Expect embarrassing financial duds like Tom Hooper’s “Cats” adaptation and Robert Downey Jr.’s “Dolittle” to take full advantage of the early access to iTunes or Amazon. Chalk it up to the surge in streaming services, but some movies no longer seem destined for the big screen. But the gap between hits and misses at the box office has become unmistakable. So it’s unlikely that similar tentpoles, or unexpected hits - which Universal has seen with Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and “Us,” the recent “Halloween” reboot starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Blumhouse’s “The Invisible Man” - will leave theaters prematurely. That system works well for blockbusters like “Jurassic World,” “Wonder Woman” and anything Marvel - the kinds of movies that regularly gross well over $100 million in theaters. Once upon a time, studios had to wait three months before they could make movies available to rent at home (most studios still do). That doesn’t mean every movie will definitely make the jump to digital after a few weekends. These pacts give Universal the option (key word: option) to put new releases on home entertainment platforms earlier than ever.

Is this the final nail in the coffin for theaters? How soon can audiences watch the next “Fast & Furious” sequel at home? Here’s everything you need to know about Universal’s historic deals with Cinemark and AMC. Yet having Cinemark on board now means that two of the biggest movie theater chains in the country have resigned to the fact that the film industry will look very different when the world emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. Universal made a similar agreement months ago with the world’s biggest cinema chain, AMC Theatres - a decision that initially drew criticism. Traditionally, new releases remain on the big screen for 75 to 90 days before they move to digital platforms for a $19.99 rental fee. Films that generate at least $50 million in opening weekend ticket sales, however, will have to play exclusively in theaters for 31 days, or five full weekends. Under the terms of the agreement, Universal can put new movies on premium video-on-demand platforms in as little as 17 days. The Hollywood studio struck a second deal with a major theater chain, this time Cinemark, to shorten the theatrical window and bring movies more quickly to the home. On Monday, Universal Pictures gave theater owners another shove toward the future of moviegoing.

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