In April, Universal Studios released Trolls World Tour on VOD. Due to the massive success, Universal Studios vowed to release all future films on VOD, the same day as any theatrical releases. This promise enraged AMC, who then swore to never show another Universal movie again. After months of negotiations, the companies have reached a deal.

The Deal

AMC Celebration 2 final features | The last two movies shown… | FlickrAMC Celebration 2 final features | The last two movies shown… | Flickr

The deal will allow for Universal Studios to release all movies on VOD, 3 weeks after their theatrical debut. For the first time in history, moviegoers will no longer have to wait the mandatory 90 days before bringing home their new favorite movies on DVD/Streaming. In a statement, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley said:

"The theatrical experience continues to be the cornerstone of our business, The partnership we've forged with AMC is driven by our collective desire to ensure a thriving future for the film distribution ecosystem and to meet consumer demand with flexibility and optionality."

VOD

Sponge On The Run

Paramount Studios

Since the coronavirus shutdown began, movie studios have either delayed their films or put them on VOD streaming. Movies such as Scoob!, Spongebob: Sponge On The Run, Trolls World Tour, Bill and Ted Face The Music, and The King Of Staten Island have all opted to release via VOD instead of delaying until movie theaters reopen. All of these films have seen massive success. In a statement, AMC CEO Adam Aron shared:

"AMC enthusiastically embraces this new industry model both because we are participating in the entirety of the economics of the new structure, and because premium video on demand creates the added potential for increased movie studio profitability, which should in turn lead to the green-lighting of more theatrical movies, Focusing on the long-term health of our industry, we would note that just as restaurants have thrived even though every home has a kitchen, AMC is highly confident that moviegoers will come to our theatres in huge numbers in a post-pandemic world."