AMC reopened many of its theaters on Aug. 20 to large demand. Every film showing in the Denver/Highlands Ranch area was sold out by mid-morning, except for a single-seat that The Clarion scooped up at a 4:20 p.m. showing of “Sonic the Hedgehog.”

This successful reopening is likely rooted in the atomically low price of tickets. An adult ticket to “Sonic the Hedgehog” was priced at $0.15, with an additional $1.99 convenience fee when bought using AMC’s website. 

Just because the tickets were sold out, however, does not mean it was a packed house. Each showing is limited to a capacity of 40 percent, and seats adjacent to moviegoers are marked as unavailable. 

A mostly empty theater made for an enjoyable experience. The irritating aspects of the cinema such as ringing cell phones or a talkative audience were dismissed. The safety precautions put in place by AMC did not seem to hinder the showing. Masks do not obscure the eyeballs, and the new plexiglass sheets between rows are short enough that a spectator’s gaze is not distorted nor impacted in any way. 

AMC Flatiron film fan Alejandra and her son were ecstatic at the return of movie theaters. Both of them enjoyed the experience and felt safe the entire time. Alejandra said they plan to go again.

However, the public’s response to the reopening has not been all positive. Reacting to the announcement on Aug. 13, Twitter user @antonio_boolin quipped, “#AMC what a deal! I can’t wait to die for just 15¢.” Despite the ridicule, AMC remains confident in its Safe & Clean initiative. 

Movies may be enjoyable, but COVID-19 is certainly dangerous. The virus has killed almost 2,000 people in Colorado alone with more than 54,000 cases and counting. Will the plan succeed? Cinephiles and AMC will know soon enough.