As some of you may know, "Wonder Woman 1984" is set to come out simultaneously on both HBO Max and theaters (or at least the ones that will be open) on Christmas Day. Late last month, it was announced the Warner Bros. was going to release "Wonder Woman 1984" internationally a week before Christmas in any theaters that were open throughout the world, and that on Christmas Day in the US that the film would be given a theatrical release in any theater that was willing to show it on that day. However, people who have HBO Max would have the option of either seeing it in theaters if they have the option to, or see it on HBO Max christmas day for free for no additional charge. Many called this a bold move on WB's part. And while the film is only going to be available on HBO Max for a month before it's exclusive to theaters for an extra month. Then afterwards, it would hit VOD (video on demand) before inevitably making it's round back to HBO Max.
When this was announced, it was thought that "Wonder Woman 1984" would be the only film that Warner Bros. would do this to in light of the pandemic, but it seems those rumors were wrong, as this is their plan moving forward even going into 2021. Yes all Warner Bros. movies in 2021 will each get simultaneous theatrical releases, while being available immediately on HBO Max the same freaking day. Keep in mind, Warner Bros. does say in the fine print of their recent commercial advertising this that release titles and schedules are subject to change. Meaning if the pandemic ends early in 2021, they can easily back out of this deal to go back to the more lucrative theatrical model pre pandemic days if necessary. But if the pandemic continues deep into 2021, then this could be the new norm. And if it is, then what will happen to theaters if people have the option of either seeing their anticipated film in a theater or at the comfort of their own home on the same day?
Either way, I see this as a huge win for Warner Bros. and AT&T. It's no secret they've been taking a massive PR hit these days in light of the situation with Ezra Miller beating the shit out of unarmed woman on camera, and getting away with it. And, there's the messy situation between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard that's pissing people off on both ends these days. Therefore, this not only gives WB a positive PR boost to make it look like they're helping the theaters, even though they're not, and boosting HBO Max, which has struggled coming out of the gate in the streaming wars thus far. I think this game changing move will not only bolster subscribers for HBO Max, but I think it's a good PR move for a company that's been under fire these days for incidents that aren't their fault, but they're guilty by association so to speak.
Anyways according to the trailer, we can expect such films to come out on HBO Max the same day they make a theatrical debut such as "Tom and Jerry" the movie, "Space Jam 2", "Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It", "Mortal Kombat", "Dune", "Matrix 4" and many more.
What are your thoughts on this? You think this is a bold move by WB? Or do you think they're messing up again? Are you going to get HBO Max to watch any of these movies? And if you have the option of seeing any of these movies in theaters or HBO Max, then which option are you going to go with?
Is the theatrical experience worth seeing a movie in a theater when you can just watch the same said film at home on HBO Max? Please discuss.
Edit: also here's a link to the trailer for this new deal HBO Max is doing if anyone is curious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGy16GQHz-g
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