The deals are not finalized, but recently Warner Bros. studio chief Kevin Tsujihara said, “We’re making a lot of progress,” during a call with analysts on Wednesday. He added, “We’re aggressively working with exhibitors to talk about models that will grow the market instead of cannibalizing the market.”
The Warner Bros. head said, “Part of the reason that’s driving this is consumers and the economics of the film business.”
It seems Warner Bros. is trying to work deals with its partners and streaming stores such as Amazon Video to offer its content.
This move seems to be an effort to address the continued change in how Americans want to access movies. “The middle of the market in the theatrical business has gotten extremely tough,” he noted, arguing that offering some movies in homes earlier would “change the economics of adult dramas.”
Warner Bros. is not the only studio looking to offer movies online sooner. Universal is also exploring its options and has even started talks with AMC and other movie theater chains have been involved in the negotiations.
It is likely that you will be paying a premium for these movies. Some have suggested that the cost to rent a movie 2 weeks after it comes out in theaters would be as high as $50; however, if you are a family of four $50 may seem like a steal. Between the cost of movie tickets and food at movie theaters you could easily pay over $50 to see the same movie.
This would not be the first time the online release date of movies has been moved up. Most movies now come to streaming services just 90 days after they hit movie theaters, which is a far cry from the 6 months you used to wait not that long ago.
Source: Variety
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