Despite the fact that portions Amazon’s upcoming film ‘The Aeronauts’ was filmed using IMAX cameras, with the intention of this film being shown in the larger format, it now looks as though the IMAX version of this film will never be seen.
Last week, Amazon announced that ‘The Aeronauts’ was being pushed from its original October release date into December, in order to better register with votes this awards season. In its original release date, it would have screened for one week exclusively in IMAX. Now that it’s moved– and broken its deal with IMAX– it seems as though the large-format distributor is no longer interested in this historical adventure.
During an earnings call, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond simply stated:
“We don’t expect to be part of that release.”
Amazon will also not honor the typical 90-day window exhibitors usually require, which typically means that a movie will not go to streaming, VOD, or home video until 90 days after its theatrical run. ‘The Aeronauts’ will only play in theaters for two weeks before it becomes available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon explained that it wants to maximize streams during the holiday season when families will be gathered and possibly in need of entertainment.
RELATED: Amazon Pushes ‘The Aeronauts’ Back Into Awards Season
Amazon’s ‘Manchester by the Sea’ won two Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. The streaming service is hoping that ‘The Aeronauts’ may go one better and land the big prize — Best Picture. But considering that Steven Spielberg and others don’t think that movies from Amazon, Netflix, etc. should even qualify for the Oscars, it may not matter what Amazon does with this picture. It may still not stand a chance in hell of getting major nominations or wins.
Directed by Tom Harper, ‘The Aeronauts’ reunites ‘Theory of Everything’ co-stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.
Set in 1862, The Aeronauts follows wealthy young widow Amelia Wren (Jones) and headstrong scientist James Glaisher (Redmayne) as they mount a balloon expedition to fly higher than anyone in history. It’s a journey to the edge of the then-known world, where the air is thin and the chances of survival are slim.
Were you planning on seeing this picture in IMAX?
‘The Aeronauts’ will now open on December 6.
Source: Collider
