Cats' Poor Reception Prompts Universal to Send an 'Improved,' Updated Version to Theaters

[Demovictory9]

https://www.thewrap.com/cats-poor-reception-prompts-universal-to-send-an-improved-updated-version-to-theaters/

After Universal Pictures’ new film “Cats” was clawed and torn to shreds by critics last week, the studio told movie theaters on Friday that it would be sending a new version of the film with “some improved visual effects.”

The move of replacing a film already in theaters with an “improved” version is unheard of But according to a copy of a memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, director Tom Hooper has been upfront about the fact that he barely finished the CGI on the film in time for the world premiere in New York City last week, and the switch is at his request.

Critics have disparaged “Cats,” which stars Francesca Hayward, Taylor Swift, Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson and Idris Elba, among others. The film received a C+ CinemaScore and was slapped with a 19% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The updated film is expected to be available for cinemas to download on Sunday via a satellite server, but for exhibitors that don’t have access to the server, they are expected to receive a hard drive by Tuesday, according to Universal. The studio is asking that theaters replace the current print of Cats as soon as possible.

Universal didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment

[regnaD kciN]

1. Anyone remember the good old days when a film was sent to theatres as, y'know, film prints?

Right now, what you're seeing "projected" in theatres is a digital file pretty much indistinguishable from what you would get from cable or Netflix on a big enough television.

Besides, from the reviews I've seen, the negative reception for Cats has little to do with its CGI.

[Laffy Kat]

2. The first thing I thought about when I heard they were releasing it as a movie:

That's not going to work. Sometimes we need to let plays, especially musicals, just be plays. I personally love the play and have seen it several times at different venues and had zero interest in the movie.

[justhanginon]

4. Same here. My daughter took me to see Cat's as a birthddayand it was the first play I had seen live.

Still one of my all time favorites along with Les Miserables. Nothing can replace the immediacy and excitement of live presentations.

[TlalocW]

3. Good thing I'm seeing it tomorrow

I want to see all its hideousness in its original form.

TlalocW

[pressbox69]

5. I didn't care for the play Cats.

I doubt I'll like the movie. Waiting for Sunset Boulevard. Hopefully they won't screw up a movie musical about movies. My idea is that most of the scenes in Desmond's mansion should be filmed in black and white but the studios never listen to my suggestions.

[Demovictory9]

6. I didn't like the play CATs either.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

7. Got the wife tickets for a performance this coming spring.

She saw it as a teen and was overcome when she opened the gift with the tickets inside. So, I know she will enjoy it, but I have doubts about myself. Still, it has to be better than the movie, that thing looks creepy as fuck.

[Demovictory9]

8. the play is a dazzling display of dance. that is undeniable despite the lack of plot, weird costumes

etc.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

9. She told me the performers come out into the audience

and paw at audience members or some damn thing. Would it be bad form to bring a spray bottle to repel them?

[Demovictory9]

10. welll..i hope you didnt get front row seats

[Dagstead Bumwood]

11. Back of the first section, so maybe 15 rows back.

Hopefully I go unnoticed.

[TexasBushwhacker]

12. I have to wonder what Universal was thinking

They spent almost $100 million making it, which means they have to make double at the box office just to break even. Steven Spielberg executive produced.