Uncover the Magic of VHS in Modern Times
Alien: Romulus - A Disney VHS Release
This year, it was revealed that Alien: Romulus would be the first movie released on VHS by Disney in decades. This marketing move caught everyone's attention. Director Fede Alvarez told io9 that it's more than just a gimmick. He discovered movies in this format and it holds a special place for him as he was born in 1978 when VHS was booming. The $60 release quickly sold out, showing that there is a demand for VHS.
The VHS release of Alien: Romulus gives a unique viewing experience with its specific color range and spectrum of sound. It takes viewers back to a different era and adds a touch of magic to the movie. It was Alvarez's idea and the studio agreed, and it seems he was right about the appeal.
Y2K - A Sci-Fi Comedy with a VHS Release
Kyle Mooney's sci-fi comedy Y2K opened in theaters last week, and now it will be getting a VHS release. Given the film's turn-of-the-millennium setting, this makes perfect sense. The VHS version will be letterboxed and set fans back $30. It's scheduled to ship in January, allowing fans to enjoy the movie in a nostalgic format.
The VHS release of Y2K adds to the film's charm and gives it a retro feel. It's a great way for fans to relive the era and enjoy the movie in a different way.
Stream - A Slasher Film with a VHS Release
According to Bloody Disgusting and Broke Horror Fan, there will also be a VHS release of Stream. Created by much of the team behind the Terrifier series, this energetic and excellently crafted slasher film is a fitting context for a VHS release. The VHS version will be cropped from its original aspect ratio to 4:3 full frame and priced between $28-33. It is expected to ship in February.
The VHS release of Stream gives horror fans a chance to experience the film in a classic format. It adds to the atmosphere and makes the viewing experience more immersive.
It's important to note that these VHS releases are in the "limited release special edition" zone and are aimed at collectors. While VHS may not be able to overcome the quality gap compared to modern home-viewing formats, it's still cool to see videotapes getting some nostalgic love. Which of these films would make you break out the VCR first?
For more io9 news, check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Unveiling the Truth Behind Hallmark's Sugarplummed
Premise and Expectations
Maggie Lawson stars as Emily, a mom with a dream of giving her family a perfect Christmas inspired by the cheesy made-for-TV films she adores. However, her family isn't on board, and that's where Janel Parrish's Sugarplum comes in. The meta-take on Hallmark Christmas movies was initially intriguing, but did it live up to the hype? 1: Emily's determination to create a movie-like Christmas is palpable. She believes that by following the rules of holiday movies, she can bring magic to her family's holiday. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that reality and fantasy don't always mix easily. 2: The introduction of Sugarplum and her book of holiday movie rules adds a unique twist. These rules, which seem to be the backbone of the movie, are both fascinating and somewhat absurd. They highlight the contrast between the idealized world of holiday movies and the real world.The Poking Fun Aspect
One of the main issues with Sugarplummed is how it seems to poke fun at the majority of Hallmark movies. While the premise initially excited viewers, the execution left much to be desired. 1: The movie spends a significant amount of time making fun of the core ideals that make Hallmark movies great. Sugarplum's book of rules, which are supposed to bring holiday magic, is instead ridiculed for its simplicity and predictability. 2: Emily constantly points out the flaws in Sugarplum's plan, emphasizing how these things don't happen in the real world. This takes the viewer out of the movie's intended world and makes it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the story.Emily's Character Arc
Emily's character arc is a bit confusing. At the beginning, she is against the holiday movie rulebook but still goes along with Sugarplum's absurd plan. 1: Her skepticism about Sugarplum's methods and the flaws in her plan create tension within the story. It's unclear why she would be so keen on implementing the rules if she doesn't believe in them. 2: From a storytelling perspective, a more consistent approach to Emily's character would have made the movie more engaging. Instead, we are left with a sense of confusion about her motives.The Romance Department
Given the meta premise of the movie, it's surprising that there is no epic romance story. 1: Hallmark movies are known for their romantic plots, but Sugarplummed fails to deliver in this regard. Instead, it focuses on familial love, which is touching but not swoon-worthy. 2: A romantic subplot could have added much-needed tension and depth to the story. Without it, Sugarplummed feels somewhat lacking in emotional resonance.Performances and Other Highlights
Despite its flaws, Maggie Lawson and Janel Parrish deserve praise for their performances. 1: Their chemistry on screen is palpable, and they bring their characters to life with authenticity. The writer and team also deserve credit for coming up with the hilarious rules in Sugarplum's rule book. 2: These rules add a lighthearted touch to the movie and provide some comedic relief. They are a unique aspect that sets Sugarplummed apart from other Hallmark movies.In conclusion, Sugarplummed is a movie that has both its strengths and weaknesses. While it offers a unique take on Hallmark Christmas movies, it also falls short in some areas. Whether it's the poking fun at the genre or the lack of romance, there are aspects that leave viewers wanting more. However, it's still a fun movie to watch, especially if you enjoy poking fun at these types of films. You can catch Sugarplummed with a Peacock subscription and decide for yourself.