'Invisible Man', 'The Hunt' and 'Emma' now available to watch at home

One of 2020’s best new movies is now available to watch at home, just weeks after it hit cinemas. Universal Pictures has released The Invisible Man alongside The Hunt and Emma for video rental online as of today.

The early release comes as cinemas around the world close in the wake of the coronavirus.

In a move likely to be expanded by other studios, the movies are now available to rent for 48-hours, via Sky Store, Virgin Media, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Chili, and all good digital retailers now. The price for rental is set at £15.99.

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Universal will also release new animated sequel Trolls: World Tour on Monday 6 April, direct to on-demand on the same day planned for its theatrical release.

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, said: “In these challenging times, its great news for our customers that they won’t be missing out on the latest cinema releases. At a click of a button, friends and families can sit back, relax and enjoy the latest blockbusters from the comfort of their sofa.”

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NBC Universal CEO Jeff Shell said in a statement: “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 theaters where available, but we understand that for people in different areas of the world that is increasingly becoming less possible.”

A press statement from the company adds that 'given the rapidly evolving and unprecedented changes to consumers’ daily lives during this difficult time, the company felt that now was the right time to provide this option in the home as well as in theaters'.

Read more: Cinemas in New York and Los Angeles close

“NBCUniversal will continue to evaluate the environment as conditions evolve and will determine the best distribution strategy in each market when the current unique situation changes,” it goes on.

Warner Bros is also planning to release DC movie Birds of Prey early for on-demand rental too, via Amazon and iTunes. Sony has also revealed plans to release new Vin Diesel movie Bloodshot early too.