NBCUniversal announced that Universal Pictures is set to make its current movies available in the home, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. These include Emma, The Invisible Man, and Trolls World Tour.
The company has decided to provide an in-home option in light of the unprecedented changes to daily lives amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Universal Pictures movies will be made available in the home on the same day as their global theatrical releases, from as early as March 20.
This kicks off with DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour, which opens on April 10 in the US. Universal will make more movies in theatrical release available on-demand.
Universal Pictures adapts amid coronavirus outbreak
Titles including The Hunt, The Invisible Man and Emma will be available on various popular on-demand services for a 48-hour rental period.
“Universal Pictures has a broad and diverse range of movies with 2020 being no exception,” said Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal.
“Rather than delaying these films or releasing them into a challenged distribution landscape, we wanted to provide an option for people to view these titles in the home that is both accessible and affordable.
“We hope and believe that people will still go to the movies in theaters where available, but we understand that for people in different areas of the world that is increasingly becoming less possible.”
Movies in theatrical release available on-demand
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort have closed over COVID-19. Six Flags and SeaWorld have also announced the temporary closure of parks.
Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris have also closed over the virus. Disney previously shut down theme parks in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Disneyland and Walt Disney World are now donating excess food to Second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County and Central Florida during the closure.
Two Bit Circus is temporarily closing and has shared advice for recreating the Two Bit Circus experience at home.
