As if the pandemic wasn't enough, COVID-19 devastated the filmmaking industry this year (opens in new tab). As a result, the already devastating effects of the pandemic could not be mitigated by the streaming of new releases, thanks to the closure of movie theaters and the reluctance of studios to release big-budget projects directly to streaming services. But 2020 is about to end in the best way possible (and desperately needed) for isolated moviegoers: Warner Bros. has made the paradigm-shifting decision to simultaneously release HBO Max and films scheduled for release in theaters next year.

Heading the list is "Wonder Woman 1984" (open in new tab), which opens in both home and cineplex theaters on December 25; the superhero film, a sequel to 2017's "Wonder Woman," set in 1984, will be released in early June It was originally scheduled to be released on Christmas Day, but due to the onset of the pandemic, it was pushed back, first to August and then to October.

Countless other films continue to push back their release dates beyond 2021, and "WW84" director Patty Jenkins (open in new tab) recently explained why she ultimately had to give up on what would have certainly been a major theatrical release in any other year. (Open in new tab) According to Deadline, "There were no good options," she said, "but," I literally gasped a little when the pitch for this idea was said. In such a "crazy year," Jenkins said that the new goal was less about box office success and more about "getting people to see it in any way possible."

This is good news for us. Here's how it works.

Streaming the superhero sequel requires an HBO Max login, of course. If you are not already a subscriber or are borrowing from someone who is, you can sign up for $14.99/month. The streamer is currently offering a discounted rate if you prepay for the first six months. A six-month subscription is $69.99, so the monthly fee would be about $11.67. Those who already feel overwhelmed by the many streaming options can add HBO Max to their existing Hulu or Amazon Prime account for $14.99 per month.

Once subscribed, you can watch and rewatch WW84 to your heart's content beginning December 25. (This restriction applies to all new WB releases on HBO Max next year, including "In the Heights," "Suicide Squad," and "The Matrix 4.")

Unfortunately for those who like to game the streaming ecosystem by strategically signing up for free trials of various services from time to time, HBO Max recently did what Disney+ did before releasing its big Hamilton film in the summer, by offering WW84's removed the one-week free trial to coincide with its release.

Instead, you have to decide if a month of free access to the "Wonder Woman" sequel for $15 is worth it to you, and if that price is worth it through Warner Bros.' one-year HBO direct release. Between these releases, "Friends" (open in new tab), "Hibike! Euphonium," and "Serena + Chef" (the best show of 2020 - trust me), remember that you can also access HBO Max's huge library of TV shows and movies.

If you can't justify the price, that's very understandable, but since HBO Max is one of the most expensive streaming options, next spring there will be an option (opens in new tab) to subscribe to a less expensive ad-supported HBO Max plan.

Not if you don't consider the fact that you can watch from the comfort of your own home and pause or take a bathroom break if needed (so, yes). This means that it will be presented in ultra high definition 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos technology. It will also include a post-credits scene that was reportedly top secret and not released to reviewers (open in new tab). Another home viewing bonus: instead of hanging around the cinema for an extra 10 minutes, you can fast-forward through the credits to get to the scene.