Background Information
- Major theatre chains such as AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas have recently closed all their U.S. locations due to the coronavirus.
- Studios are now looking to launch recent releases to VOD and digital purchase early as a way to combat theatre chains closing their doors and generating revenue.
- New films coming to VOD within the next two weeks soon include The Invisible Man, Birds of Prey, Bloodshot, The Gentleman, The Hunt, and Emma.
News
In an attempt to give audiences access to newly released films early multiple studios are prepping to place certain films early on video-on-demand.
According to Variety, Margot Robbie’s DC Comics flick Birds of Prey, that only released a month ago, will be ready for digital purchase and VOD on March 24th (Amazon, iTunes, etc) for $19.99.
Fandango also adding that Guy Ritchie’s action-comedy The Gentlemen will also be out on VOD on the same day.
Birds of Prey and The Gentlemen are moving up their VOD dates to 3/24. You can preorder them both at FandangoNOW and plan your next week’s entertainment! pic.twitter.com/Kqh00YqUDW
— Fandango (@Fandango) March 17, 2020
Vin Diesel’s recent box office hiccup Bloodshot will be out on March 24th as well according to Deadline.
This news comes after Universal Pictures announced (via Deadline) two days ago they’ll be making a string of their films including The Invisible Man, Emma, and The Hunt potentially available on VOD as soon as March 20th for a suggested rental price of $19.99 a pop.
Their animated flick Trolls World Tour is also expected to be out on VOD on April 10th as well.
Why It’s Important & Takeaways (!!!)
Audiences will have home rental options beyond their current streaming services and early access to movies that were only just recently released in theatres.
I wouldn’t get too excited from this news as most theatrical releases delayed by major studios aren’t likely going to be simply dropped on streaming, for purchase on digital or VOD rentals.
