As cinemas begin reopening, Val Morgan has announced its cinema network is scheduled to be active across the country by 2 July 2020, in-line with the lifting of government restrictions.

The opening of cinemas will coincide with the school holiday period with the anticipated release of the thriller, Tenet, and Disney’s live-action Mulan. 

“Cinema is a powerful AV channel centred on showstopping, blockbuster content in a premium, distraction-free environment. “Australians love going to the movies and we anticipate strong audience return over July,” Mr Guy Burbidge, Managing Director of Val Morgan said.

A survey by Event Cinemas of over 20,000 active cinema-goers showed that once cinemas reopen, 94% of respondents intend to visit just as frequently, if not more often, than they did previously.

“Event Cinemas’ Cinebuzz Insights research shows considerable pent up consumer demand. The forward content slate is also very strong over the July – December period and includes Wonder Woman 1984, Black Widow, No Time to Die and Peter Rabbit 2.

“New Zealand lifted restrictions more quickly than Australia and has seen a rapid recovery in audience numbers. Ticket sales have increased at an average rate of +90% week-on-week for the last 3 weeks," Mr Burbidge said

“Locally, we have seen incredible results for drive-in cinemas, which have delivered record box office weeks via a combination of classics and recent releases. All of this points to a positive future for the sector."