This year, going to the movies will require more preparation than just reserving the best seats.

As movie theaters begin to reopen, studios are releasing their new films as a push to get audiences back. On August 28, Disney released “The New Mutants”, it is the latest installment to the X-Men franchise. Followed by Christopher Nolan’s time thriller, “Tenet.”

Many theaters around Austin are marketing these two films as the return to the movies. For some audiences, they are, but it’s important to remember that we are still going through a pandemic. As of now, more movies are on the way, so if you are considering buying that ticket. Please keep in mind these tips to protect yourself.

Wear a Mask.

No matter where you go these days, masks are a must. Theaters will be requiring masks for all audiences, so make sure you have one. Wear a nice cloth mask that fits your face, and even an N-95 mask if you can find one. Disposable masks are fine, but when you’re in a theater for 90 minutes, a more secure mask would be better.

Pick your seat wisely.

Go for a showing in a big theater that’s empty. This will make social distancing easier due to more space. If you can fit a matinee showing into your schedule, those are good too since few people go to matinee showings. When picking your seat, try your best to stay away from the aisles to avoid having people walk up and down beside you.

Avoid concessions.

Popcorn and a movie, a staple for moviegoing, but in times of a pandemic eating in a closed theater isn’t a good idea. If the movie is short, eat afterward. If the movie is long, eat before. Try your best to not eat during the movie.

Drive-in

If you want to see a movie, but you aren’t ready to go to the theater, drive-ins are an option. With the closure of theaters back in March, drive-ins have started making a comeback. There are many in the Austin area including, Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In and Doc’s Drive In Theatre. If you plan to go with friends, make sure everyone is wearing a mask unless you know they do not carry Covid-19.

Movie theaters are not 100% safe yet, and if you don’t think you can be as safe as possible, don’t go. Wait for the movie to go come on video on demand, or drive-ins. Everyone wants things to go back to normal, but we’re not there yet. In the meantime, the one thing we can do is be safe.