AMC Theatres Will No Longer Feature Universal Films. After the successful digital release of Trolls World Tour, NBCUniversal has shared they intend to release even more titles both in theaters and digitally according to comments share by MBCUniversal President and CEO Jeff Shell to The Wall Street Journal.
Shell shared “The results for Trolls World Tour have exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the viability of PVOD. As soon as theaters reopen, we expect to release movies on both formats.”
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron shared the news via a statement to Universal Studios’ chair Donna Langley regarding Jeff Shell’s decision to release Universal films both digitally and in theaters simultaneously.
“Going forward, AMC will not license any Universal movies in any of our 1,000 theatres globally on these terms. Accordingly, we want to be absolutely clear, so that there is no ambiguity of any kind.
AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theatres simultaneously, Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies. It assumes that we will meekly accept a reshaped view of how studios and exhibitors should interact, with zero concern on Universal’s part as to how its actions affect us.
It also presumes that Universal in fact can have its cake and eat it too, that Universal film product can be released to the home and theatres at the same time, without modification to the current economic arrangements between us.”
The comments did not go unnoticed by Universal Pictures, with NBCUniversal responding, “We absolutely believe in the theatrical experience and have made no statement to the contrary. As we stated earlier, going forward, we expect to release future films directly to theaters, as well as on PVOD when that distribution outlet makes sense,” the company continued, “Our goal in releasing Trolls World Tour on PVOD was to deliver entertainment to people who are sheltering at home, while movie theaters and other forms of outside entertainment are unavailable.”
Do you think AMC Theatres is within their right to stop featuring Universal titles? Or do you think Universal should be allowed to release films in any way they wish? We would like to know your thoughts in the comments. This is an evolving story, so be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for updates and all things Universal!
Featured Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
Source: Unilad
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