for families and adults looking for a little getaway from the house,” owner Beau Bianchi explained, reflecting on the growth in business. “We’ve been trying to let people know that we have a safe environment and [offer] a little escape.”
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While more and more movie theaters have been forced to temporarily shutdown as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, streaming services have moved even further into the spotlight, as consumers have been looking for alternative ways to connect with their friends without having to leave the comfort of their sofas.
Some have turned to Netflix Party, a Google Chrome extension that allows multiple users to stream a Netflix show or movie together at the same time. However, a recent surge in online traffic has presented new concerns over bandwidth strain. As a result, both Netflix and YouTube have committed to defaulting streaming quality to standard definition across Europe.
For a list of recommendations on how best to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic, please read our resource guide.
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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
Source: IGN.com Drive-In Movie Theaters See Surge in Popularity Amid Coronavirus Pandemic