Giant Theater Chain Cinemark Intends to Boycott Universal's 'Tower Heist'

Responding quickly, giant theater circuit Cinemark has told Universal it will not carry Brett Ratner's action-comedy Tower Heist in a of their theaters when the studio goes forward having a premium VOD test that will result in the film obtainable in houses only three days after it opens in theaters. Cinemark, the nation's third-biggest circuit, released the warning one next day of Universal and parent company Comcast introduced the premium VOD test. Tower Heist is going to be agreed to roughly 500,000 Comcast digital customers in Atlanta and Tigard for any pricey $59.99. STORY: Universal to provide 'Tower Heist' on Early VOD for $59.99 "Cinemark has advised Universal Pictures to reconsider its market test of the product," Cinemark stated inside a statement. "If Universal Pictures progresses using its Tower Heist premium video-on-demand offering, as introduced, Cinemark has determined, in the best business interests, that it'll decline showing this film in the theaters." Tower Heist --starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick --opens in theaters November. 4, meaning it will likely be on premium VOD within the Thanksgiving weekend (rival galleries asked whether it's smart to encourage poeple to look at movies in your own home throughout probably the most intense moviegoing weekends of the season). Despite the fact that the experiment, made to gauge consumer interest, is just happening in 2 marketplaces, Cinemark will not carry the film in a of their theaters. STORY: Brett Ratner Not Involved with $59.99 VOD 'Tower Heist' Test Universal had no comment regarding Cinemark's decision, that could pose a large box-office blow. It isn't obvious yet whether AMC Entertainment and Regal Entertainment get up on the problem. If other chains go ahead and take same stance and boycott the film, Universal could have to reconsider the exam. Ratner wasn't involved with Universal's decision. In April, he was among numerous high-profile company directors opposing a 60-day premium VOD test. Related Subjects Brett Ratner Eddie Murphy Universal Pictures Ben Stiller Matthew Broderick