Coronavirus: Universal to make current theatrical movies available for home viewing on Friday

[brooklynite]

Source: Los Angeles Times

Universal Pictures, in a bold move to confront the coronavirus’ threat to the movie industry, is collapsing the theatrical window.

In an extraordinary step, the studio on Monday said it will make its movies available in the home on the same day as their global theatrical releases, beginning with DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls World Tour,” opening April 10 in the U.S.

The company will also make movies that are currently in theatrical release available on-demand starting as early as Friday, starting with “The Invisible Man,” “The Hunt” and “Emma.”

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-03-16/coronavirus-universal-to-make-current-theatrical-movies-available-for-home-viewing-on-friday

[C_U_L8R]

1. They literally have a captive audience

[defacto7]

2. The Metropolitan Opera and the Berlin Philharmonic

Are streaming free performances every night.

[Dem2theMax]

3. Thanks for posting this information.

Now this is a wonderful way to get away from all the stress. I know what I'll be doing tonight.

Thank you!

[defacto7]

8. My wife just said the Berlin Phil just postponed

tonight's stream. Oh well. They'll be back.

[Dem2theMax]

9. Even if it's not happening tonight, now I know to look for it.

And I wouldn't have known it without your post.
I can absolutely get lost in classical music. The stress just melts away. We are all going to need every resource we can find to de-stress! From the safety of our homes that is.

[defacto7]

10. I absolutely agree!

[crickets]

15. Hadn't heard about the Berlin Philharmonic until now - thanks for mentioning it! nt

[defacto7]

16. My wife told me they cancelled this evening's concert.

I think they'll be back though.

[More_Cowbell]

4. $19.99 for 48 hours is too expensive, I think

I guess it'd be worth it if you had a houseful of people who'd watch

[Miguelito Loveless]

6. Yeah, they are figuring at least 2 people will watch it

at $10 a pop. And they get to keep even more money, so this is one of those "Rubicons" that once crossed will be very hard to uncross.

[jmowreader]

7. It's not that far out of line

A ticket for one person to watch one movie one time is $15 in my area. $20 to allow everyone in your family to watch the film as many times you want for the next two days is a bargain. AND you can snack on stuff you already own.

[Miguelito Loveless]

5. Oh, aren't the theatre chains going to be thrilled

Once the studios figure out they don't need them anymore.

[christx30]

12. Yep. And with most of what they make coming from

confession sales. Theater owners are going to have a really tough time in the near future.
I don’t miss theaters. Everything is overpriced, the seats are uncomfortable, and I have wear pants just to see a movie. Thanks, but no thanks.

[MoonlitKnight]

13. I would guess the confession sales

Are better at the adult theaters.

[christx30]

14. Lol. Stupid phone and my fingers.

Meant to say “concession” sales.

[Sin]

11. Yar...cough...Har.

Spin up ye hard drives for I see some merchant vessels have sailed again into our waters me buckos