NO MOVIE THEATERS
State of the Film Biz During COVID-19 and Beyond
With movie theaters closed and everyone in self-isolation to stop the spread of COVID-19, movie studios have had to figure out what to do about new releases. Some films (Mulan, Black Widow, A Quiet Place Part II) have had their theatrical releases pushed back indefinitely, F9’s theatrical release is now next year. But what about the movies that were released, but can no longer play in theaters?
Universal Pictures and Disney were the first studios to release in-theaters titles months early on VOD and other streaming platforms. For a rental price of $19.99, The Invisible Man, Emma and The Hunt became available to watch at home last Friday, March 20. Also on March 20, Disney released Onward on VOD and streaming for $19.99, the movie will become available on Disney+ on April 3. The studio also released Frozen 2 on Disney+ three months earlier than planned. Additionally, Universal will make Trolls World Tour available to rent on its theatrical release date, April 10.
The other major studios soon followed suit, with WB releasing Birds of Prey, The Way Back and Just Mercy for purchase at $19.99 to VOD and streaming on March 24. Also, for sale at $19.99 on March 24 was Sony’s Bloodshot. Rounding out the pack is Lionsgate, who will release its faith-based romantic drama I Still Believe for rent on VOD and streaming for $19.99 on March 27. More major and independent studios are sure to follow with early releases as well. These moves will offer viewers an opportunity to see the big movies sooner, and it could also be a chance for indie studios to showcase other films. After all, we are all stuck at home and looking for ways to entertain ourselves. After watching all the big new releases, why not give some of the smaller ones a try?
