The times they are a-changin'. Turns out that when a global pandemic forces movie theaters around the world to close, production companies are more than happy, willing, and able to get their movies into the hands of homebodies faster than the traditional theater release windows allowed. So while we get used to commercials and trailer proclaiming “In Theaters and At-Home Soon”, we’re aiming to keep you up to date with the latest home video releases, some of which will be the typical digital/physical distribution following theatrical releases, and some of which will be the first time that most audiences get to see the title in question at all.
We’re closing out month with a transition state of sorts:Sonic the HedgehogandBad Boys for Life, which were among the last to enjoy a normal theatrical release pre-COVID-19, will arrive on home video tomorrow, Tuesday March 31st. The same can be said forImpractical Jokers: The Movie, which arrives appropriately on Wednesday, April 1st, a.k.a. April Fools Day. Those movies are then followed by new, wide releasesNever Rarely Sometimes Always,Storm Boy, andBlumhouse’s Fantasy Island.
Here’s a brief look at the next week in at-home/VOD movie releases, followed by more details below:
Tomorrow / Tuesday 3/31:
Wednesday 4/1:
Friday 4/3:
Monday 4/6:
Tuesday 4/14:
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
NBCUniversal has announced their specialty film label Focus Features’ latest titleNever Rarely Sometimes Always, an urgent and poignant drama,will be re-released at home on demand for viewers next Friday, April 3rd. The film had originally opened theatrically on March 13th. Eliza Hittman’s critically acclaimed, multi award-winning film will be available to rent at participating on-demand services for $19.99.
After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and walking away with a Special Jury award,Never Rarely Sometimes Alwayswent on to win the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, and currently holds an acclaimed 99% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The title is the second from Focus Features to take this model, along withAutumn De Wilde’s reimagining ofJane Austen’s classicEmma, which was available on demand along with Universal’sThe HuntandThe Invisible Manon March 20th. Joining these previously released films on April 3rd,Never Rarely Sometimes Alwayswill be available on demand for a 48 hour viewing period.
Written and directed byEliza Hittman, the film is an intimate portrayal of two teenage girls in rural Pennsylvania. Faced with an unintended pregnancy and a lack of local support, Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) and her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder) embark across state lines to New York City on a fraught journey of friendship, bravery and compassion.
Never Rarely Sometimes Alwaysis produced by Academy Award-winnerAdele Romanski(Moonlight) andSara Murphyunder their and executive producerBarry Jenkins’ production banner PASTEL. The film was developed by BBC Films who also co-financed production alongside Tango Entertainment and Mutressa Movies. Executive producers areRose Garnettfor BBC Films,Tim HeadingtonandLia Bumanfor Tango Entertainment,Elika PortnoyandAlex Orlovskyfor Mutressa Movies.
Lightbulb Film Distribution are excited to share the official trailer and poster for upcoming family film,Storm Boywhich will becoming to Digital Download from April 6th.
Based on the international best-selling book,Storm Boyis a timeless story of unconditional friendship. StarringGeoffrey Rush(The King’s Speech, Shakespeare In Love) andJai Courtney(Divergent, Suicide Squad).
When Michael Kingley (Rush), a retired businessman, sees images from his past that he can’t explain, he is forced to recall his childhood memories and how, as a boy, he rescued and raised an orphaned pelican, Mr Percival.
The film will be available across all major Digital Download platforms – including Sky Store, Virgin Media, Apple TV, Amazon and Google Play – from April 6th.
Fantasy Island
In Blumhouse’s FANTASY ISLAND, the enigmatic Mr. Roarke (Michael Peña) makes the secret dreams of his lucky guests come true at a luxurious but remote tropical resort. But when the fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests have to solve the island’s mystery to escape with their lives.
Directed byJeff Wadlow, Blumhouse’sFantasy Islandis written byJeff Wadlow&Chris Roach&Jillian Jacobsand is produced byJason Blum,Marc ToberoffandJeff Wadlow.
BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL BONUS MATERIALS:
CAST AND CREW
Director: Jeff Wadlow
Written By: Jeff Wadlow & Chris Roach & Jillian Jacobs
Producers: Jason Blum, Marc Toberoff, Jeff Wadlow
Executive Producers: Couper Samuelson, Jeanette Volturno
Cast: Michael Peña (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Maggie Q (Divergent), Lucy Hale (TV’s “Pretty Little Liars”), Austin Stowell (Battle of the Sexes), Jimmy O. Yang (TV’s Silicon Valley), Portia Doubleday (Carrie), Ryan Hansen (TV’s Veronica Mars), and Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy)
