Warner Bros has announced that all of its 2021 releases, including The Matrix 4 and the remake of sci-fi classic Dune, will be released simultaneously on its HBO Max platform, which is yet to launch in Australia, the Australian Financial Review reports.

Before Netflix and other streaming services were available, cinemas had a three-month window of exclusivity.

Warner Bros Pictures Group chairman Toby Emmerich says a lot of people will still choose to go to cinema if they're able to, but Research house IBISWorld says the move is a terminal threat to the age-old night at the movies.

IBISWorld senior industry analyst Will Chapman said: “If this approach were to become more widespread, it could represent a terminal threat for cinemas.

“If people can enjoy major film releases from the comfort of their own homes [on their high-definition televisions], cinema ticket sales would likely decline significantly.”

But Michael Hawkins, executive director of the National Association of Cinema Operators, said HBO Max was not available in Australia so there would be no immediate impact, and the Warner Bros move was only a 12-month trial due to cinema opening issues in the US and Europe.

“You can’t go on a first date and bring someone to watch a movie in the lounge with mum and dad. So I think we are safe with that demographic," he said.