With the end of the pandemic (I hope) in sight, the film industry is looking to the future. The cinemas have been hit hard by COVID-19, but they hope to return strongly and soon. Case in point: Regais Cinemas revealed plans to reopen in April, and its parent company Cineworld has just closed a deal with Warner Bros. for 2022 – a sign that Warner Bros. ‘The 2021 plan to release his films simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max will really come to an end next year.
Will cinemas recover after the pandemic? This is certainly what everyone is waiting for now. And although a part of me still thinks it is too early to reopen the cinemas, those responsible for the cinemas disagree. Which means that Cineworld-owned Regal Cinemas are preparing to reopen theaters starting in April. United States Regal Cinemas will reopen in April 2nd, while the opening in the UK will take place in may 17. The April reopening in the US will Godzilla vs. Kong the first big hit to return to the big screen in Regal cinemas.
“We have long looked forward to this moment when we can welcome the public to our Regal cinemas and restore our essential role in the communities we serve,” said Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger. “With the health and safety of our customers, employees and communities as our top priority, we continue to take all necessary precautions and comply with our CinemaSafe guidelines to confidently provide a safe and comfortable experience. With capacity restrictions expanding to 50% or more in most U.S. states, we will be able to operate profitably in our largest markets. We will also be closely monitoring developments in the UK and across Europe, as we plan to gradually reopen around the world in line with local government guidance. “
Meanwhile, Cineworld has also just signed a multi-year contract with Warner Bros. As Deadline reports, the deal “will see the second global exhibitor show the 2021 studio titles in theaters and HBO Max in the United States as their theatrical release. Then, starting in 2022, Warner Bros. films will have a 45-day window of theatrical exclusivity on Cineworld’s Regal network. “
In other words, Warner Bros. is maintaining its HBO Max launch strategy for 2021, but as soon as 2022 arrives, it is done – its titles will be exclusive to theaters, at least for 45 days. It seems that I am in the minority among my colleagues, but I am enjoying HBO Max’s strategy and would like it to continue. But I also understand that cinemas need this exclusivity to thrive and survive, and there are many people who want this experience on the big screen.
Christopher Nolan is one of those big screen lovers, and his latest film Principle has just received an extended launch at the IMAX locations in Los Angeles and New York until March 30, by Collider. This decision comes after the film has sold out in recent weeks – which is quite impressive, given that the film has been on Blu-ray since December 2020. There may be hope for the theatrical experience yet.
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