Theaters Demand Longer Wait For ‘Tower Heist’ Premium VOD Test

Add Sumner Redstone’s exhibitor company National Amusements to the list of chains who won’t show Universal’s upcoming caper comedy Tower Heist. The 950-screen circuit said today that it won’t screen the Ben Stiller-Eddie Murphy movie if the the studio moves ahead with plans to test a shortened video-on-demand window that will make it available three weeks after it premieres in theaters for $59.99. The film opens November 4. Cinemark has been the lone major chain to say it won’t screen the film if the VOD test — set for two markets, Atlanta and Portland, Ore. — goes forward, arguing that any shortening of release windows will impact its business. Earlier this week, regional chains Regency Theatres, Galaxy Theatres and Emagine Theatres also said they wouldn’t play the film. The other national chains, AMC and Regal, and industry group NATO have not weighed in, and Universal has been declining comment so far.