As movie theaters remain closed nationwide, some Hollywood studios are opting for early VOD releases. The latest is Sony’s action comedy “Bad Boys for Life,” available March 31, reports Variety.
Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the movie is a sequel to “Bad Boys” and “Bad Boys II.” The duo play tough cops going after a drug kingpin.
In addition, a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD arrives April 21.
Unlike other films that had their releases postponed or shut down, “Bad Boys for Life,” released in theaters January 17, has also already scooped up $204 million in North America, notes the trade magazine.
Other studios have already taken the digital route.
Disney just made “Onward,” a Pixar animated film, available for digital purchase months ahead of schedule. The film, which hit theaters on March 6, will also be available on Disney+ on April 3. The digital film is available to download at Amazon Prime Video, priced at $19.99.
Similarly, Warner Bros. is releasing “Birds of Prey,” a spinoff of 2017’s “Suicide Squad,” today. It stars Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor and Rosie Perez and opened in theaters Feb. 8. Users can purchase “Birds of Prey” for $19.99 in March and rent in April on platforms such as Amazon and iTunes.
To aid independent films, a new exhibition service, Kino Marquee, has also debuted online. It’s a partnership between art house theaters nationwide and Kino Lorber, an indie distributor. The initial screener is the Brazilian film “Bacura,” which won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes last year. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles, it stars Sônia Braga and Udo Kier.
For the 60 theaters previously signed to screen the film, Kino Marquee will provide digital releases. The company will continue the program until theaters are allowed to re-open.