European Cinema Owners: ‘Trolls’ Success Not a Greenlight to ‘Redesign’ Release Model

The International Union of Cinemas (Unic) has said the lucrative Pvod release of “Trolls World Tour” should not be used a reference point to “redesign” the business model around releasing.The Brussels-based organization, which represents European cinema operators, spoke out in response to growing tensions between exhibitors and Universal over the straight-to-vod release of “Trolls World Tour.”On Tuesday, the studio said the film took in $100 million in premium VOD rentals in its first three weeks of play in North America, a result that will push the film towards profitability.NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell later told the Wall Street Journal that when theaters reopen, the studio will continue “to release movies on both formats,” effectively bypassing the 90-day window typically observed before releasing films digitally.

The comments prompted AMC Theatres to announce it will immediately cut ties with the studio and boycott Universal films in its cinemas across the U.

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