From TheWrap.com:
Sony to Release ‘The Interview’ in Theaters, on VOD Despite Threats (Exclusive)
by Sharon Waxman
After a national clamor to release the film despite threats, Sony finds a way to get the Seth Rogen-James Franco comedy out there
Sony Pictures will release the canceled Seth Rogen–James Franco comedy “The Interview” in theaters and on video on demand, TheWrap has learned.
The plan is to release the film simultaneously in participating theaters and via video on demand. A number of independent theaters — including The Plaza Theater in Atlanta, MX Theaters in St. Louis, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Dallas/Fort Worth and others — have announced they will distribute the film. MX said it would be selling tickets as of 2 p.m. CT Tuesday.
The release will likely be in the 200-theater range; exhibitors typically cap the rollout of films that offer day-and-date VOD at around 300 sites, because it usually cuts attendance significantly. The move has reportedly exacerbated relations between major theater chains and the studio. Day-and-date VOD releases are a hot-button issue for the major exhibitors.
Two questions for you:
1. Why did Sony change its mind?
2. Would you feel “safe” seeing this movie despite threats?
In my opinion the threats are vacuous. We just shut down the Norks’ internet. If I want to see THE INTERVIEW, a ludicrous threat from an absurd little country run by a chubby parody of himself won’t stop me.
BZ
