As the Toronto International Film Festival aims to put its best foot forward, there will be no sequel to the agony of the feet from last year. As of Wednesday morning, both escalators at the Scotiabank Theatre are in good working order.

“I am pleased to report both escalators at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto are now fully operational,” said Sarah Van Lange, director of communications, Cineplex. “Work on the brand new ‘down’ escalator (located closest to Richmond) was finalized a few weeks ago, and with repairs and safety inspections now complete we were able to reopen the existing ‘up’ escalator this (Wednesday) morning. While we don’t anticipate we’ll need them, we have made arrangements to have mechanics on call should any issues arise over the duration of the festival.”

Functioning escalators may not seem like news, but the breakdown of both the up and down devices was a point of loud complaint last year. Besides hosting many public screenings, the downtown cinema complex also hosted several media and industry screenings and the long, 75-stair walk-up left many critics winded and several festivalgoers upset.

“As per #TIFF custom, the massive escalator at the Scotiabank Theatre is out of service. Imagine all reviews typed between gulps for air,” tweeted Sam Adams, a senior editor at Slate, last year.

While both are in operation now, Cineplex wants to remind moviegoers that work remains to be done: while the down escalator has already been replaced, the up one has been repaired and will be shut down after the festival for replacement.

As well, the entire lower level of the Scotiabank will also soon be under construction. The box office will be moved to the upper floor to make way for Canada’s first IMAX VR centre: a series of pods where visitors will be able to strap on virtual-reality headsets and try out immersive experiences.

“It is scheduled to open this fall; the new centre will offer a variety of interactive, immersive and multi-dimensional (VR) experiences, including movie entertainment content and games,” said Van Lange. “It is certainly something that our guests can look forward to.”

As for right now, most guests can look forward to arriving for screenings a little less weary.