Universal, Cinemark agree on earlier home release for movies
By Lisa Richwine
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Cinemark Holdings Inc <CNK.N> has reached a deal that will allow Comcast Corp’s <CMCSA.O> Universal Pictures to offer its films in U.S. homes as soon as 17 days after they debut in theaters, the companies said on Monday.
The multi-year agreement is similar to one that Universal made earlier this year with AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc <AMC.N>, the world’s largest theater chain, embracing a major shift from traditional movie release patterns.
Under the new agreement, Universal could offer movies for sale via premium video-on-demand after they have played for at least three weekends in theaters, a statement from the companies said. That would shrink the exclusive window a movie plays in cinemas to as short as 17 days rather than the roughly 90 days that has been common practice.
Movies that open with more than $50 million at box offices would be exclusive