Some Rochester-Area Theaters Begin to Welcome Back Moviegoers

After about six months without popcorn and big screens, movie theaters in Western New York are re-opening.

Last weekend, Governor Andrew Cuomo said movie theaters outside of New York City had permission to re-open Friday.

And A.M.C. Theaters in Webster opened its doors to moviegoers at 4 p.m.

Film student Haze McClary brought his son with him for the opening event. He is glad he doesn’t have to travel to Pennsylvania any more to see his most anticipated movies on the big screen.

“It’s just an experience I’ve always enjoyed, coming to the movie theater,” McClary said. “The larger format, the sound, but also the popcorn. Because I’m a huge popcorn fanatic. And Heath also really enjoys popcorn.”

Karen Wilson is another big film buff. She chose to spend her eighth anniversary at AMC’s re-opening. It’s a theater close to her heart.

“I’m so happy to be back. Because actually, I’ve been going to this theater for as long as I can remember,” Wilson said. “The first movie I ever saw here was Toy Story in 1995, so I’m basically back home.”

Not all local theaters have chosen to re-open yet. Tinseltown U.S.A. and IMAX re-opens next Tuesday, while The Little Theater in Rochester, for example, won’t re-open until next month.