direct-to-video
Bypassed theater release
Direct-to-video describes films released for home viewing without first appearing in theaters.
The term emerged in the 1980s and 1990s when movies went straight to VHS or DVD, often because studios judged them unlikely to succeed at the box office.
While it once carried connotations of low quality or failed projects, the label has become less meaningful as streaming platforms have blurred the line between theatrical and home releases.
The sequel was a direct-to-video affair that most fans ignored.
Low-budget, low-quality film
- horrorExtreme fear or disgust
- slasherKnife-wielding horror villain
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
- sci-fiFuturistic fiction, abbreviated
sequel · prequel · mockbuster · zombie · vampire · exploitation · schlock · campy
Optical media format
Costing relatively little
Not given a score
- uncutNot reduced or shortened
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
- remasteredRe-enhanced for quality
One who makes things
- directorOne who leads
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
- castingShaping through liquid form
- shootDischarge or capture
post-production · CGI · sound-design · score · turnaround · budget · distribution · studio
B-movie
Low-budget, low-quality film
- horrorExtreme fear or disgust
- slasherKnife-wielding horror villain
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
sci-fi · sequel · prequel · mockbuster · zombie · vampire · exploitation · schlock · campy · cheesy
DVD
Optical media format
VOD · pay-per-view · rental · on-demand
low-budget
Costing relatively little
remainder · discount · mass-market · licensing · residuals
unrated
Not given a score
- uncutNot reduced or shortened
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
producer
One who makes things
- directorOne who leads
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
- castingShaping through liquid form
shoot · post-production · CGI · sound-design · score · turnaround · budget · distribution · studio · independent
- B-moviesB-movie, exploitation film, exploitation films, cult film, cult classic
- filmsfeature films, action films, horror films, comedies, dramas
- family entertainmentanimated films, cartoons, G-rated, happy endings, happily ever after
- film genreshorror, comedy, drama, action, romance
- Animation HistoryWalt Disney, Mickey Mouse, Steamboat Willie, Looney Tunes, golden age
- media formatsMP3, mp3, DVD, MP4, Blu-ray
direct-to-videotheatrical release
Film shown in theaters
wide release · theatrical · cinema release · blockbuster · theatrical run