AMC and Warner Bros. have entered into a new agreement that will shorten the theatrical window for films beginning in 2022.
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Before the Coronavirus pandemic, 90 days was the industry standard before a film could move from theaters to any form of home video. With the onset of the pandemic, movie studios have experimented with several different scenarios, with Warner Bros. taking one of the most extreme stances.
Throughout 2021, Warner Bros. went with a policy of releasing its films on HBO Max at the same time it hit theaters and leaving them there for 31 days. Following that period, the movies would become theatrically exclusive for 31 days, and then Warner Bros. could eventually move them back to the streaming service.
Beginning in 2022, AMC has agreed to a new shortened 45-day window between theatrical and streaming debut. This deal is already in place with Cineworld, which owns Regal Cinemas in the U.S.
Other studios are in discussion with the theater chains for the same theatrical window.
AMC CEO Adam Aron said of the deal, “It’s especially gratifying that Warner Bros is yet again embracing a theatrical window. For us at AMC, it’s especially pleasing to be working so harmoniously with Warner Bros. once again.”
Aron went on to add, “We’re in active dialogue with every major studio on this topic. We’re hearing considerable support that an exclusive theatrical window is an important way to build a successful movie franchise.”
This announcement means that films such as The Batman and The Flash will be available on HBO Max just over six weeks after they hit the theaters.
In addition to the announcements about theatrical windows, Aron also announced that the company planned to accept Bitcoin payments for tickets and concessions before the end of the year.
