David Farnor | On 25, Dec 2014

‘Tis the season go VOD-ing…

So, this is Christmas. The Interview has been released online in the US after all. Lionsgate have released Are You Here on VOD in the UK. And we’re seeing record numbers of visitors on our site looking for things to see.

Whether you believe that it’s the future of entertainment or not, this is undoubtedly the season for streaming. Take a look at Sony and Lionsgate’s releases, both of them unleashing their movies online not just day-and-date with cinemas, but before their theatrical release (The Interview was released on Christmas Eve) – that’s only the third time in UK history that such a release has happened.

It’s not just a sign of Hollywood becoming more willing to experiment, but also that VOD is increasingly seen as a way to spread the word – to include as many people as possible in an audience. And that’s the great thing about digital; it allows people everywhere to enjoy the same thing at the same time. We tend to think of watching movies or TV online as a solitary experience, one where a person plugs into a computer and doesn’t talk to anyone, but that isn’t true. With streaming media devices connecting VOD services to the living room telly, people can now watch Netflix’s terrible Christmas selection as a group – or use iPlayer (and other catch-up services) to make sure that any family clashes over what to watch can be resolved by simply watching everything together two hours later.

Some people are alone this Christmas, which could be through choice or not, but if we say one thing to you this holiday, please remember that technology can be a way to connect with others as well as separate – whether that’s the Samaritans via the phone, friends via Facebook, the comfort of strangers through Twitter, or family members overseas in an email or Skype. (Den of Geek have a list of contacts and support groups here.)

‘Tis the season for VOD, but we hope you enjoy it without feeling alone.

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