Going to the Cinema during Covid

Bacchus · 02-03-2020 9:46am #1

I didn't want to name Coronavirus specifically in the thread but yeah, with increasing calls and measures being put in place around the world to avoid events and large gatherings... surely this sentiment will filter down to making cinema trips.

Before anyone jumps in with "people are dying, who cares about cinema", yes, the impact on cinema is way down the list of things to be concerned about but I'm just curious about what the impact will be.

Globally, there must be a visible decline in bums on seats. Even the tentpole Spring/Summer blockbusters must revising their predicted box offices with the prospect of a prolonged epidemic.

At a personal level, will it cause you to maybe reconsider this weeks trip to the cinema? For me, I go maybe once every two months. I've no intention of going to the cinema though until this all settles down and is contained.

Aisling(",) · 02-03-2020 10:20am

It wouldn't make a difference to me unless it really ramps up. I have to go to work every day on public transport and then sit in a busy office building. The cinema is far less contact than the above.

antodeco · 02-03-2020 10:46am

I have thought about this! Certainly Im going to reduce the potential exposure, whilst trying to live my life as normal. Cinema is an indulgence for me, so it can be removed off my lists of must dos. Going to work in an office, is a must do unfortunately.

02-03-2020 12:13pm

Hopefully there's a slew of superhero movies released now, and all the fans get the virus and never go to the cinema again. Theres no more market for super hero movies and film has a new golden age, and we all live happily ever after.

El Duda · 02-03-2020 1:25pm

If people start to avoid cinemas, I think i'd be more likely to go. Less chance of muppets on phones/rustling popcorn etc...

Titclamp · 02-03-2020 1:28pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Hopefully there's a slew of superhero movies released now, and all the fans get the virus and never go to the cinema again. Theres no more market for super hero movies and film has a new golden age, and we all live happily ever after.

Yes!!! The best outcome for this hopeless so called genre of horrendous film.

Maybe it might give birth to a new Kuberick etc..

FortuneChip · 02-03-2020 1:29pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Hopefully there's a slew of superhero movies released now, and all the fans get the virus and never go to the cinema again. Theres no more market for super hero movies and film has a new golden age, and we all live happily ever after.

This sounds oddly like an origin story.
I'm in!

Space Dog · 02-03-2020 1:31pm

It did cross my mind when I went to see a film yesterday. I go 2 to 3 times a month and would miss it. I wonder where you draw the line though? Are pubs out as well? I was at a table quiz last week and the pub was packed. Also went to a super busy restaurant, so no more eating out? Shopping in supermarkets when it's busy? Until things get worse with more people infected I'm not changing my routine.

Titclamp · 02-03-2020 1:42pm

Space Dog wrote: »

It did cross my mind when I went to see a film yesterday. I go 2 to 3 times a month and would miss it. I wonder where you draw the line though? Are pubs out as well? I was at a table quiz last week and the pub was packed. Also went to a super busy restaurant, so no more eating out? Shopping in supermarkets when it's busy? Until things get worse with more people infected I'm not changing my routine.

Great to know.

Space Dog · 02-03-2020 1:43pm

Titclamp wrote: »

Great to know.

What is great to know?

Titclamp · 02-03-2020 1:46pm

Space Dog wrote: »

What is great to know?

Yawn

El Duda · 02-03-2020 1:56pm

It's great to know that Titclamp isn't very impressed with Space Dog's post. For no apparent reason.

A valuable contribution to this thread. Just like this post.

quazzy · 02-03-2020 2:36pm

I went to the the cinema with my son on Saturday at noon and the cinemas was empty - nobody else there at all.

Might not be Corona related but more Doolittle related

pixelburp · 02-03-2020 2:40pm

I'll be heading into town for a monthly tech meetup, again on Thurs for an evening class; I work from home so wouldn't be out of the house al that much anyway, but either can't say I'm overly concerned. That said, nothing wrong with being cautious either and ordinarilly I'd keep my hands clean as much as possible and avoid touching "public" surfaces. Wouldn't be a germaphobe, but just strikes me as common sense.

