Regal and Cinemark decline to screen Netflix's 'Cliff Booth' on IMAX
Regal Cinemas and Cinemark have refused to book Netflix's upcoming film starring Brad Pitt for their IMAX venues, while AMC will show it on its IMAX screens.
Netflix’s latest effort to release a film theatrically encountered resistance from two major U.S. theater chains. Regal Cinemas and Cinemark have declined to book the streaming platform’s "The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth," starring Brad Pitt and directed by David Fincher, for their IMAX screens.
The movie is scheduled to play on AMC’s IMAX venues for a two-week run beginning Nov. 25, with a streaming debut on Dec. 23.
Regal said the decision reflects its policy on theatrical exclusivity. > "Regal’s premium screens are among our most valuable assets, and one of the factors we consider in how we allocate them is the level of commitment distributors make to the theatrical marketplace. Shortened theatrical windows have a direct impact on those decisions, as they limit the opportunity for audiences to experience films on the big screen. We will continue to prioritize releases that recognize the value of theatrical exclusivity, including ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ which will have our full support in IMAX," said Brooks LeBoeuf, senior vice president of U.S. content at Regal.
The chain’s schedule is already dominated by Lionsgate’s "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," which will occupy most of its IMAX screens after its Nov. 20 premiere. Regal operates roughly 100 IMAX screens, while Cinemark has about 20; both chains opted not to allocate any for the Netflix title.
Despite the refusals, the film will still reach more than 500 screens worldwide, including AMC’s 200 U.S. IMAX locations and additional venues operated by independent cinemas. Netflix has several other titles slated for theatrical releases, such as "Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew" and "The Mosquito Bowl."