AMC Entertainment’s on-demand streaming service AMC Theatres On Demand is folding into Vudu less than four years after its launch. The company is calling Vudu “the official new streaming destination for AMC Theatres On Demand” and is transferring its entire content library to the Fandango-owned service. These include some recent hits like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “John Wick: Chapter 4,” and “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
AMC Theatres On Demand debuted in October 2019. It proved to be a well-timed entry as the service quickly gained popularity during the coronavirus-era lockdowns in 2020. With theaters mostly closed or running in a limited capacity, and with people avoiding public crowds, AMC struck gold by partnering with Universal in July 2020. The studio’s films arrived on AMC Theatres On Demand and other premium on-demand streaming services just 17 days after the theater release.
However, things inevitably changed. People started going to cinemas again, and it seems to have affected the growth of AMC Theatres On Demand. The company now wants to focus on its physical theater chain and is offloading the digital streaming service to Vudu. Users can no longer watch, purchase or rent titles from its apps or website. They must create a Vudu account and move their existing AMC movie collection to it. Those who are already on Vudu can link their AMC Theatres On Demand account for a unified viewing experience. They have until August 31 to do that (via).
Vudu will upgrade your AMC library to the highest quality for free
As a welcome bonus, new Vudu customers will get 15 percent off the first ten purchases they make in the first month of using the service. Additionally, those moving to the Fandango-owned service from AMC will see all of their previously purchased movies automatically upgraded to the highest video quality at no extra cost. Depending on availability, your movies may be upgraded to up to 4K Ultra HD quality.
Vudu offers a collection of more than 200,000 movies and TV shows to rent or buy, with a few of them available to watch for free. You can rent movies for anywhere between $0.99 and $5.99 on Vudu, while a purchase could cost up to $24.99. TV shows are priced at $1.99 or $2.99 per episode, with a full season costing you anywhere between $16.99 and $43.99. The service doesn’t require a paid subscription.
“As we continue to evolve our business and remain focused on ‘Making Movies Better’ by enhancing the theatrical experience, we’re even more excited to expand our relationship with a trusted partner who will ensure a continued preeminent experience for those consumers who are streaming their post-theatrical movies at home,” said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, a senior vice president at AMC.