SALEM, Va. – Update:
After 5 decades in Salem, a longtime movie theater closed its doors - And for many, the news came as a surprise that Thursday was its final day.
“I felt you know, heartbroken,” former Salem Valley 8 employee Alexander Sampang said.
Sampang, like many others in Salem, woke up to the news that Thursday would be AMC Classic Salem Valley 8’s last day.
“It’s heartbreaking for the community as well. It put Salem on the map with this type of theater. It brings that type of feeling - this is the closest to Hollywood that you can get here,” he said.
Sampang worked at Salem Valley 8 back when it was owned by Carmike, but has stayed a theater regular.
“So much history has been going on here. That classic feel when you sit down and you see the lights go down and the movie comes on on a classic screen in a classic environment like that, it’s just very magical,” he said.
Jospeh Yamine stopped by to take one last look at the theater.
“It’s always sad to see stuff go, especially longtime staples,” Yamine said.
Movie theaters nationwide are seeing a decline, with streaming taking center stage.
An Associated Press poll from September found about three-quarters of adults watched a new movie at home instead of going to the theater at least once in the past year.
“It’s a part of the local culture. It’s a part of the local collective unconscious,” Yamine said.
“Movie theaters are our escape, and this is the ultimate escape right here,” Sampang said.
10 News reached out to Salem Valley 8, and an AMC spokesperson said: “I can confirm that AMC will cease operations at Salem Valley 8 after close of business today. AMC routinely reviews the theatres in our circuit and makes decisions based on what will best strengthen the company going forward. We thank our Salem Valley 8 guests for their patronage and encourage them to continue enjoying the AMC experience at AMC Classic Roanoke 10.”
But for Sampang, the closing feels like the end of his favorite movie. He stopped by to see a few more movies in these seats.
“If this is going out with a bang, I better pay tribute and watch these great blockbusters one last time here,” he said.
The final showing was a movie called ‘You, Me and Tuscany.”
Original:
A Roanoke Valley staple is preparing to close its doors for good. AMC has confirmed to 10 News that Salem Valley 8 will have its last day of business on Thursday, April 9.
Salem Valley 8 has been a longtime favorite for community members and movie lovers, serving the area for decades. Its closing marks the end of an era for many who have made countless memories of catching movies there. The movie theater recently celebrated its 50th anniversary as well.
In a statement to 10 News, Cassie Kennard, manager of media relations for AMC Theatres, said, “AMC routinely reviews the theatres in our circuit and makes decisions based on what will best strengthen the company going forward. We thank our Salem Valley 8 guests for their patronage and encourage them to continue enjoying the AMC experience at AMC Classic Roanoke 10.”
Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story continues to develop.