Universal to Make Theatrical Movie Releases Available as $20 Digital Rentals on Same Day

[MacRumors]

Universal Pictures is set to make new movies on global theatrical release concurrently available for rental via iTunes, Amazon, and other digital platforms, NBCUniversal has announced (via Deadline).

New releases including The Invisible Man, The Hunt, and Emma will be available to watch online as soon as this Friday, March 20, with each movie offered as a 48-hour on-demand rental for the suggested price of $19.99 in the U.S., and equivalent prices in international markets.

In addition, DreamWorks Animation's Trolls World Tour, which is scheduled for cinematic release on April 10 in the U.S., is set to become available domestically in theaters and on demand on the same day.

The announcement followed a historically poor weekend at the box office, as measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic saw theaters close and consumers prepare for a collective shut-in at home.

"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," said Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal, in a statement. "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."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the move doesn't apply to the studio's entire 2020 calendar, and decisions regarding other titles and the duration of the policy have yet to be made.

Several films, including the next James Bond installment No Time to Die and the ninth Fast & Furious movie, have already been delayed because of the virus. Apple has also suspended all active filming on Apple TV+ projects from outside studios, temporarily pausing work on "The Morning Show," "Foundation," "See," "Lisey's Story," "Servant," and "For All Mankind."

Article Link: Universal to Make Theatrical Movie Releases Available as $20 Digital Rentals on Same Day

 

[Michael Clarke]

...and on various file sharing sites shortly after.

 

[44267547]

Personally, I welcome this, as movie theaters obviously will probably never be the same moving forward, and this gives a luxury for those who want to pay a premium to view the film in their privacy of their own home given the circumstances. It saves me (And plenty of others) the time and distraction of having to deal with those who are not courteous of others when viewing movies in theaters.

 

[rbailerum1]

This is nice, but $20 when it would have cost $12 to see it on the big screen? Universal needs customers during this theatre shutdown, but they are charging a premium to rent movies? Normally it would cost $20 to purchase the movie (which isn’t normally released this soon on iTunes). Not following that.

 

[nicho]

...and on various file sharing sites shortly after.

Makes me wonder if there wouldn't be a market for a (much cheaper) version of this hardware, to fully compete with cinemas in the future:

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Private Theatre is that IMAX is also selling a separate box (priced at about £7.5K/$10K) that lets customers watch new films as they're released at major cinemas. The box, called Home Premier, uses fingerprint recognition for security. Users still have to pay an unspecified rental fee for each screening on top of the £7.5K up-front cost, too. (Prima Cinema, which offers a similar service, charges $500 per screening.)

IMAX will build you a home theater—starting at $400,000

Includes dual 4K 2D/3D projectors, proprietary IMAX sound, and media playback.

arstechnica.com

 

[zhenya]

This is nice, but $20 when it would have cost $12 to see it on the big screen? Universal needs customers during this theatre shutdown, but they are charging a premium to rent movies? Normally it would cost $20 to purchase the movie (which isn’t normally released this soon on iTunes). Not following that.

The reasonable assumption is that most of these will be viewed by at least a couple, if not a family or group of friends.

 

[ruka.snow]

21st century movie releases.... Its like the future is finally here.

 

[Wanted797]

I’ve been wondering why this wasn’t a thing for years. It will surely combat piracy a lot.

I think they’re about to open up a whole new business model. Movie theatres are likely to go the way of blockbuster.

 

[Infinite Vortex]

I’ve been wondering why this wasn’t a thing for years. It will surely combat piracy a lot.

But at the same time it will be yet another thing that will reduce physical socialising. We are isolating ourselves (COVID-19 aside) more than enough already.

 

[Sodium Chloride]

As an aside, Contagion is now the 2nd most rented movie at itunes

iTunes Top Movies 2024

Chart of the top iTunes movies to rent or buy for iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV. Chart of the most popular and best selling iTunes movies 2024 to download is updated daily.

www.popvortex.com

 

[Vol Braakzakje]

This is nice, but $20 when it would have cost $12 to see it on the big screen? Universal needs customers during this theatre shutdown, but they are charging a premium to rent movies? Normally it would cost $20 to purchase the movie (which isn’t normally released this soon on iTunes). Not following that.

That means you’ll have to watch it with at least 1 other person.

 

[PlayUltimate]

Include a small % credit for if you decide to purchase and this might be the new model. The movie theaters are going to suffer.
BTW, time for me to buy a new TV and ATV.

 

[Infinite Vortex]

BTW, time for me to buy a new TV and ATV.

I've done away with the ATV as my TV can play video content from iTunes directly. Its not like Apple lets you download 4K content anyway. For Apple Music streaming I can go from my phone instead with no need to have my TV on at all.

 

[SD449]

Just USA? Or is there potential for UK and other regions?

 

[fokmik]

Apple Could Look to Acquire Disney Amid Stock Drop

So we will have disney+and appleTv+ for free for those who will buy mac iphone mac

 

[Steve121178]

This is nice, but $20 when it would have cost $12 to see it on the big screen? Universal needs customers during this theatre shutdown, but they are charging a premium to rent movies? Normally it would cost $20 to purchase the movie (which isn’t normally released this soon on iTunes). Not following that.

I can't believe anyone has the cheek to moan about these prices.

It costs around £17 ($21) to watch a movie here in the UK on a IMAX screen, maybe £5 cheaper for standard screenings. $20 USD is more than fair to watch the latest releases from home.

 

[ascender]

21st century movie releases.... Its like the future is finally here.

😂 I had that exact same thought... all its taken is a global pandemic for movie studios to try this out and see what happens.

 

[fullauto]

Finally! Now just make some great movies..

 

[chris1958]

The reasonable assumption is that most of these will be viewed by at least a couple, if not a family or group of friends.

If you watch it with a some friends you are spreading the virus. No social gathering means that no one outside your family is allowed to take part.

 

[zhenya]

If you watch it with a some friends you are spreading the virus. No social gathering means that no one outside your family is allowed to take part.

there are plenty of young people who live together as friends...

 

[MRrainer]

Finally! Now just make some great movies..

This might be the bigger problem.
If you subtract all the sequels, prequels and "franchise"-movies, there's not a whole lot left.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

But it would cost less to see it on the big screen? I don’t get it...

 

[wbeasley]

if they release a film with rushed crap visuals, will you get the 2.0 version a few days later for free?

i get they are charging $20 for a household.
a family with kids will find this more attractive.
cheaper popcorn and coke as well.

everyone else (singles/couples) who feels it costs too much will just bit torrent it a day later.
we've been down this (music) path before.

 

[bryn0076]

It's a great idea that I would love to see succeed, I feel they've missed the sweet-spot with their pricing...

 

[randomgeeza]

Hoping this is UK as well. I am all over this... Have wondered why this wasn't a thing already. Roll on...