I know it's only a joke, but wouldn't wish the virus on anyone, even in jest. Not until its severity is firmly confirmed.

Niska · 02-03-2020 3:13pm

Just don't watch Outbreak and you'll be fine...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy-w1-g7OvY

johnny_ultimate · 02-03-2020 3:39pm

I will continue living life normally until advised otherwise by health authorities. That includes going to the cinema

Theboinkmaster · 02-03-2020 4:42pm

Bacchus wrote: »

I've no intention of going to the cinema though until this all settles down and is contained.

Assuming you're not over 70 or have some serious underlying health condition I think this is sensationalist and over the top. Same brigade as buying hand sanitizer in bulk etc. and statements like this just lead to undue panic.

Just keep living your life as normal and follow recommendations. I was at cinema yesterday with my 2 kids and I'm going to a concert next week.

santana75 · 02-03-2020 5:51pm

The world does like itself a good scaremongering.........Doesnt make a difference to me, if theres a movie I wanna see then I'll be going. The coronavirus isnt even something that crosses my mind for second.

Bacchus · 02-03-2020 8:15pm

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

Assuming you're not over 70 or have some serious underlying health condition I think this is sensationalist and over the top. Same brigade as buying hand sanitizer in bulk etc. and statements like this just lead to undue panic.

Just keep living your life as normal and follow recommendations. I was at cinema yesterday with my 2 kids and I'm going to a concert next week.

Narrow POV. I am healthy. However, I have people in my life who are vulnerable. I'm thinking about them. Also, I'm not being sensationalist in the slightest. I said in the OP that I go about 6 times a year (and that's at the upper end) so me not going isn't a huge divergence from the norm. Hardly sensationalist.

As I said, I'm just curious about people's views on it and on the wider impact on cinema. Not stirring up panic.

brianregan09 · 02-03-2020 9:01pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Hopefully there's a slew of superhero movies released now, and all the fans get the virus and never go to the cinema again. Theres no more market for super hero movies and film has a new golden age, and we all live happily ever after.

Yes!!! The best outcome for this hopeless so called genre of horrendous film.

Maybe it might give birth to a new Kuberick etc..

All the fans get the virus .......wow , get a life lads seriously if ya don't like superhero movies that's fine , but hoping people get a virus bloody hell

UI_Paddy · 05-03-2020 11:45am

As much as I love movies I don't go to the cinema as much as other people unless it's a movie I really want to support and do well. I saw Birds of Prey last weekend, but it was mainly because I was catching up with friends. With streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max etc on the rise I find myself going to the cinema for movies I just want to check out less, especially major blockbusters that will be on a service I'll already be paying for or on sale in Golden Discs or Zavvi before long. There also isn't any movies coming out within a short space of time I'm really itching to see, so overall my viewing habits won't be affected, especially as I am still working my way through Pretty Little Liars.

Plumbthedepths · 05-03-2020 11:52am

Looking forward to seeing the new Bond. Only way to watch Bond is on the big screen.

Antares35 · 05-03-2020 12:03pm

Tend to avoid the cinema anyway because of people coughing, sneezing, chatting, kicking the back of the seat and playing with their mobile phones. Much rather be at home in the recliner, fire lit, watching whatever I want in comfort and peace. Even where there is something I might really want to see, in fact that would be even worse because the interruptions to something anticipated would be even more irritating.

But to answer OPs question, if I was a cinema goer I would probably knock it on the head, as I have already with other unnecessary crowds/ gatherings of people in confined spaces. What's the point taking a risk. Especially at the moment I am nearly 7 months pregnant. I can do without the complications arising from fever, pneumonia etc. Otherwise at any other stage in life, I probably wouldn't be too worried. It's all just a drive to promote bread sales etc.

Doctors room ghost · 05-03-2020 12:06pm

There hasn’t been a good film in the cinema since Jurassic park.not worth going

Varik · 05-03-2020 1:13pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Looking forward to seeing the new Bond. Only way to watch Bond is on the big screen.

