NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell then trumpeted the digital release as a success and said the studio would, even once theaters reopened, “release movies on both formats.” In April, with theaters shuttered nationwide, Universal released the animated sequel “Trolls World Tour” by video on demand. The deal repairs a rift between AMC, the world’s largest theater chain, and Universal, which is owned by Comcast Corp. If widely embraced, a three-week window would also put further pressure on independent theaters which tend to rely on longer runs for films.Īdam Aron, chief executive of AMC, called it “a historic, industry-changing agreement.” Netflix, which hasn’t been able to previously agree with major chains over briefer runs for its premier releases, could now find deals more palatable.

It’s all but certain to lead other studios to press for similar terms from AMC and other exhibitors. The deal has potentially profound ramifications for an industry reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. The shortened window only applies to premium video-on-demand - which often means digital rentals of $20 - not standard on-demand or other home platforms. over the next three years.Īfter a run of at least three weekends, Universal (and its specialty label, Focus Features) will have the option of steering a film to premium on-demand, including AMC’s own service.

The new deal covers Universal films - which include the “Fast & Furious” franchise, “Jurassic Park” movies and the “Despicable Me” series - in the U.S.

Universal studios amc theater