With everything going on in the world, Warner Brothers has announced that their entire line-up of films for 2021 will be released on the same day on HBO Max as they are released in movie theaters.
The cool thing is, this means that any Warner Brothers movies that you would like to see could be available to you, even if you are going through some form of lockdown due to the pandemic. This means that, if you really wanted to see one of the movies, and are worried about spoilers, you will have the opportunity to view the movie at the same time as others are, no matter where you live (at least in the United States, not sure about other countries). For instance… if the U.S. goes on lockdown the week that The Suicide Squad is scheduled to be released, but the movie still releases in the United Kingdom on the same day, you’ll still have the option to watch the movie on HBO Max. Pretty crazy!
I don’t know about you, but lately it has been harder and harder for me to get to a movie theater (well, pre-pandemic). I have a family now, and they take priority, so I don’t get to see everything I want to see in the theater.
But that’s alright with me. Going to movies more rarely also meant that it was a rare treat, also meaning that other audience members could be especially bothersome. Especially if they were to talk loudly during a scene and you miss some vital bit of dialog. The movie theater experience, as much as I love it, had its’ issues.
To be able to watch these movies for the first time in the comfort of my own home, well, that’s something that is not a foreign concept to me. There are a LOT of movies I saw for the first time at home, and it didn’t diminish the experience for me. I am a huge fan of Star Wars, and until 1997, I had only seen the original trilogy on home video.
So, when The Matrix 4 releases on December 22, 2021, in theaters and on HBO Max, if you have a choice, where will you view it? Will you hold a marathon at home of the Matrix Trilogy followed by the fourth film in the same place? Will you do the same but end at a movie theater (if they’re open)?
Do you think Warner Brothers will put the Matrix Trilogy on HBO Max with a special Marathon viewing option? I’ve never seen anything like that on a streaming service before, but it could be cool. Especially if they told us when to start the first Matrix film so that we could be ready for the release of The Matrix 4 and have a viewing party all around the country when the movie is released.
Also, who is up for doing a massive, simultaneous viewing party for The Matrix 4 when it is out on HBO Max?
Press Release:
December 3, 2020 – Burbank, CA – Today, the Warner Bros. Pictures Group announced that it has committed to releasing its 2021 film slate via a unique, consumer-focused distribution model in which Warner Bros. will continue to exhibit the films theatrically worldwide, while adding an exclusive one month access period on the HBO Max streaming platform in the U.S. concurrent with the film’s domestic release. The hybrid model was created as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S. Following the one month HBO Max access period domestically, each film will leave the platform and continue theatrically in the U.S. and international territories, with all customary distribution windows applying to the title. All films will be available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max. This announcement was made today by Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group (of which Warner Bros. is part) and Jason Kilar, CEO, WarnerMedia.
Warner Bros. Pictures Group’s 2021 expected* release slate currently includes The Little Things, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4.
“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said Sarnoff. “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.”
“After considering all available options and the projected state of moviegoing throughout 2021, we came to the conclusion that this was the best way for WarnerMedia’s motion picture business to navigate the next 12 months,” said Kilar. “More importantly, we are planning to bring consumers 17 remarkable movies throughout the year, giving them the choice and the power to decide how they want to enjoy these films. Our content is extremely valuable, unless it’s sitting on a shelf not being seen by anyone. We believe this approach serves our fans, supports exhibitors and filmmakers, and enhances the HBO Max experience, creating value for all.”
“This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We have a fantastic, wide ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.”
About Warner Bros. Pictures Group:
Warner Bros. Pictures Group includes Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Warner Animation Group and DC-based film production. Warner Bros. partners with the world’s most inspiring storytellers to create extraordinary entertainment on every screen for the global audience. Warner Bros. Pictures Group has been at the forefront of the motion picture industry since its inception and continues to be a leading creative force, producing the broadest slate of films comprised of worldwide theatrical releases and films premiering exclusively on HBO Max. To date, Warner Bros. remains the only studio to cross the $1 billion mark both domestically and internationally 19 years in a row—an industry record.
About HBO Max:
HBO Max® is WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer offering, with 10,000 hours of curated premium content. HBO Max offers best in class quality entertainment, featuring the greatest array of storytelling for all audiences with the iconic brands of HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and much more. Website: HBOMax.com
*Films and release dates subject to change.
THANKS so much for updating us. I almost got to be Carrie-Anne’s stand in, but “things” happened. For me, okay, as I got to shoot another film, just wrapped. Either way, thrilled there’s a 4th! Great job you guys for all you do! Thanks, deb smith ford
Can you imagine seeing Matrix 4 on your phone? What a waste! Now that I’m an adult and can actually see it in IMAX, there’s no way I’d see it at home. It was really a dream for me to see the Matrix 2 and 3 in IMAX when I was 12 but my parents couldn’t afford to take me there but I’ll go all in now and will do my best to reserve at least two tickets for myself for two different days so I can experience it. Yes, it won’t be as great as the original trilogy if Neil Patrick Harris is in this but still, I will be remedying my past mistake of not running from home and begging for money on the street back then so I could see it!