Universal Pictures will make new films available to stream the same day they’re released in theaters as the coronavirus pandemic
shuts cinemas around the world.
In a stopgap move that analysts said would likely be duplicated soon by other big Hollywood studios, Universal’s new releases will be available for at-home and theatrical viewing on the same day starting with the April 10 release of the animated feature “Trolls World Tour,” parent company NBCUniversal said.
Universal films already released in theaters — such as the horror flick
“The Invisible Man” and the satirical thriller “The Hunt” — will be available for digital rentals as soon as Friday, according to a news release.
The move announced Monday breaks with the longstanding convention of showing movies in theaters exclusively for 90 days before releasing them elsewhere. NBCUniversal attributed the decision to changes in consumer behavior caused by the coronavirus, which has forced
movie theaters to close as officials urge people to stay at home as much as possible.
Media analysts told The Post that Universal Pictures’ decision will likely set off similar, temporary measures at the other big studios, Disney, Sony, Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures, to follow suit. Those studios did not return calls seeking comment.
“I think perhaps others will try this during the crisis, but I don’t see it as a permanent fixture for now.” said MoffettNathanson analyst Michael Nathanson.
The move comes as
US theaters nationwide are shutting their doors after President Trump set new guidelines Monday against gatherings of more than 10 people as the coronovirus pandemic spreads across the country.
AMC, the country’s largest theater chain, said Tuesday it will close all theaters nationwide for six to 12 weeks. Regal Cinemas, the nation’s second largest chain, said it would close all cinemas, starting Tuesday, as well.
That decision came just days before the
domestic box office plunged to its lowest level in over two decades, as ticket sales in North America generated roughly $55.3 million between Friday and Saturday—the worst total in 20 years.
If more studios follow Universal’s lead, this “experimental” phase could change how we watch movies once the coronavirus crisis is over, said Lightshed Partners analyst Rich Greenfield
“Studios finally have their chance to experiment with windows as theaters are unable to fight back,” Greenfield said.
The National Association of Theatre Owners, which represents theater owners, did not comment when asked to comment on Universal Pictures’ decision.
Films from Universal and its Focus Features specialty label will be available to rent online for 48 hours at a suggested retail price of $19.99, NBCUniversal said. They’ll be offered by NBCUniversal’s sister companies Comcast and Sky as well as several “on-demand partners,”
according to the company.
Since last week, several films and TV shows, including “Mulan” and “Fast and Furious F9,”
have been delayed.
Also they still have shipping companies out there still working...shyt amazon aint closed down yet...
and china I guess they gonna be assed out shyt they might just pirate the movie anyways...
it was a good run...
