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Alert level 2 has reintroduced some of the entertainment opportunities that we used to enjoy in the before times, including a trip to the cinema.

Or cinemaaaah as posh people like to say.

As with most industries that suffered during the lockdown, movie theatres have had to hike their prices a little, not only to claw back revenue, but to pay for the health and safety protocols that they need to follow if they want to stay in business, and keep their customers safe.

The first thing that you need to know is that Nu Metro will only be open on weekends. Ster-Kinekor is taking a slightly more relaxed approach. At the same time, both will only be opening certain complexes across South Africa, starting today, Friday, August 28.

Check out the list of open Ster-Kinekor theatres here.

The list of Nu Metro cinemas opening can be found here.

On to more important things, like how much you’re going to have to lay down for a ticket and some popcorn.

MyBroadband says that both Nu Metro and Ster-Kinekor offer a standard combo which contains popcorn, a drink, and a pack of sweets.

Here’s how much you’ll pay when you factor in the price of a ticket for a regular 2D movie:

Nu Metro

• Movie ticket: R85
• Combo: R83,50

Total: R168,50

Ster-Kinekor

• Movie ticket: R98
• Combo: R90

Total: R188

Ticket prices can vary between locations, and snack prices could also change, especially when you start venturing into bourgeois lounge-type cinemas such as Cine Prestige and Scene VIP.

If you’re looking for a bargain and don’t mind suffering through Tabaluga: The Little Dragon with the kids, at Ster-Kinekor you’ll only pay R40 at some of their cinemas.

You can find the full list of prices for 3D, 4DX, IMAX, and more on MyBroadband.

And, no, as part of the hygiene protocols, you can’t sneak some KFC in, in your bag.

Speaking of hygiene protocols, here’s what is in place at both cinemas to make sure that you stay safe:

• With Ster-Kinekor, you have to purchase your ticket and snacks online, or via their app, while at Nu Metro they recommend that you book online in advance, to ensure a contactless payment experience with all ticket checks conducted visually, requiring no direct contact. You can make bookings online, on the Nu Metro Cinemas app.
• Snacks:

Ster-Kinekor: A confirmation email with a barcode will be sent to you after you have booked your ticket(s) and snacks online. The ticket will be scanned at the entrance of the cinema. You may collect your online pre-ordered snacks from the concession counter.

Nu Metro: You will be able to purchase a selection of cinema snacks and drinks at their confectionary counters. They will be adding plastic screens at all these counters to keep staff and guests protected.

• Both cinemas are ensuring physical distancing by ensuring a 1,5-metre distance in theatres, by cordoning off seats, and limiting the number of seats available according to government guidelines (no more than 50 people at a time).
• Both cinemas have adopted strict hygiene protocols that include sterilising cinemas after shows, sanitising surfaces, and providing complimentary hand sanitiser stations which guests are encouraged to use and use often. Your temperature will be checked upon arrival.
• Masks must be worn until you are in your seat, upon which time you can take them off to eat and drink.

For more on how things are going to work going forward, you can check out the health and safety guidelines for Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro, here and here, respectively.

Enjoy your movie.

I still prefer the couch.

[source:mybroadband&sterkinekor&numetro]