If you want to see that raunchy, goofball comedy THE INTERVIEW, it may take a road trip…
Is it a case of freedom of speech with the big movie theater chains?
I don’t think so. I believe it’s a matter of principle, a business decision based on Sony Entertainment’s new road map for distributing the movie.
Here’s my take:
When Sony contacted major theater circuits Wednesday morning advising them of the re-instated December 25th release date for THE INTERVIEW, the studio allegedly let it be known that they were also actively pursuing a day-and-date release of the film on OTHER distribution platforms including Video On Demand and streaming.
And this just in, Sony inked a deal with Google Play and YouTube Movies to make “The Interview” available online at noon Kansas City time – nearly a day prior to the theatrical release.
It’s no secret that REGAL, AMC, CINEMARK and B&B circuits operating theaters here were dead set against playing day-and-date with VOD. The only exception might be if a film’s distributor “Four-Walled” one of its theater auditoriums. As in renting an auditorium from the exhibitor.)
So even though THE INTERVIEW is supposedly smarter, funnier and better executed than the typical Seth Rogen/James Franco outing, don’t look for it any time soon at a major theater circuit megaplex.
Oh, a friendly warning…
THE INTERVIEW is basically targeted to males ages 18-34.
If you’re NOT in that demo let me caution you with the MPAA’s (R) rating description of the film:
“Pervasive language, crude and sexual humor, nudity, some drug use and bloody violence.”
Now go and sin no more…
