European Cinemas Angered by Hollywood Direct-to-streaming Releases

European Cinemas Angered by Hollywood Direct to Streaming Releases

European cinemas have been angered by the recent decisions of American film studios to postpone releases or simply release them directly to video on demand services.

In a recent statement the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) said, “The vast majority of cinemas across Europe and indeed many regions of the world are now open and able to offer a safe and enjoyable return for audiences. Cinema operators have invested massively in offering the safest possible experience to their audiences on the basis of a promising schedule of new film releases.”

In addition they said they are frustrated with Disney Pixar’s decision to release Soul directly on Disney Plus, saying they are “shocked and dismayed” that they will not be able to run the film. “Yet again, however, they find a distributor delivering another blow. The decision on Soul is doubly frustrating for operators who were counting on the release after the film was previewed at a number of key European film festivals.”

The world premiere of Soul happened on Saturday at the BFI London Film Festival and will be shown at the Rome Film Festival later this week.

“There is compelling evidence that where audiences have returned, they have found the experience both safe and enjoyable,” the UNIC statement claimed. “But it is also clear that it is the release of new films that will make all the difference in encouraging people back to the big screen.”

“Indeed, across Europe, many cinemas have — since re-opening successfully — screened countless local releases, underlining that first-run titles are now more important than ever.”

Mulan was released directly on Disney Plus in September, even in areas where theaters were still operating.

“Decisions to postpone titles, to bypass cinemas and the value they create are extremely disappointing — and concerning — and will only delay the day that the whole industry is able to put this crisis behind it,” UNIC said. “It is not only cinemas and audiences who are missing out — this situation must surely also be deeply frustrating for the creators and talents who want to see their films on the big screen.”

UNIC also warned of the financial danger for many theaters saying, “While cinemas will struggle to recover without new releases, so in truth too will our studio partners, whose decisions in such circumstances risk causing irreparable damage to key markets, many of whom will be less well-placed to support their films when they do decide to release them,” They added, “It is no exaggeration to say that by the time some studios decide the moment is right to release their films, it may be too late for many European cinemas.”

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