What causes a high budget title to be direct-to-DVD?
We've all heard the saying "released straight to DVD" to indicate the failure of a movie to make it into the theaters. Now, I'm not talking about the "made for DVD" films, or foreign films that were released there in theaters and then find there way here only on DVD. I'm also excluding indie films that were produced but couldn't find a theater distributor.
I'm talking about when the phrase is used to refer to the failure of a major film. "It sucked so bad it went straight to DVD". Is this saying true, or is it just a saying / myth.
Has there been a major film by a professional studio that when it was finished. It went straight to DVD and skipped the theaters?
p.s. DVD and BluRay, yea the same thing.
Best Answer
Yes - this happens all the time, and there are hundreds of larger-budget films that go directly to DVD either because test screenings fell flat or the distributors got cold feet.
Big names including Pacino, Statham and Butler are not immune to this, and to prevent this question and answer turning into a long list, here is a link to Hollywood.com which profiles ten of the most recent direct-to-DVD releases.
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Why do some movies go straight to DVD?
Today's DVD premieres typically fall in one of two categories. Many earn straight-to-DVD status unintentionally: They were originally meant for a traditional release, but failed to make the grade. Other movies are specifically designed for DVD sales and were never intended to hit the silver screen.What is direct to DVD?
A movie that is released direct-to-video (also known as made-for-video, straight-to-video, more recently, straight-to-DVD) is one which has been released to the public on home video formats (historically VHS) before or without being released in movie theaters or broadcast on television.Do independent films make money?
Independent filmmakers can actually make money if they have a great foreign sales agent who can sell their movies in key overseas markets. Producers will often make their \u201cwish list\u201d when casting a film, and the list will typically be full of well-known names that \u201ctravel\u201d overseas.How does cinemas make money?
Cinemas derive their income from several sources, the most important being: Ticket sales (and membership income if applicable) Food, drink and merchandising sales. Advertising revenue (screen and brochure)Gumball | Darwin's Potato Diet | The Potato | Cartoon Network
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