In a surprising turn of events, Taylor Swift’s contribution to the struggling movie theater industry with the announcement of the Eras Tour Concert Film has stirred up controversy among some of her fans. Despite the film’s success in theaters and its positive impact on the box office, a faction of Swifties seems displeased with the movie’s upcoming Video On Demand (VOD) rental release on December 13.
Swift’s decision to turn her Eras Tour into a concert film has already been hailed as a boon for the movie industry, especially in a year where studios have grappled to reach pre-pandemic box office highs. Even renowned director Christopher Nolan has commended Swift for her positive influence on the industry. However, the excitement surrounding the film’s VOD release seems to have been met with a wave of frustration and criticism on social media and Reddit.
A common sentiment among disgruntled fans is the perception that the VOD release is an attempt by Taylor Swift to capitalize further on her already considerable wealth. Some fans argue that the movie should be available for free, given Swift’s financial standing. One fan’s opinion, echoed by others, expressed this viewpoint:
While it’s understandable that fans who have already seen the movie in theaters and invested in Eras Tour tickets may feel hesitant about spending additional money on a VOD rental, it’s crucial to recognize that the VOD option primarily caters to those who have been eagerly waiting to watch the film in the comfort of their homes.
One major point of contention revolves around the inclusion of new content in the VOD release, particularly additional music not featured in the theatrical cut. Some fans interpret this as a ploy to extract more money from them, viewing it as a less-than-transparent financial move by Swift and her team. However, it’s worth noting that such strategies, like releasing director’s cuts or enhanced versions of films, are not uncommon in the industry.
From the perspective of those familiar with the typical lifecycle of a theatrical film, the criticism appears somewhat unusual. After a movie concludes its theatrical run, it is standard practice to release it as a VOD rental, allowing audiences to enjoy it at home for a designated period. While fans may anticipate a $20 price point for the rental, it’s essential to note that official pricing details have not been released yet.
The $20 VOD rental pricing became prevalent during the global pandemic when movies were released on digital platforms instead of theaters. However, it’s likely that once the movie is available for digital and physical purchase, the rental price will decrease to a more reasonable range, possibly around five or six dollars.
Despite the discontent surrounding the VOD release, fans should recognize that this is a customary trajectory for movies. The Eras Tour movie will be available for digital rental for a few weeks before it is released for both digital and physical purchase. Subsequently, it is expected to appear on at least one streaming platform, although the timing of that release may be delayed to ensure strong Blu-ray sales.
In conclusion, while some fans express dissatisfaction with the VOD rental strategy, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the Eras Tour movie is simply following the established path of film releases. The option to purchase the movie on Blu-ray or watch it on streaming platforms will likely become available in due course, aligning with industry norms.
