World News – US – Dune and Matrix 4 streaming schedule leads to urgent talks from AMC theaters

. css-14iz86j-BoldText {font size: bold;} Odeon owner AMC is in « urgent talks » with Warner Bros.. after the filmmaker announced that all releases would be available for streaming in the US immediately.

The move allows movie fans to watch the upcoming sci-fi epic Dune and the Matrix sequel on HBO Max at the same time as their theatrical release.

The new versions will be available for the service, which is not yet available in the UK, one month after release. HBO Max is slated to launch in Europe in the second half of next year, according to its global boss Andy Forssell.

Releases are also expected to include Godzilla vs Kong, Mortal Kombat and The Suicide Squad.

Earlier this year, AMC took an assertive move to successfully contain a similar screening plan by rival Hollywood studio Universal.

Cinemas are desperate for content to draw viewers back with new entertainment that is initially only seen on their screens.

AMC had agreed that one film, Wonder Woman 1984, could be shown simultaneously on HBO Max, the streaming service of the ultimate parent company AT&T.

AMC chief executive Adam Aron said, « These coronavirus-hit times are unexplored waters for all of us, which is why AMC has signed an HBO Max exemption from usual practices for just one movie, Wonder Woman 1984, to be released by Warner Brothers at Christmas, when the pandemic looms that it will be at its peak. « 

Warner Bros. was accused of subsidizing its HBO Max through its move: « We will do everything in our power to ensure that Warner does not do this at our expense. « . We will aggressively pursue economic conditions that will keep our business going.

« We have already entered into an immediate and urgent dialogue with Warner leadership on this matter. « 

Ann Sarnoff, chairman and executive director of WarnerMedia Studios, said the pandemic calls for « creative solutions ». .

« Nobody wants more films on the big screen than we do, » she said.

« We know that new content is the lifeblood of the theatrical exhibition, but we need to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the US are likely to operate at reduced capacity by 2021. « 

AMC banned all Universal movies after the studio announced it would release new movies the same day at home and on the big screen.

The two companies finally agreed that Universal films could be digitized in cinemas after just 17 days.

Ms. Sarnoff explained the Warner Bros. decision. and said the « one year unique plan » would « allow moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or may not be willing to go back to the movies to see ours. « amazing 2021 movies ».

« We see it as a win-win situation for film lovers and exhibitors and are very grateful to our filmmakers for working with us on this innovative answer to these circumstances. « 

Britain warns that breakthrough chances are « diminishing » as it negotiates business rules with the EU.

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