China to revive cinemas with 3D & 4K Harry Potter

Nothing better than a Harry Potter binge eh?

By Nouman Aqil Last updated Mar 26, 2020

As Europe and the US prepare for a complete shutdown, cinemas in China are actually reopening. The coronavirus outbreak has almost come to a stop in China, with less than 40 cases reported daily. Thus, cinemas are preparing to re-open after weeks of closure. And which movie other than Harry Potter is a favorite for people of all ages everywhere?

‘Harry Potter’ in 3D and 4K to Screen Widely in China to Revive Cinemas as they attempt to pull in audiences after weeks of coronavirus closures https://t.co/rur6gUgusw pic.twitter.com/E8bQaInBN1

— George Roussos (@baphometx) March 20, 2020

Cinemas prepare to reopen in China

The coronavirus has done its damage in China and moved on. Moreover, the death toll in Italy has surpassed China’s. A handful of cinemas have already reopened, but have seen next to no business. The Broadway Cinematheque in Beijing has said:

It’s unlikely a nationwide directive to reopen will come down from the film bureau, because every province and region is at a different stage of epidemic prevention. So, the requirements for re-opening will vary. It’s more likely that over a period of time, cinemas will slowly and progressively reopen.

By Thursday, only less than 30 cinemas have reopened nationwide. Progress is slow, but it is positive. Cinemas are offering massive discounts and alternative seats to practice ‘social distancing’. But as tentpole movies have been delayed, cinemas are having a hard time drawing in crowds.

Harry Potter in 3D and 4K

Warner Bros has just revealed that a 3D, 4K restoration of “Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone‘ will hit Chinese cinemas next month. There is no official release date as of now, but April 30 is rumored. Obviously, the movie is trying to draw in crowds at Labour Day weekend. Harry Potter has a huge fan base in China. The spin-off Fantastic Beasts was able to earn $86 million in China. However, the fan base may not be as active as Marvel’s given that the saga ended in 2011. But it might just be the nostalgic spark we all need during these dark times. Fans were extremely excited to see the remake of the classic fantasy movie:

With the 4K restoration and the 3D, this will be like a whole new film. Even if you’ve seen ‘Harry Potter’ already in theaters, this will be an unprecedented new experience,