Amazon to offer Universal movies on Prime Video after they play on Peacock

Amazon Prime Video will offer new live-action movies from Universal Pictures four months after their streaming debut on Peacock, the companies announced Thursday.

The multiyear deal applies to live-action films including “Jurassic World: Dominion” that are scheduled to be released in theaters starting in 2022, a statement from the companies said.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The agreement is part of Comcast-owned Universal’s decision to change the traditional home entertainment release pattern. Media companies are trying new strategies to bolster their streaming services and compete with Netflix.

Typically, new movies go to a cable channel or streaming service about six months or more after they debut in theaters, and they stay with that outlet for an 18-month window.

Under the new arrangement, Universal will send its films to streaming quicker and will break up the 18-month period.

New movies will go to Comcast-owned Peacock four months after their theatrical debut. Four months after that, live-action films will go to Amazon’s Prime Video for 10 months, and then back to Peacock for four months.

Universal Pictures logo on a smartphone in a photo illustration
Universal is among media firms trying new strategies to bolster their streaming services and compete with Netflix.
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Universal’s newest animated movies will not appear on Prime Video during that 10-month period. Amazon has the rights to stream them in a later window.

Separately, Amazon secured the rights to offer Universal movies from 2020 and 2021 on IMDb TV, a free, ad-supported streaming service. The films include the latest “Fast & Furious” movie, “F9.”

source: nypost.com