Why Snowpiercer's Release in Theaters and Then Two Weeeks Later on VOD Matters for the Future of Film

Snowpiercer is a sci-fi/action spectacle from Korean director Bong Joon-Ho. Snowpiercer was released on just 8 screens in the US on June 27th, 2014 by Radius (a division of the Weinstein Company that specializes in both VOD and theatrical) with a two-week theatrical window. After gaining critical heat in theaters, the film was quickly made available on VOD platforms across the country.

In a Thompson on Hollywood exclusive that appeared online on July 21st, 2014, Harvey Weinstein discussed Snowpiercer's numbers - making the case that, for certain films, a hybrid release (e.g., a limited number of exclusive theatrical engagements, followed quickly by a VOD release) might be as profitable as the conventional (but much more costly) wider theatrical release followed months later by VOD.

"According to Weinstein, following two weeks in theaters, "Snowpiercer"'s first week on VOD earned $2 million, a company record."