Regal Continental, one of Denver’s best-loved movie theaters, has closed its doors in its parent company’s bankruptcy and restructuring. The closure comes three months after the announcement that Regal Cinemas’ parent company, Cineworld, intended to shutter 39 theaters across the United States.
Despite no future showings on the Regal website, the closure surprised employees and customers alike. As of Friday, a sign on the Continental’s door read, “Thank you! It has been our pleasure to serve you at this theatre. Regal Continental is now closed.”
The announcement of closures came after Cineworld filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September of the previous year. According to Business Insider’s reports in January, the closures would allow Cineworld to save an annual $22 million. Both Meadows Stadium 12 in Littleton and SouthGlenn Stadium 14 in Centennial were on the list, but they remained open as of Friday.
Regal Cinebarre Greenwood Plaza also had no showings listed on the Regal website, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Regal’s future. Former employees and patrons of the Continental took to Facebook to share their fond memories, reminiscing over classics such as “Star Wars,” “Funny Girl,” “How the West Was Won,” “Dances With Wolves,” “Rocky” and “Saving Private Ryan” that they had enjoyed there.
