direct to video
Skipped theatrical release
Direct to video describes a film released for home viewing without first appearing in theaters.
The term emerged in the 1980s with VHS and carries connotations of lower quality or budget—films deemed not worth theatrical distribution: It was a direct-to-video sequel nobody asked for.
Now often direct to streaming or direct to DVD.
- B-movieLow-budget, low-quality film
- sequelContinuation of prior work
- low-budgetCosting relatively little
- limited releaseControlled, narrow distribution
- VHSAnalog tape format
DVD · rental · bargain bin · dollar bin · schlock · cheesy · knockoff · franchise · horror · action · Steven Seagal · Disney · animated · exploitation · cult following · cable · streaming · premiere
- Media Distributionstreaming services, music streaming, download, broadcast, subscription
- Animated FilmsShrek, Madagascar, The Croods, Boss Baby, Megamind
- launcheslaunch, launched, rocket launch, blast off, satellite launch
- B-moviesB-movie, exploitation film, exploitation films, cult film, cult classic
direct to videotheatrical release
Film shown in theaters
wide release · cinema release · theatrical run · opening weekend
direct to videoblockbuster
Enormously successful entertainment property
critically acclaimed · tentpole film · masterpiece · classic · cult classic
direct, video, directly, direction, directional, directions, directive, directives, director