VOD Overdose is Movie Buzzers’ coverage of video-on-demand developments and upcoming films premiering on VOD. With an increasing number of studios embracing VOD as a way to premiere and distribute films, this column covers movies that might be worth a look even though they aren’t playing at your local multiplex.
Latest VOD News
The biggest news on the VOD front is one that shows an obvious scenario to use the format: polarizing actor Mel Gibson, whose off-screen controversies have immensely hurt his popularity, has made a deal with 20th Century Fox and DirecTV to debut his next film, Get the Gringo (previously titled How I Spent My Summer Vacation), without a traditional theatrical release. The film, which has “action, dark humor and plenty of violence” will feature Gibson as an American imprisoned in a Mexican jail. The film will debut on DirecTV at $10.99, and will then be released (likely at a cheaper price) on VOD, Blu-ray, and digital download in the summer. There will be a one-night premiere in 10 theaters with a live Q&A broadcast after the film, but there are no other plans for a U.S. theatrical release (the film will receive an international theatrical release in territories where Gibson retains his popularity). This model seems to be the perfect way to get the film out to Gibson’s fanbase without going through the expense of theatrical distribution (Gibson’s last film, The Beaver, did awful business despite being released in 168 theaters). Trust me, if the controversial Gibson can pull this model off there will be a lot of studios following his lead. Check out the trailer below:
In our wrap-up of Sundance news, the following VOD related deals were made:
- The haunted house thriller The Pact was acquired for distribution by IFC, according to Deadline. It will have a limited theatrical release “and a VOD component.” Written and directed by newcomer Nicholas McCarthy, it’s actually based on a short he filmed previously. The full-length remake stars Caity Lotz (TV’s Mad Men and Death Valley) and Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers).
- Juan of the Dead — a Cuban-set horror comedy — has been picked up for VOD & DVD distribution by Focus Features, with Outsider Pictures handling a theatrical release in Miami (which obviously has a huge Cuban population).
- Both Lay The Favorite (starring Bruce Willis, Vince Vaughn, Rebecca Hall and Catherine Zeta Jones) and 2 Days in New York (written, directed, and starring Julie Delpy) were picked up for VOD/limited theatrical distribution from Weinstein Company and Magnolia, respectively. It seems that an increasing number of independent films are following the model of releasing wide VOD releases while targeting specific markets for theatrical release.
Speaking of specific markets and Sundance… the Sundance premiere for Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie, which was released on VOD on January 27 prior to its theatrical release on March 2 went… well, I’ll let you read the Gofobo account yourself. Reviews have not been kind, but naturally Tim and Eric fans have much more positive opinions.
Alex posted the trailer of the hilarious God Bless America, directed by comedian Bobcat Gooldwaith (World’s Greatest Dad), which will be released on VOD April 6 and in theaters May 11.
SnagFilms — an up-and-coming online streaming site — has recently secured more funding to expand its operations, which is great news for anyone looking to stream their independent films. Though SnagFilms has focused more on documentaries, the company has also been moving in the direction of acquiring more fictional films, including the Rwandan drama Kinyarwanda, which will be released across all digital platforms (it had a limited release last year in seven theaters). To supplement that story, IndieWire (which is owned by SnagFilms) has put up a very informative editorial about how filmmakers can distribute their films when traditional theatrical distribution is out of the question.
Upcoming VOD Releases
(For films premiering on VOD platforms, or hitting VOD after limited theatrical runs.)
[D2V] denotes movie that is also being released direct to DVD and/or Blu-ray on the same day.
February 7:
Stormhouse [D2V]
This British horror film reminds me of The Mist, though it hasn’t gotten as good buzz.
Gnarr (Documentary)
Think Stephen Colbert’s run for president is funny? Then you’ll get a kick out of Icelandic comedian Jon Gnarr, who similarly entered politics in 2009… with much different results. Check out Alex’s review of Gnarr here!
February 10:
Fancypants
A professional wrestling comedy that was a hit at several festivals, starring newcomer Patrick Gleason and wrestling legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
February 14:
About Fifty [D2V]
Two fifty year old dudes (Martin Grey & Drew Pillsbury) decide to hit the road and party like their younger selves. The trailer reminds me of when those creepy old guys would come into the college bars around my school who didn’t seem to get why none of the girls would talk to him. Definitely has potential with an older crowd.
Elite Squad: The Enemy Within
Elite Squad opened in only seven theaters here in the U.S., but it’s worth checking out on VOD. Check out Alex’s review here! It will also be released on DVD/Blu-ray on the same day.
February 21:
Inkubus
It’s always worth noticing when the original Freddy Kruger, Robert Englund, does another horror film. However, I never thought I’d see the horror icon in a moving co-starring a boy band member (Joey Fatone). After a 16-theater run in October, Inkubus is being released on DVD the same day and will also be available at Redbox kiosks.
February 24:
Goon
Goon is a surprising experiment — this hockey comedy starring Seann William Scott and directed by Michale Dowse (Take Me Home Tonight) has gotten some positive press (Graham posted the trailer here). It’s also premiering on VOD a week before its limited theatrical release on March 30.
February 28:
Return
Starring Linda Cardellini (Freaks & Geeks) as a soldier returning to civilian life and Michael Shannon (Take Shelter), Return premiered all the way back at Cannes but wasn’t picked up for a full theatrical release. The film is being released in two theaters (New York and L.A., of course) on February 10, but obviously will reach most of its audience via VOD.
The Collapsed
This post- apocalyptic horror movie won the Best of Festival award at the Metropolitan Film Festival and has been making the rounds of film festivals since late 2010.
March 2:
ATM
I saw a trailer for this claustrophobic horror film while seeing Sherlock Holmes 2, and I think it’s a pretty clever concept for a horror movie — being trapped in one of those free standing ATM kiosks while a killer tries to reach you. Of course, it’ll all depend on the execution, but casting Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker) and the beautiful Alice Eve (She’s Out of My League) is a good start. It will have a limited theatrical release on April 6.
March 6:
The Frontier Boys [D2V]
A basketball drama seemingly in the vein of The Basketball Diaries, in which four high school friends find their lives changed by a drive-by shooting.
March 8:
Dark Tide
Directed by John Stockwell (Blue Crush) and starring Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez, this shark movie will premiere on VOD on March 8, nearly two weeks before its March 30 theatrical release (similar to Goon). Lots of Berry in a bikini, apparently!
Have news about an upcoming VOD movie? Want to have Movie Buzzers check out your upcoming VOD release? Contact me here!
Recent Comments