Universal’s Next Straight to VOD Release: ‘The High Note’
Last week, Universal had it out with AMC and other theater chains about releasing films through VOD instead of waiting to release their new films. Universal has stated that they have been thinking about releasing films in the straight to VOD model for quite awhile now. With everyone mostly stuck at home with nothing to really do, Universal found its perfect moment to start testing this model for releasing films. They started their new release model by putting ‘Trolls World Tour’ on VOD and in return they made more money on this movie than they did on its predecessor. There may be a number of outside factors which contributed to the film doing so well on its release, but Universal sees it as the first step.
After taking their first step with their new release model, Universal stated that it would continue to follow this model with future releases as well. They announced last week that ‘The King of Staten Island’ would not be delayed and instead released straight to VOD in June. This ended up creating tension with theater chains and AMC even stated that they wouldn’t play any more Universal films. Universal then countered back by saying that they stated in their previous statement that they would also continue to show movies in theaters when they re-open. As of now, they announced that they are making Focus’ ‘The High Note’ available on VOD this week instead of delaying it.
‘The High Note’ stars Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson as characters Grace and Maggie respectively. Grace is a larger-than-life superstar whose talent, and ego, run the show. Maggie is Grace’s overworked personal assistant who one day aspires to be a music producer. Opportunity comes for both of these women when Grace’s manager tells her about a choice she has to make that can alter her entire career. With a lot on the line, both of the women come up with a plan that, if it works, could change their livelihoods forever.
This movie will be the second feature film to be put immediately onto VOD by Universal following the start of this pandemic. It will, apparently, also be far from the last film that they will release straight to VOD and may help pave the way for even more releases. The problem with this release model is that, while it may be convenient, it may be a model that doesn’t last due to the fact that people won’t be stuck at home forever. This is why Universal still plans to play their films in theaters, since the movie-going experience is something some people look forward to, and they don’t want to lose out on that market. We will know a bit more about whether this model can really work in a few weeks when Universal gives out the number of purchases, but until then it is unknown how this plan of theirs will play out.