BIDDEFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The shootings in Colorado have made for a very different kind of opening of what's expected to be a summer blockbuster. Theater operators say they and their employees are being extra vigilant during screenings.
NEWS CENTER spoke with the General Manager at the Smitty's Cinema in Biddeford, as his theater was about to show the first of the day's several screenings.
At Smitty's, just like in Aurora, Colorado, there was midnight showing of the new Batman movie. About 100 people showed up for the premier and things went off without incident. Some employees were just coming back in after working into the early morning hours following the nearly 3 hour premiere.
The movie was showing in multiple theaters here several times throughout the day and evening.
Smitty's General Manager, Tucker Smith, says he hasn't planned any extra security measures because of what happened at the Colorado showing, but he says his employees are aware of it.
"I think everybody is going to be doing the same thing, just thinking about that and watching a little closer at maybe who is beside you," said Smith.
South Portland's Police Chief tells us his department has reached out to the operators of the Cinemagic theater in his city to offer assistance should any incidents arise. Officials with Cinemagic released this statement:
"The safety of our patrons is, and has always been of paramount importance to Cinemagic. Cinemagic will continue to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe and wholesome environment."
NEWS CENTER