Universal Studios is making an unprecedented decision by sending an updated version of Cats to movie theaters.
THR is reporting that, at director Tom Hooper’s request, Universal Studios is sending a version of Cats to movie theaters with “some improved visual effects.”
Related: Cats review: The adaptation deserves to be the Jellicle choice
Tom Hooper has admitted that he “barely finished the film” prior to its premiere on December 16. Fans on Twitter have pointed out some obvious mistakes, including a glimpse at Judi Dench’s human hand.
This isn’t a joke: CATS was rushed into theaters before being finished so a new version is being sent to theaters with updated effects. How do you know if you have the old version? Look for Judi Dench’s human hand, wedding ring and all. pic.twitter.com/VDUOevePU9
— Jenelle Riley (@jenelleriley) December 22, 2019
This move could actually help the disappointing box office numbers for the movie, if fans decide to go see it again with the improved graphics. Cats opened to an abysmal $2.6 million at the domestic box office on Friday night.
It definitely doesn’t help that the movie opened against the highly anticipated Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, so its numbers could drastically increase over the holiday season. However, with low scores from both critics (19%) and audiences (62%) on Rotten Tomatoes, the trajectory doesn’t look good.
According to THR, the changes made to the movie will not effect its running time and will be available as of today. All theaters should receive the update by Tuesday, and are asked to start running it “as soon as possible.”