The End of the Theater Business

I see this as an inevitable evolution for movies.
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/amc-theatres-universal-pictures-dispute-movie-theaters-1234592899/

Unbelievable hubris in this public statement:

Quote :

“This radical change by Universal to the business model that currently exists between our two companies represents nothing but downside for us and is categorically unacceptable to AMC Entertainment,” Aron wrote in a letter to the studio Tuesday night, announcing his venues would ban Universal’s movies. “Accordingly, we want to be absolutely clear, so that there is no ambiguity of any kind. AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theaters simultaneously, Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies.”

Because he's stupid enough to cut off his own nose:

Quote :

For AMC, which was struggling even before forced closures due to the pandemic, icing out Universal means the circuit won’t be able to screen the next “Fast & Furious” flick or “Jurassic World” sequel. Those are the kind of blockbusters that can be counted on not just to sell tickets, but also tons of popcorn and concession stand treats that exhibitors rely on to boost revenues.

The increasingly-irrelevant Oscars are inadvertantly siding with AMC, thus taking themselves ever further out of relevance:
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/new-oscar-rules-movies-not-in-theaters-1234591702/

Net result?  Online entertainment comes out the clear winner.  Widescreen TVs and surround sound systems already made theaters nearly obsolete; now they're just sealing it.  Netflix and Amazon have been dominating the awards (non-Oscars) for several years now, and with good reason: studio productions, with management-by-committee, turn out terrible crap.