Well you're waiting until November now, they pushed it back due the corona virus

Out here on 12 November, and in the US on 25 November

silverharp · 05-03-2020 1:45pm

There seems to be a lot of movies these days where social distancing wouldn’t be an issue ;-) , but yeah I think Ill be giving the cinema a miss as Ive already decided to give public transport a miss.

Theboinkmaster · 05-03-2020 2:27pm

Bacchus wrote: »

Narrow POV.

It's not - it is pragmatic and based on fact.

China cases peaked and now declining - 90,000 cases out of their population is only 0.01%.

UK cases right now is about 0.0001%.

You have a very very low chance of being infected. A lot of the hype and hysteria is being caused by the media.

speedboatchase · 06-03-2020 1:53pm

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

It's not - it is pragmatic and based on fact.

China cases peaked and now declining - 90,000 cases out of their population is only 0.01%.

UK cases right now is about 0.0001%.

You have a very very low chance of being infected. A lot of the hype and hysteria is being caused by the media.

The media is reporting cases and the markets. You might think the market is overreacting but perception is reality and right now we're heading for a global recession until things calm down. You might not get the virus, but you might lose your job.

AMKC · 06-03-2020 5:47pm

Varik wrote: »

Well you're waiting until November now, they pushed it back due the corona virus

Out here on 12 November, and in the US on 25 November

I wonder will Bond 26 be the only movie to be pushed back or will there be more? I see Bloodshot is supposed to be out soon but can see that being pushed back too and more if Covid-19 gets worse.

I went to the cinema yesterday and will continue to go as long as they are still open. I have noticed do the the choice of films in the cinema's is gone very dull so I have not been going as often as I normally would because there is not much out at the moment anyway.

Bacchus · 06-03-2020 10:24pm

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

It's not - it is pragmatic and based on fact.

China cases peaked and now declining - 90,000 cases out of their population is only 0.01%.

UK cases right now is about 0.0001%.

You have a very very low chance of being infected. A lot of the hype and hysteria is being caused by the media.

Your view that because I am healthy means I should not be concerned, is a narrow POV. I'm not worried about me, my concern is for those I am in regular contact with are considered "at risk" people.

To keep this on topic, cinema trips for me are a rare enough occurrence, and despite the low risk of contracting the virus, the risk to those close to me is great enough to forgo whatever trips I might have taken in the coming months.

As to this thread, I was just curious about general sentiment, not trying to add to any hype.

It will be interesting to see if any more movies push their release dates. I get that Bond is a specific case but still interesting to see how studios react.

Neames · 06-03-2020 10:31pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Looking forward to seeing the new Bond. Only way to watch Bond is on the big screen.

Points...James Bond

No James Bond.

Theboinkmaster · 06-03-2020 11:21pm

speedboatchase wrote: »

The media is reporting cases and the markets. You might think the market is overreacting but perception is reality and right now we're heading for a global recession until things calm down. You might not get the virus, but you might lose your job.

Absolutely - 2020 had all the indicators of a global recession before the virus, now its a certainty IMO.

spurious · 06-03-2020 11:50pm

Not a fan of late evening and night time shows. If the Odeon put some decent films on before 6 o'clock instead of wall to wall children's crap, I would use my Limitless card more.
Thinking I bought a bit of a lemoner. Cineworld show decent films in all slots.

1o059k7ewrqj3n · 07-03-2020 12:10am

Yeah I'm still going to go. I don't see the point of isolating myself at home. Sure the postman dropping in my mail through the postbox could give me coronavirus.

I'm young(ish) reasonably fit and healthy, don't smoke, run and exercise. I'm only worried about being a vector and passing it onto other people.

