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BANGOR/ORONO, Maine (WABI) – Following the pandemic, there were questions about whether people would return to going to movie theaters. In the wake of industry changes, two movie theater locations in the Greater Bangor Area are getting upgrades to enhance their seating options.
When Black Bear Cinemas in Orono changed ownership in 2023, co-owner Zachary Hussey says he knew he wanted to update the movie-going experience.
“We took over like right around Barbenheimer, and we’ve just continued to grow each year,” said Hussey.
This past week, the cinema owners have officially added new luxury recliners to its premiere theater. Hussey says they use their premiere theater for not only new releases, but when old movies make a return to the big screen.
“These ones are wider, and the cup holders are wider. They’re also leather. They’re honestly a lot more comfortable. When you’re kind of packed in a sold-out show, you’re definitely more comfortable,” said Hussey, “We wanted to start with one because we didn’t want it to affect our pricing.”
Black Bear Cinema’s isn’t the only company in the Bangor area adapting to the industry. Bangor Mall Cinema 10 is currently updating the seating to two of its theaters. General Manager Scott Warren says the process has been in the works for years.
“Obviously, COVID kind of was rough on the cinema business,” said Warren.
Warren says things have started to come back for them, especially around big releases.
“Around big movie releases, we’re busy. The Marvel movies do tremendously well. We need to up our game because people have great systems at homes and big televisions,” said Warren, “I think the movie theater experience is still there. You know, and hearing people laugh or gasp or cry and having a shared experience. I think people still want that.”
While industry changes play a role in the decision, theater owners say it’s also important to update seats for a more comfortable moviegoing experience.
“People love them. They talk about it all the time,” said Warren.
Bangor Cinemas is hoping to finish up the new seating very soon.
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