Coronavirus Pushes Studios to Make Theatrical Releases Available At Home
The economic impact of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been far reaching. Every industry imaginable has been crippled by cancellations, diagnosis and the need for consumers and the work force to stay indoors to limit the spread of the disease. Hollywood took hits early as productions, screenings, in-person interviews and festivals were either postponed or cancelled and actors like Idris Elba and Tom Hanks reported that they tested positive for the illness. Most movie theaters have gone from a half occupancy policy to closing their doors all together.
To counter what is easily billions of dollars in losses (and to help entertain a captive viewer base) several studios have opted to release their recent films via Video On Demand, or push up their already planned digital release dates. Here are several theatrical releases that viewers can stream at home today or in the very near future.
The Hunt
The Universal/Blumhouse horror film was sidelined after its March 13 opening by the coronavirus. It's available to stream beginning March 20 and Director Craig Zobel is hosting alive chat at 4:30pm PST/ 7:30 pm EST at the hashtag #TheHuntMovieAtHome
The Invisible Man
The Universal horror film starring Elisabeth Moss grossed nearly $65 million since its Feb. 26 release in theaters. It's available to stream beginning March 20. Director Leigh Channel is hosting a live chat at 6:30 pm PST/ 9:30pm EST. Follow along at the hashtag #TheInivisbleManAtHome
I Still Believe
If horror isn’t your bag, the faith based drama based on the life of Christian singer Jeremy Camp will be available on-demand March 27 after opening in theaters in early March.
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Just Mercy
The gripping drama about the life of defense attorney Bryan Stevenson starring Micheal B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx was released in theaters on December 25 and is available digitally to own now. It will be available via VOD on March 24.
The Way Back
Ben Affleck’s basketball drama about a reformed alcoholic who becomes a high school basketball coach earned $13.7 Million in the two weeks since premiering on March 6. It will now be available to watch on demand for $19.99 starting March 24.
Bloodshot
The Valiant Comics adaptation starring Vin Diesel about a cybernetically enhanced super soldier out to avenge his wife’s death was released on March 13 by Sony pictures and will be available for digital purchase for $19.99 in the U.S. starting March 24.
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Trolls World Tour
The sequel to the 2016 animated hit announced it would be available for digital download on April 10 -- the same day it was supposed to land in theaters. Now it's a VOD exclusive.
Birds of Prey
The spinoff of 2017's Suicide Squad starring Margot Robbie, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Rosie Perez was released on Feb 4 and will debut on demand on March 24. The film has grossed $84 million since opening.
Onward
Disney and Pixar’s animated feature was released on March 6 but rushed to digital platforms, made available for purchase on Friday, March 20. The film will join Disney+ on April 3.
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