When cinemas in Japan began preparing to reopenlast week, theater operators were faced with a puzzling question: What to show?
Studios and distributors from Hollywood to Tokyo have postponed most major new releases for months in response to the novel coronavirus, aware that box office earnings will be minuscule until social distancing policies can be relaxed on a massive scale.
That's forced the smattering of international exhibitors who are resuming business to get creative. In Japan, the solution speaks rather highly of local filmgoers' tastes.
Toho Cinemas, the country's largest multiplex chain, which opened 10 locations last weekend, has decided to lean heavily on the classics.