More movie theaters to close in Boise, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell. Only these remain open

Movie theaters in the Treasure Valley are going dark again — and fast.

Two weeks after Edwards Cinemas pulled the plug, the regional Reel Theatre chain will follow suit in the Boise area. All Reel locations in Boise, Eagle, Nampa and Caldwell will close beginning Friday, Oct. 16. The shutdown is temporary, according to Reel corporate manager Song Phothisane.

“Without a good stream of new products, nor congressional financial aid, there was just not another solution at this time,” Phothisane said in an email. “We hope to reopen in eight weeks (mid-December), if current studio release dates hold.”

After shuttering in March when the pandemic hit, many theaters reopened over the summer. But the COVID-19 pandemic has depressed the film industry worldwide. Rather than releasing new films to dismal box office numbers, studios are delaying them. Theaters have little fresh product, and fewer consumers are buying tickets.

But there are still a few options in the Treasure Valley.

In Boise, The Flicks and discount theater Overland Park Cinemas remain open.

The Flicks, 646 W. Fulton St., has added coronavirus safety protocols, including a new Phenomenal Aire system to reduce the risk of airborne viruses.

Overland Park Cinemas, 7051 W. Overland Road, will start adding first-run films to its arsenal beginning Friday. “To be competitive, we will offer a free drink and popcorn with every ticket,” owner Michael Lehosit said via email. “... Just really trying to survive.”

In Meridian, Majestic Cinemas, 2140 E. Cinema Drive, and Village Cinema at The Village at Meridian remain open.

Parma Motor-Vu Drive-In is showing movies, too, through Oct. 31.

This story was originally published October 15, 2020 at 1:31 PM.