Skip to content
EntityQ844580· pop 34· linked from 4,607 articles

direct-to-video

Sign in to save

Also known as direct-to-VHS, direct-to-DVD, direct-to-disc, direct-to-digital, direct-to-stream, direct-to-iTunes, direct-to-Netflix, made-for-video

Direct-to-video refers to the release of a film or television series on home video formats without an initial theatrical release or television premiere. This distribution strategy was prevalent before streaming platforms came to dominate the TV and movie distribution markets.

In the Vinony graph

Within Vinony's link graph, direct-to-video is referenced by 4,607 other articles, and connects out to non-narrative film, animation and Spaghetti Western.

It is catalogued under topics including Direct-to-video media, Film and video technology and Film and video terminology.

Its subject is documented across 35 Wikipedia language editions.

Wikidata facts

Image
4K Blu Ray early Best Buy release.jpg
Sources (1)

via Wikidata · CC0

~14 min read

Encyclopedic overview

12 sections
Contents
  • History
  • Reasons for releasing direct to video
  • Pornography
  • Physical format releases
  • Direct-to-video films screened theatrically
  • Direct-to-disc or DVD premiere
  • Digital releases
  • OVA and V-Cinema in Japan
  • "Online Big Movies" in China
  • See also
  • References
  • Further reading

Direct-to-video refers to the release of a film or television series on home video formats without an initial theatrical release or television premiere. This distribution strategy was prevalent before streaming platforms came to dominate the TV and movie distribution markets.

Because sequels or prequels of larger-budget films may be released direct-to-video, review references to direct-to-video releases are often pejorative. Direct-to-video release has also become profitable for independent filmmakers and smaller companies. Some direct-to-video genre films (with a high-profile star) can generate well in excess of $50 million revenue worldwide.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “direct-to-video” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

Connections

Categories