As movie theaters close for business in the United States and around the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic, studios are scrambling to figure out what to do with their latest movie releases. Universal Pictures announced Monday their upcoming TROLLS WORLD TOUR and recent film releases like THE INVISIBLE MAN, THE HUNT and EMMA will be made available for rent on digital starting as soon as Friday, March 20.
Last week, studios removed their tentpole movie releases off their March and April film schedules as health experts urge the public to stay away from crowded areas. The box office took a huge deep dive this past weekend with movie theater chains selling a limited amount of tickets to avoid crowding in accordance with the social distancing mandate from the officials. On Monday, local governments ordered most public places to close including movie theaters.
The Universal films will be available for rent in a 48-hour window for the price of $19.99. The current titles now playing in movie theaters include THE HUNT, INVISIBLE MAN and EMMA from Universal's specialty arm, Focus. Universal's next release for Dreamworks Animation, TROLLS WORLD TOUR will be released as planned on April 10 in remaining movie theaters and on digital simultaneously.
The move may be temporary while the coronavirus is a threat to public health, but no doubt movie chains are unhappy about the decision.