Ikozma · 07-03-2020 12:17am

If the film is any good then yes I would

otnomart · 07-03-2020 8:41am

Interesting article in the Guardian
"More than half of Italy’s cinemas are closed and regulations prohibit people from sitting less than a metre away from each other in public.
Mario Lorini, president of ANEC, the national association of exhibitors, has unveiled a system he hopes would comply and enable cinemas to remain open: allowing the booking of every third seat in a row, with empty seats directly in front and behind"

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/mar/06/cinema-coronavirus-projected-5bn-loss

silverharp · 07-03-2020 12:19pm

just go to the Point Village cinema , you normally get a row to yourself , how it stays open is beyond me

JP Liz V1 · 08-03-2020 12:12am

I will wear gloves and take hand santiser with me, but some films you just have to see on the big screen, just need to clean clean clean the hands before and after, get ocd with the hand washing

branie2 · 08-03-2020 12:22pm

I'll still be going

silverharp · 08-03-2020 3:37pm

cant think of any movies I want to see until the summer, Top Gun 17th July

AMKC · 08-03-2020 7:24pm

spurious wrote: »

Not a fan of late evening and night time shows. If the Odeon put some decent films on before 6 o'clock instead of wall to wall children's crap, I would use my Limitless card more.
Thinking I bought a bit of a lemoner. Cineworld show decent films in all slots.

I agree Odeon have gone terribly bad lately. They used to be so much better.

fryup · 08-03-2020 11:05pm

i'm showing my age here - but i grew up in a time when smoking was allowed in cinemas, you'd be watching a film through a haze of smoke, with people coughing & spluttering not only that but you'd have sticky floors from split fizzy drinks, chewing gum, sweets etc

you'd come out of the place with bloodshot eyes, and your clothes rank stinking of cigarettes.....ah but dem were the days

Arghus · 10-03-2020 1:59am

I tend to go to arty films in the middle of the day so I don't think there's much to worry about.

Unearthly · 10-03-2020 6:36am

I say it's only a matter of time before films get delayed like Bond.

Larbre34 · 10-03-2020 6:44am

You'll be going until they are closed down under emergency powers legislation.

Like many leisure and personal service industries, the next 12 months could be catastrophic.

dublinman1990 · 10-03-2020 8:37pm

Peter Rabbit 2 has it's cinema release delayed until the 7th of August.

https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0310/1121432-peter-rabbit-2-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/

Bacchus · 10-03-2020 9:12pm

https://www.newstalk.com/news/covid-19-omniplex-cinema-chain-announces-seat-separation-plan-980578

Omniplex announced seat separate plans so that every second seat will be empty. I guess they'd rather 50% occupancy than risk empty screenings due to public fears.

Seems a bit excessive TBH but I can see how they think this might make cinema goers feel "safer".

pixelburp · 10-03-2020 9:56pm

dublinman1990 wrote: »

Peter Rabbit 2 has now it's cinema release delayed until the 7th of August.

https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0310/1121432-peter-rabbit-2-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/

And nothing of value was lost.

McLoughlin · 10-03-2020 10:27pm

Bacchus wrote: »

https://www.newstalk.com/news/covid-19-omniplex-cinema-chain-announces-seat-separation-plan-980578

Omniplex announced seat separate plans so that every second seat will be empty. I guess they'd rather 50% occupancy than risk empty screenings due to public fears.

Seems a bit excessive TBH but I can see how they think this might make cinema goers feel "safer".

Well that is gonna ruin things with the girlfriend when the film gets a bit crap and predictable.

gmisk · 10-03-2020 10:30pm

silverharp wrote: »

just go to the Point Village cinema , you normally get a row to yourself , how it stays open is beyond me

I have never seen such a quite cinema stay open for so long, it must be making a huge loss

santana75 · 10-03-2020 11:57pm

Bacchus wrote: »

https://www.newstalk.com/news/covid-19-omniplex-cinema-chain-announces-seat-separation-plan-980578

Omniplex announced seat separate plans so that every second seat will be empty. I guess they'd rather 50% occupancy than risk empty screenings due to public fears.

Seems a bit excessive TBH but I can see how they think this might make cinema goers feel "safer".

Seems very excessive. Literally 50% less than normal. I hope nobody loses their job over this.

Going to the Cinema during Covid

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