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Get the latest news on if movie theaters are opening in NJ and find out what the current situation is.
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Introduction
Theaters across the country have been struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many have been forced to close their doors, and those that remain open are operating at reduced capacity. The situation has been particularly difficult for smaller independent theaters, which often don’t have the resources to weather extended periods of low attendance.
Theaters in New Jersey were allowed to reopen at reduced capacity in October, but many remained closed due to concerns about the pandemic. In November, Governor Phil Murphy announced that theaters would be allowed to increase capacity to 50% starting December 6th. This news was welcomed by theater owners and operators, who hope that it will help them recover some of the losses they’ve incurred over the past year.
It remains to be seen how many theaters will take advantage of the increased capacity limit, but it is clear that the pandemic has had a devastating impact on the movie theater industry.
History of movie theaters
Film exhibition began in New Jersey in the early 20th century, shortly after the development of motion pictures. Early movie theaters in New Jersey were located in storefronts and were called nickelodeons because admission was a nickel. As motion pictures became more popular, movie theaters began to be built as stand-alone buildings. The first movie theater in New Jersey built as a stand-alone building was the Keith-Albee Theater, which opened in Newark in 1917.
Today, there are over 400 movie theaters in New Jersey. Of those, about 60 are considered first-run theaters, meaning they show new release movies.
How movie theaters work
It all starts with the projector. A powerful lamp shines light through a glass lens, which projects an image of the movie onto a screen. In the early days of film, this was a hand-cranked process, but now projectors are mostly automated.
The film itself is a long strip of celluloid (a type of plastic) coated with light-sensitive chemicals. The strip is fed through the projector at a rate of 24 frames per second. Each frame is illuminated for a fraction of a second as it passes in front of the projector’s lens. This happens so quickly that your brain fills in the gaps, giving you the illusion of continuous motion.
The sound is recorded on a separate strip of film, or on a digital file that’s synchronized with the picture. The sound is played through large speakers placed around the theater, and it can be augmented with special effects like surround sound or bass enhancement.
The benefits of going to a movie theater
Movie theaters offer a unique and enjoyable experience that you cannot get from watching a movie at home. There are many benefits to going to a movie theater, including the following:
You can watch a movie on the big screen. Movie theaters have large screens that allow you to see the film in a completely different way than if you were watching it at home.
You can hear the movie in surround sound. Most movie theaters have surround sound systems that make it feel as though you are right in the middle of the action. This can be a very immersive and exciting experience.
You can eat popcorn and candy. One of the best things about going to a movie theater is that you can purchase popcorn and candy to enjoy during the film. This is not an option when watching a movie at home.
You can meet new people. If you go to a movie theater by yourself, you will likely meet new people who are also enjoying the film. This can be a great way to make new friends or acquaintances.
The drawbacks of going to a movie theater
Movie theaters may be opening soon in New Jersey, but that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Here are some of the potential drawbacks of going to a theater during the coronavirus pandemic.
– You could get sick. The coronavirus is still circulating, and even if theaters take precautions, there’s no way to guarantee that you won’t get infected.
– You could spread the virus. If you do get sick, you could spread the virus to others, including people who are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
– The experience may not be as enjoyable. Even if you don’t get sick, wearing a mask and social distancing can make the experience less enjoyable. And if theaters are required to limit capacity, you may have to wait in line or sit far from other people.
The future of movie theaters
In the age of streaming, movie theaters have been struggling to stay afloat. With more and more people opting to stay home and watch movies on their TVs or laptops, movie theaters have had to get creative in order to bring people back into their auditoriums. Some theater chains have installed luxury recliners, while others have started offering gourmet food and drink options. But will these changes be enough to save movie theaters?
It remains to be seen what the future of movie theaters will be, but it is clear that they are facing some challenges. In New Jersey, for example, many movie theaters were forced to close their doors when the state went into lockdown in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of September 2020, some theaters in the state have reopened, but many are still struggling to stay afloat. Only time will tell whether movie theaters will be able to make a comeback or if they will become a thing of the past.
Are movie theaters opening in NJ?
Yes, movie theaters are opening in NJ. However, there are many different types of movie theaters, so be sure to check your local theater’s website or call ahead to find out their specific policies.
How to find a movie theater in NJ
NJ.com has a list of all the movie theaters in New Jersey that are currently open. The list is sorted by county.
Conclusion
Many people are wondering if movie theaters are opening in NJ. The answer is: it depends.
Some theaters, like the AMC Loews Jersey Gardens 20 in Elizabeth, have been open since July, while others, like the Regal Commerce Center Stadium 18 in North Brunswick, have remained closed. It seems that each theater is making its own decision about whether or not to open.
If you’re planning on going to the movies in NJ, your best bet is to check with your local theater to see if they’re open and what their safety procedures are.
Resources
With the reopening of movie theaters in New Jersey, we’ve put together a list of resources to help you make the most of your experience.
