‘Birds of Prey’ Will Be Released on VOD Early

Article by Carl Bryan

Sooner than Later, Birds of Prey Will Be Landing!

Warner Bros. will make “Birds of Prey”, a spinoff of 2017’s “Suicide Squad,” available for digital purchase on March 24, earlier than its originally anticipated video-on-demand release.

The film is expected to cost $19.99 to buy on platforms such as Amazon and iTunes, and will be available for rental in April, the studio confirmed to Variety.

It would be a surprising move at any other time, since “Birds of Prey” is still playing in theaters and exhibitors have been steadfast to resist any attempts from studios to shorten the amount of time that films are exclusively available on the big screen. However, multiplexes in multiple states, including New York, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington, have been ordered to close in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Even before theaters officially closed, audiences had started to avoid crowded venues amid the public health crisis, causing box office ticket sales to crater.

Director Cathy Han Weighed In on Twitter:

In light of that announcement, “Birds of Prey” director Cathy Yan wrote, “I would not be opposed to putting ‘Birds of Prey’ on VOD earlier.”

“Birds of Prey” first released in theaters Feb. 8 and has generated $177 million to date, this could be seen as a disappointing result given its $85 million budget. While moviegoers didn’t turn out in force to watch the on-screen shenanigans of the Gotham baddie played by Margot Robbie, people could be more enticed to tune in at home since many are opting to stay inside as the virus spreads.

Here’s the Birds of Prey synopsis:

You ever hear the one about the cop, the songbird, the psycho and the mafia princess? Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a twisted tale told by Harley herself, as only Harley can tell it. When Gotham’s most nefariously narcissistic villain, Roman Sionis, and his zealous right-hand, Zsasz, put a target on a young girl named Cass, the city is turned upside down looking for her. Harley, Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya’s paths collide, and the unlikely foursome have no choice but to team up to take Roman down.

Kudos to Studios Finding An Alternate Path

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended starting last Sunday that public gatherings involving more than 50 people be called off for the next eight weeks. Those guidelines pertain to theaters, as well as bars, restaurants and other packed gathering spaces.

Kudos to Studios loosening up their internal calendars for release and providing the public with some viewing options to keep us all engaged during this time of social distancing and “flattening the curve”.

Thoughts on Birds of Prey?  Have you seen it?  Will you see it now that it has an early option for viewing?  Leave a comment or two!


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