Submitted photo Twenty-six family and friends of the Miller family in New Ulm gathered at Lyric 3 for the Miller Family and Friends Movie Night. Two house screens were rented by the group to accommodate COVID-19 spacing requirements. “Jurassic Park” was the featured film.

NEW ULM — The 2020 film going experience has been a challenge this year with COVID guidelines limiting how many people can come to the theater and few new movies opening, but options are still available for movie fans.

Many theaters are renting out screens for private events including Lyric 3. Recently Tony Miller organized a private group event with 26 friends and family to watch “Jurassic Park” on the big screen.

Miller said his group gathered outside the theater at 6:30 p.m. Thursday for the screen. His group rented out two screens to watch the film. The third theater was being rented out for a separate birthday party.

Miller said they all had a few choices for films to see, but the group agreed on “Jurassic Park.” Everyone at the party had seen the film before. It is on Netflix and cable television, but this was a chance to see it on the big screen.

“Everyone was cooped up and wanted to go out again,” he said. Some of the teenagers in the group had never seen the original “Jurassic Park” on the big screen. The film is 27 years old.

By renting the space for private parties, the theater is physically distance groups and reduces the spread of COVID infection.

“It was so much fun to do and we hope to do it again,” he said. A few ladies were talking about doing a girl’s night and watching “Dirty Dancing.”

The Lyric 3 does hold regular screenings, but tickets are limited and must be ordered in advance. Special private screenings can be arranged for other days of the week.

All patrons and employees are required to wear masks. The auditorium and lobby are cleaned and sanitized throughout showings.

With new film releases being postponed, theaters are featuring older film classics, like “Jurassic Park”, “E.T.”, “Jaws”, “Breakfast Club” and “Hocus Pocus”.