VOD Releases: In Need of Assistance
April 24, 2020
After a chaotic couple of weeks, the Video on Demand market has really slowed down. The Photograph is the only wide release to be featured here, but it is not among the best VOD releases. The only two I’m really interested in seeing are The Assistant and To the Stars.
Highlights:
The Assistant - Reviews - Amazon
The Photograph - Reviews
Robert the Bruce - Reviews
To the Stars - Reviews
True History Of The Kelly Gang - Reviews
Secondary Releases:
Dreamkatcher - Reviews - Google Play
This is the best-reviewed film on this week’s list. It stars Julia Garner as the titular assistant, who has to deal with abuse within the Hollywood studio system. It is only available on Tuesday and even then only for purchase. It is worth picking up, but I would wait until the film hits DVD / Blu-ray.
Amazon or Google Play
This film earned good reviews, but like so many other wide releases that came out this year, it struggled at the box office. It hits the home market on Tuesday and I suspect there will be more people interested in seeing it at home than there were those willing to head to the theater. That said, I think most will only be willing to rent it.
Fandango Now
This is one of the bigger films on this week’s list, at least in terms of buzz. However, its reviews are very mediocre and I doubt it will find a substantial audience on the home market.
Amazon, Google Play, or Video on Demand
The new girl in school, Maggie, helps the shy girl, Iris, break out of her shell. However, Maggie’s past catches up to her and that threatens their relationship. The film is earning more pre-release buzz than most direct-to-video films manage, while its reviews are good, but not great. In other words, I doubt it would have thrived as a limited release, but it is perfect for a VOD rental.
Vudu
A punk-rock retelling of the real life story of Ned Kelly. The reviews are good, but I don’t think they would be good enough for a limited release. That said, its reviews are certainly good enough for a VOD rental. This is true if you are interested in the actual story, but more so if you are a fan of the cast / director. The real history takes a backseat to style, so be warned.
Enemy Lines - Reviews - Video on Demand: Amazon or Vudu
LEGO DC Shazam: Magic and Monsters - No Reviews - Amazon
Witches In The Woods - Reviews - Video on Demand: Amazon
There are not a lot of choices for secondary VOD titles, but LEGO DC Shazam is probably going to be fun for kids, while Witches In The Woods has potential for fans of horror.
Filed under: Home Market Releases, VOD Releases, The Photograph, Robert the Bruce, Dreamkatcher, The Assistant, Witches In The Woods, True History Of The Kelly Gang, Enemy Lines, Liana Liberato, Kara Hayward, Julia Garner