The latest installment in the "Alien" franchise, "Alien: Romulus," has recently become available on digital and streaming platforms. However, to cater to long-time "Alien" fans, 20th Century Studios is making an unprecedented move by releasing a nostalgic VHS home video edition, in addition to digital and physical disc releases in select regions.
According to ComicBook.com, "Alien: Romulus" will see a limited VHS home video release on December 3, just in time for the North American holiday shopping season. This exclusive VHS version is described as a "dream collectible for fans" and is a "fully functional" tape produced to celebrate the "Alien" franchise's 45th anniversary. Notably, this marks the first time a major studio has released a VHS product since 2006.
The VHS release of "Alien: Romulus" coincides with the launch of the film's other physical editions, including a Blu-ray SteelBook, standard 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD. "Alien: Romulus" is currently available on digital platforms, and the digital, Blu-ray, and DVD versions all include exclusive bonus content, such as behind-the-scenes featurettes with director Fede Alvarez and producer Ridley Scott, and extended and deleted scenes. However, the VHS version reportedly does not include these special features. As of now, 20th Century Studios has not announced specific details regarding the VHS release, such as production quantity or pricing.
"Alien: Romulus" is set between the events of "Alien" (1979) and "Aliens" (1986). The story follows a group of young space scavengers exploring a derelict space station, only to come face-to-face with the universe's most ruthless and deadly creature. The film stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. Fede Alvarez directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Rodo Sayagues. The movie performed strongly at the summer box office, grossing nearly $350 million worldwide.
The report highlights the "Alien: Romulus" VHS release as a significant win for physical media. In recent months, discussions have swirled around the perceived "demise" of physical media, fueled by the rise of digital and streaming services. Some retailers have even announced plans to cease selling physical media altogether. However, as streaming platforms remove content for various reasons, the appreciation for physical media has seen a resurgence, with a noticeable increase in sales for limited editions like SteelBooks. The VHS format, in particular, has also garnered renewed attention recently due to a wave of nostalgia.
via： comicbook.com