Sony releases The Interview on VOD for Christmas in the US – before it hits cinemas
David Farnor | On 24, Dec 2014
Sony has released The Interview in the US in more than 300 indie cinemas and has also released it on VOD on Christmas Eve – the day before the theatrical release. It available to stream for US users on Google Play, YouTube, Xbox and the dedicated website www.seetheinterview.com, which is powered by Kernel.
“It has always been Sony’s intention to have a national platform on which to release this film,” Sony Entertainment Chairman Michael Lynton announced. “With that in mind, we reached out to Google, Microsoft and other partners last Wednesday, December 17th, when it became clear our initial release plans were not possible. We are pleased we can now join with our partners to offer the film nationwide today.”
Netflix is reportedly in talks to stream the movie from maybe even as soon as January, adds Deadline, while Starz has dropped out of the distribution deal altogether due to the VOD plans – officially, to give Sony “maximum flexibility”.
Bizarrely, though, there is still no sign of the movie on Sony’s own VOD operations, including Crackle and the PlayStation Network – something that seems even more bizarre given the Xbox release, although Sony has said that it is not out of the question.
“Given the last minute release of the title, we will focus on launching our current lineup and providing consumers with all the titles and entertainment they expect over the holiday. SPE has arranged for a dedicated website for premium viewing of the film, so anyone who wishes to watch the movie via that channel will be able to do so.”
There is also the possibility, though, that Sony is wary of further hacks as a result of the release. Indeed, the PSN is no stranger to cyber attacks.
