The question is, for how long?
For once, it isn’t millennials (potentially) killing something; rather, it’s coronavirus (not literally) killing theaters. Since gatherings of 250 people or over are getting the axe, and people in general are hoarding toilet paper and becoming recluses for their own good. Needles to say, this is probably doing a number to the theaters.
Which is why, starting March 20th, Universal is making their theatrical releases streamable day one. For a rental fee, you can get the movies you want on demand for a 48-hour period. And it’ll only cost you $20. So those of you with home theaters are lucking out.
Per a statment by NBCUniversal’s CEO Jeff Shell
Given the rapidly evolving and unprecedented changes to consumers’ daily lives during this difficult time, the company felt that now was the right time to provide this option in the home as well as in theaters. NBCUniversal will continue to evaluate the environment as conditions evolve and will determine the best distribution strategy in each market when the current unique situation changes.
Universal Pictures has a broad and diverse range of movies with 2020 being no exception. Rather than delaying these films or releasing them into a challenged distribution landscape, we wanted to provide an option for people to view these titles in the home that is both accessible and affordable. We hope and believe that people will still go to the movies in theaters where available, but we understand that for people in different areas of the world that is increasingly becoming less possible.
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell
Granted, this announcement carries little info beyond that. There’s no word on where you’ll be renting these films. But hey, I’m not going to judge; If you usually take the family to see whatever movies you’re going to, a flat $20 to sit down 4-whatever number of people is a pretty good deal.
That said, I can’t personally think of any movies out now, or in the upcoming lineup that I actually want to see. For me at least, January took up a good quarter this time. But that may not be a problem for you. There’s also the question of how long the practice will keep going; if they see a guaranteed profit from it over what was previously expected from theaters…
Source: Gamespot
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