In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal Pictures has announced that it would make its films available to home users on the same day as theatrical releases.

The change in policy had come about because "current circumstances have made it more challenging to view our films," NBCUniversal said in a statement, referring to the restrictions on crowds in the US and around the world as the coronavirus spreads.

Trolls World Tour would be the first such release by NBCUniversal and other in-release titles would be made available from as early as 20 March, the company added.

These titles would be available for a 48-hour rental from both Comcast and Sky and other partners who sell the company's on-demand offerings, at a cost of US$19.99 in the United States.

NBCUniversal chief executive Jeff Shell said: “Universal Pictures has a broad and diverse range of movies with 2020 being no exception.

"Rather than delaying these films or releasing them into a challenged distribution landscape, we wanted to provide an option for people to view these titles in the home that is both accessible and affordable.

“We hope and believe that people will still go to the movies in theatres where available, but we understand that for people in different areas of the world that is increasingly becoming less possible.”

What do you think of this decision? Does it spell the end for cinemas?