Blockbuster Boost: Universal Extends Theatrical Exclusivity
Universal Pictures announces extended exclusive theatrical runs, giving movie theaters a minimum of 5 weeks before streaming - a move to revitalize the cinema experience post-pandemic.
In a move that aims to reinvigorate the theater-going experience, Universal Pictures has announced an extension of its theatrical exclusivity policy. Under the new guidelines, movie theaters will now be guaranteed a minimum of five weekends - or roughly 35 days - of exclusive play for Universal's new releases, up from the previous pandemic-era policy of just three weekends.
The changes don't stop there - starting in 2023, the exclusive theatrical window will be extended even further to seven weekends, or roughly 49 days, before a film can be made available for streaming or digital rental. This shift represents a significant reversal from the shortened windows that became commonplace during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when studios rushed to get new titles in front of homebound audiences.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: The New York Times
