Warner Bros. Pictures is entering the final three months of its controversial 2021 theatrical release decision to concurrently stream box office movies for free to subscribers for 31 days only on the $14.99 HBO Max plan.
Critics contend the strategy has negatively impacted Warner’s box office, while proponents say it has jumpstarted Max subscriptions. The studio plans to revert back to a theatrical-driven release strategy in 2022.
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In the meantime, on Oct. 22, Max will stream Academy Award-nominated director Denis Villeneuve’s (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) reboot of sci-fi movie Dune, the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s best-seller of the same name. Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, a gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people.
Three weeks before, Max on Oct. 1 will stream the theatrical release The Many Saints of Newark, the feature film prequel to David Chase’s award-winning 1999-2007 HBO drama series “The Sopranos.” Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city —and under the influence of the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti.
Fans of the original series can catch up with the “Sopranos” spotlight page and curated trays on Max. The spotlight page and trays in-app highlight essential episodes, the evolution of Tony, among other features.
Other original programming bowing next month includes the third season of the Emmy-winning drama series “Succession” on Oct. 17;
In addition to horror movies It: Chapter 2, The Amityville Horror and Mama, Max next month offers streaming access to hundreds of refreshed catalog movies and TV series.