Return to Lizard and Monke

Starting next year, Cineworld Group’s theaters (Regal) will once again screen Warner Bros. films, before said films head to streaming. Cineworld announced the deal Tuesday, which entails their allowance to screen Warner’s films for a 45-day window before said movies head to streaming. I the U.K., this deal is for a 31-day window, but otherwise operates much the same.

We are very happy for the agreement with Warner Bros. This agreement shows the studio’s commitment to the theatrical business and we see this agreement as an important milestone in our 100-year relationship with Warner Bros.

Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger

The statement also notes that Cineword will begin reopening their theaters next month, with the Warner deal going into effect in 2022. They also obtained a deal to screen Godzilla vs. Kong in limited theaters starting April 2nd. In addition, more theaters will open on April 16th, with the addition of the ability to screen Mortal Kombat.

We have long-awaited this moment when we can welcome audiences back to our Regal theatres and restore our essential role within the communities we serve. With the health and safety of our customers, staff, and communities as our top priority, we continue to take all the necessary precautions and abide by our CinemaSafe guidelines to confidently provide a safe and comfortable experience. With capacity restrictions expanding to 50% or more across most U.S. states, we will be able to operate profitably in our biggest markets. We will also be monitoring developments closely in the U.K. and across Europe as we set to gradually reopen across the world in line with local government guidance.

Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger

That said, this is a massive change for the theater industry. Before the pandemic hit, theaters would have a 6-month period to screen in before movies went to streaming. While the deal brings exclusivity back to theaters, that window is now much shorter.

But Cineworld isn’t the only theater operator reopening. AMC, which closed down all of their locations last year due to the pandemic, states that next month will see the reopening of 99% of their locations.

Source: CNN

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B. Simmons

Based out of Glendale California, Bryan is a GAMbIT’s resident gaming contributor. Specializing in PC and portable gaming, you can find Bryan on his 3DS playing Monster Hunter or at one of the various conventions throughout the state.

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