David Farnor | On 30, Mar 2015

Kidnapping Freddy Heineken hits UK cinemas this week, offering those who see the film on the big screen a free digital copy to watch on the small screen.

The distribution model, known as a “SuperTicket”, has proven popular in the US, but this is the first time it has been used in the UK. The film is released exclusively at Empire Cinemas by Signature Entertainment for the Easter weekend, but the distributor has also teamed up with Wuaki.tv to offer free streaming copies.

Customers who purchase a SuperTicket will be able to see the film in the cinema, but will also receive an instant digital pre-order code, which they can later redeem through the pay-per-view VOD company when the movie is released on-demand. Signature is already familiar with the digital market: its latest, the Ethan Hawke-starring Predestination, was released day-and-date in the UK. This latest venture, though, takes them into new, uncharted waters.

“Signature is at the forefront of new release models that increasingly reflect the diverse way in which audiences are seeking out and watching their entertainment – offering great value and flexibility along the way,” says spokesperson for Signature.

“We are thrilled to be working with Empire Cinemas and Wuaki.tv to bring the SuperTicket to the UK and we’re enormously excited to be doing so with a film that’s as thrilling and entertaining as Kidnapping Freddy Heineken.”

The movie, which stars Anthony Hopkins, Sam Worthington and Jim Sturgess, charts the kidnapping and subsequent ransom of the Dutch beer magnate.

Simon Homent, European Content Director at Wuaki.tv, adds: “We are very excited and proud to be launching the first ever SuperTicket initiative in the UK with Signature and Empire Cinemas. Wuaki.tv has a tradition of being innovative and looking to change the rules of how film lovers can enjoy top quality content, and this is a perfect example of this spirit.”

The deal marks another step in Wuaki.tv’s strategy of partnering up with established UK chains to get a bigger share of the competitive VOD sector: it recently announced an agreement with EE that will see the former Orange Wednesdays promotion replaced with EE Film Club, offering a £1 rental from Wuaki.tv to EE customers every week.

Kidnapping Freddy Heineken hits the big screen on Friday 3rd April. We’ll bring you more news when we have it on the VOD release. Here’s the trailer:

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