AMC Theaters is rethinking its strategy for direct-to-consumer video and shutting down its on Demand service. The company announced today that it will be partnering with Fandango’s Vudu, which will serve as the official new streaming platform for all existing consumers of AMC Theatres On Demand. Starting today, AMC Theatres On Demand users can transfer their account to Vudu, where they can continue to rent and purchase premium entertainment and watch their catalogue of previously acquired movies.
The move will allow AMC to concentrate fully on its core business at a time when the movie industry, in general, is in a state of flux. As a new Vudu customer, every AMC Theatres on Demand consumer has access to more than 200,000 new release and catalog movies and TV shows to rent or buy, including the largest collection of 4K UHD titles and thousands of titles to watch for free – all with no subscription required.
AMC Theatres On Demand customers will be getting a cool perk for their troubles as many of the movies previously purchased through AMC Theatres On Demand will be upgraded to the highest quality format available on Vudu, including 4K Ultra HD. Consumers with applicable titles in their libraries will automatically receive those upgrades for free. Additionally, AMC Theatres On Demand users who are brand-new Vudu consumers will enjoy 15% off every purchase made on the service in their first month. AMC customers who have not previously explored Vudu will discover other benefits to the service like personalized deals with Mix & Match bundles; family-friendly features like Kids Mode; the ability to combine movie libraries from other platforms through Movies Anywhere; and everything consumers need to manage their digital collections on Vudu, such as list-building and easy ways to transfer physical discs to digital.
“AMC Theatres has been a valued exhibition partner of Fandango’s for more than two decades, and we’re thrilled to now offer our Vudu streaming service to AMC Theatres On Demand consumers,” said Cameron Douglas, Vice President of Home Entertainment at Fandango. “As consumers’ appetite for top-notch entertainment continues to grow, as well as their desire to watch the best movies both on the big screen and at home, this incredible collaboration with AMC Theatres will ensure that fans get seamless access to the premium content they love and crave.”
Vudu has become a major player in the on-demand world. As the window for theatrical releases has shrunk Vudu has become a go-to place for movie fans who either did not make it out to a big screen when a movie had its main run or even chose to wait till it could be had for the entire family without breaking the bank with rising ticket prices. The Streaming Advisor has been paying close attention to movies that receive a second life on-demand after sometimes lackluster runs at the theater.
“As the first theatrical exhibitor in the United States to bring first-rate films through the life cycle from theatres to home, we at AMC take pride in having served our guests through a multitude of platforms during the pandemic,” said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, Senior Vice President, Content Strategy & Inclusive Programming. “As we continue to evolve our business and remain focused on Making Movies Better by enhancing the theatrical experience, we’re even more excited to expand our relationship with a trusted partner, who will ensure a continued preeminent experience for those consumers who are streaming their post-theatrical movies at home.”
To migrate existing AMC content libraries to Vudu, AMC Theaters On Demand consumers can link their current Vudu account using the same email address or create a new Vudu account, allowing for a unified and seamless movie-watching experience all in one place.
How To Get Vudu
Vudu is available on Smart TVs, connected devices, mobile, and online, offering a vast array of top new titles, including some of this year’s most anticipated blockbusters and franchises like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Evil Dead Rise,” “Scream VI,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and more.
