Cats Being Re-Released by Universal With New Visual Effects

Per The Hollywood Reporter, something unconventional is happening with the new live-action feature Cats, based on the stage musical of the same name. Per the report, Universal Pictures notified theaters that they will be receiving a version with “some improved visual effects.”

The news was revealed in the copy of a memo that was forward to THR. It’s a move that’s generally unprecedented for a finished and fully released studio picture. Sources have indicated that the re-release is being done at the request of Cats director Tom Hooper.

The film has received very poor reviews. Its Rotten Tomatoes score currently stands at 19%. Some criticisms and audiences have found the CG visuals for the anthropomorphized feline characters to be off-putting and creepy.

Hooper reportedly wanted to make additional tweaks to the film’s visual effects. The film only was just barely finished for the a Dec. 16 world premiere in New York City. While a July report by The Guardian stated the film had a budget of £230 million (approx. $299 million), the new report indicates that the film roughly cost $100 million after tax rebates, incentives, but before marketing costs.

Additionally, the memo to theater exhibitors said the new visual effects changes do not affect the film’s running time. The studio declined to offer comment on the news.

Exhibitors will be able to access the updated version of the film on Sunday, via satellite server. Meanwhile, studios who are unable to access the server will receive a hard drive starting Tuesday, Dec. 24. Universal Pictures has resequed that theaters replace the current print as soon as possible.

Cats was initially released in theaters on Friday, Dec. 20.