It looks like sides are being taken in the fight between AMC Theatres and Universal Pictures. After the studio touted the success of the Trolls World Tour VOD release, a comment about looking to release future films in both formats did not sit well with AMC Theatres or NATO which resulted in an overly harsh letter from AMC CEO Adam Aron declaring the brand would no longer run Universal films. Regal Entertainment owner Cineworld group, while not going as far as AMC, seems to support what AMC has to say about respecting the theatrical/VOD release window.
The world’s second biggest circuit says its policy with respect to the window “is clear, well known in the industry and is part of our commercial deal with our movie suppliers… We make it clear again that we will not be showing movies that fail to respect the windows.” They also go on to further address Universal’s release model for Trolls World Tour:
“It was completely inappropriate and certainly has nothing to do with good faith business practice, partnership and transparency.”
I honestly believe that the only adult in the room is Universal Pictures. It’s my opinion that AMC and other movie theater chains are feeling the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic due to their forced closures nationwide. AMC Theatres has even more to worry about given their massive debt accumulated before the pandemic and the rumors that they may have to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to survive. I honestly feel like no one wins in this fight because studios and exhibitors need each other BUT these chains need to realize what they’re giving up by shunning Universal. The Fast & Furious franchise alone would be a huge loss, not to mention the next Jurassic World film, the next two Halloween films, & the Candyman remake. Through it all, Universal has remained professional and released the following statement addressing the matter:
“We absolutely believe in the theatrical experience and made no statement to the contrary. As we stated earlier, going forward, we expect to release future films directly to theatres, as well as on PVOD when that distribution outlet makes sense. We are also disappointed in this seemingly coordinated attempt from AMC and NATO to confuse our position and our actions.”
