VOD Overdose is Movie Buzzers’ coverage of video-on-demand developments and upcoming films premiering on video-on-demand. 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.
It’s a bit quiet on the VOD front right now, but I’ll expect that to ramp up in time with plenty of Cannes news for next column.
Latest VOD News
With Cannes deals going on right now, Variety has two articles which take a look at how the industry has embraced the multi-platform release, which utilizes VOD as a major component. I’ve been saying in this space for months that while VOD isn’t the single answer to the industry’s woes, it certainly has proven to be an undeniable profitable revenue stream that the industry is finally coming around to exploring. Check out the articles here and here (the second focuses on VOD developments in Spain).
Cinemit (which features our very own Melissa!) is having some impressive success partnering with Tugg to screen indie films and has recently sold out its screening of The Loved Ones. I love the fact that Tugg is more-or-less VOD on a multiplex scale, so if Cinemit is doing Tugg screenings in your area be sure to check them out!
Vyer Films — the online distributor who is showing you the best international films you can’t see anywhere else — has selected My Queen Karo as its current release. My Queen Karo is about a commune in 1970s Amsterdam and it is viewed through the eyes of a young girl who has to weigh this communal living while she is starting to develop her individual personality.
Although it was initially announced as a day-and-date release, 30 Beats, starring Boardwalk Empire’s Paz de la Huerta about “a group of New Yorkers whose lives interconnect via a series of sexual encounters during the summer” appears that it will retain its June 1 VOD release but will be released theatrically on July 20. That’s quite a big gap!
Another release announcement: military drama The American Dream, about an aspiring filmmaker who joins the Marines after being rejected from film school, is set for a July 3 VOD and DVD release. Just in time for Independence Day!
Now on VOD… And We Reviewed It!
Here’s a sampling of recent VOD movies that Movie Buzzers has viewed and reviewed. Check your cable provider or the below online retailers:
Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope (Review 6.5/10), available on Amazon and iTunes.
God Bless America (Review 7.5/10), available on Amazon.
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.
May 25:
Take This Waltz
Check out Melissa’s review of this Seth Rogen-Michelle Williams drama here! It will also have a limited theatrical release in June.
The Pact
Also set for a June theatrical release, The Pact is another horror film that has a trailer which creeps the heck out of me although reviews out of Sundance were less than stellar.
June 1:
The Magic of Belle Isle
Debuting a month before its July 6 theatrical release, this Morgan Freeman film directed by Rob Reiner features Freeman as an alcoholic cowboy novelist. I’m sold, especially since it features two big names wadding into the VOD early release format.
Loose Cannons
This Italian comedy made the festival rounds in 2010-2011 and garnered lots of praise, but never got a proper release in the United States.
June 5:
The Collapsed [D2V]
Alex was “slightly intrigued” by this award-winning movie when he posted the trailer back in March, and though I’ve had my fill of apocalyptic movies lately I’m also intrigued.
The Power of Two
I’m of the belief that twins have some sort of secret powers, and The Power of Two is a documentary that might go a long way to proving this: it tells the real-life story of twins Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and their miraculous battles against Cystic Fibrosis.
June 7:
A Secret Promise [D2V]
Debuting on VOD, DVD and in theaters on the same day, A Secret Promise is the debut feature from writer/director Fred Manocherian and has gone unreleased since being filmed in 2009 under the title My Father’s Will.
Have news about an upcoming VOD movie? Want to have Movie Buzzers check out your upcoming VOD release? Contact me here!
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