(KGTV) — If you've been longing for movie night at the theater, but want to ensure no crowds, AMC is offering an interesting proposition.
To soften the hit of the pandemic, the movie theater chain is offering private theater rentals for up to 20 people starting at $99 and increasing to $349, depending on the movie, location, and add-ons. Add-ons include adding a microphone to greet guests ($100) or more time to use the auditorium than the standard 15 minutes prior to the showing ($250 per half hour).
The personal screenings are available for 17 movies, with several Halloween-themed flicks and recent releases. like "Tenent" and "The New Mutants."
In San Diego County, the option is available at theaters including:
- Chula Vista - Chula Vista 10
- Chula Vista - Otay Ranch 12
- La Jolla - La Jolla Village 12
- National City - Plaza Bonita 14
- Poway - Poway 10
- San Diego - Fashion Valley 18
- San Diego - Mission Valley 20
- San Diego - Palm Promenade 14
AMC's move comes as the theater chain struggles to stay afloat during pandemic-related closures and capacity limits inside businesses.
RELATED: AMC warns it could run out of cash by end of year, says reports
This month, AMC warned that its existing cash resources would be "largely depleted" by the end of this year or early next year. The company said it would either need to sell more tickets or find new ways to borrow money to keep running.
About 500 of AMC's 600 theaters that have reopened are held to capacity limits between 20% - 40% depending on local restrictions.
Meanwhile, Cineworld Group, which owns Regal Cinemas, said this month that it will suspend operations at all of its U.S. and United Kingdom theaters due to the pandemic. Movie studios also continue to avoid theatrical releases, with several anticipated releases like "Marvel's Black Widow" and the new James Bond movie "No Time to Die" being delayed until next year.
