Movie studios test same day theatrical & VOD releases

The decades-old trend of movies languishing for months after their theatrical run before seeing release for home consumption is still going strong. Even in this day of streaming digital content, convenient DVD rental kiosks and yes, rampant piracy, film studios are hesitant to throw support behind a newfangled concept - like a senior citizen given a cell phone for the first time.

One new film, however, is seeing a same-day release in both theaters and on-demand video. How long until the floodgates open and every new movie is subject to the same convenient treatment?

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The film in question is "The Resident," starring Hillary Swank. Home Media Magazine reports that from Feb. 18th to the 25th Dish Networks subscribers will be able to watch the movie in both high and standard definition for $5.99 and $4.99, respectively.

This new trend is gaining popularity partially due to floundering box office numbers, posits the site.

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Last year we reported on one group - The National Association of Theater Operators - who didn't want the time between theatrical release to home release shortened. The unfortunately titled NATO claimed that shortening the time-frame (and by extension getting rid of it altogether) would negatively impact the value of seeing movies in theaters. One could argue the group is merely looking out for its vested interest in theaters, but what good would movie theaters be if someone could sit at home and watch every single new film for a fraction of the price?

On the flip side of that coin, some movie studios & distributors are toying with the concept of offering in-theater or just-out-of-theater titles to home viewers at inflated prices via streaming content, possibly at $30 a pop or more. The theory is that some consumers might be willing to pay a premium to see freshly released films in the comfort of their own home, leap-frogging the need to wait for the DVD or Blu-ray Disc release.

Whether you love the convenience of new films being offered on-demand, value the theater-going experience or are somewhere in-between, share your thoughts in the comment section.

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