With much of the world currently self-quarantining over the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, many places have shut down, including movie theaters. With tons of movies being pushed back and people not being able to go to the theater, movie-goers are looking for alternatives. Luckily, there have been some exciting early releases on digital, including films that were already out in theaters before the shutdowns began. The list of movies continues to grow, and the latest release is Vin Diesel’s Bloodshot. The movie managed to earn some money on preview night, but it only had a few days in theaters before they shut down.
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Columbia Pictures has set the sale date of Bloodshot on EST (electronic sell through) for March 24th. The Valiant comic-book property will be available for digital purchase for a suggested retail price of $19.99 in the U.S. with all leading digital retailers. International digital sale dates will be solidified in the days ahead with territory-specific COVID-19 impact considerations.
“Sony Pictures is firmly committed to theatrical exhibition and we support windowing,” said Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group. “This is a unique and exceedingly rare circumstance where theaters have been required to close nationwide for the greater good and Bloodshot is abruptly unavailable in any medium. