It began back in August when the surprising announcement was made that Rush Hour and X-Men: The Last Stand director Brett Ratner was being brought on board to produce the 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony with Don Mischer. Then came word that Ratner’s one and only choice to host the ceremony was Eddie Murphy, who ended up landing the job over any other names that might have been discussed.

Now, after a not-so-shining week of promoting his new movie, Tower Heist, Ratner has decided to step down as producer.

Remember just a week or so ago when it was announced that Universal Pictures would be offering the upcoming Brett Ratner comedy, Tower Heist, to people in their homes via video on demand three weeks after its theatrical release for an astounding $59.99? And remember how angry movie theater owners were at the very thought of the plan, threatening to boycott the movie? Well, those angry theater owners appear to have won this mini–battle.

It’s being reported that Universal has canceled their plans to offer Tower Heist early. The movie was only to be available in the Atlanta and Portland, Oregon regions to test how well it worked, but theater owners were set to refuse playing the movie in their establishments altogether. It’s unclear exactly what caused the change of heart specifically, but this is likely the reason Universal decided not to continue on and risk losing a sizable chunk of first through third–week profits.

We’ve heard talks about plans to try offering big Hollywood movies on demand not too long after they’re released in theaters for a while now, and it looks like those who support the idea are ready to test the waters.

According to the LA Times, Universal Pictures will offer up Brett Ratner‘s new movie, Tower Heist, three weeks after its November 4, 2011 theatrical release through Universal parent company Comcast’s on demand services. The movie will only be available to 500,000 customers in the Atlanta and Portland, Oregon areas to test the waters of this new option, and those of you who have this option will only have to throw down $59.99 to check the movie out.

Universal and Comcast will pay close attention to how well the movie does released this early and at this price, while firm eyes will also be focused on how offering a movie three weeks after theatrical release affects box office numbers.

A few days ago it was reported that Brett Ratner, who was chosen to produce the 84th annual Academy Awards along with Don Mischer, wanted Eddie Murphy to host this year’s Oscars. At the time, it was just Ratner’s choice for the job and multiple other candidates were said to be possibles, but now it’s a much more official selection.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts Sciences made the announcement earlier today, confirming that Ratner’s choice was the one they liked best for the job. It’s no secret that the organization has been attempting to appeal to younger audiences the last few years, and obviously they’re hoping that the classic Eddie Murpy humor will shine brightly when the awards air on February 26, 2012.

Deadline has learned that when Brett Ratner, the director of such titles as X–Men: The Last Stand, Red Dragon, and all three Rush Hour flicks, meets with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences this Tuesday to discuss who he thinks would be a good choice to host the 84th annual Academy Awards, he’s going to push for Eddie Murphy. Ratner was chosen by the Academy in early August to produce the ceremony along with Don Mischer.

This doesn’t mean that Murphy is hosting for sure yet””only that his name will be in the mix with whomever Mischer also suggests. According to sources, Mischer has a plethora of “big names” interested in hosting that he’s talking to.