An unprecedented move by a global movie house is called for in unprecedented times.
Due to the coronavirus global pandemic, Universal Pictures has announced that it will make its movies available on home entertainment, the same day as the films’ global theatrical releases.
The initiative will also make films currently in cinemas available and will kick-off as early as Friday, March 20.
DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour, which has a scheduled release date of April 10, will be the first major release to available on-demand followed by The Hunt, The Invisible Man, and Emma.
According to NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, the upcoming films are being released with “an option for people to view these titles in the home that is both accessible and affordable”.
They will be available for a 48-hour rental period of roughly $19.99.
“We hope and believe that people will still go to the movies in theatres where available, but we understand that for people in different areas of the world that is increasingly becoming less possible,” Shell said in a statement.
The current health crisis is evolving rapidly. If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.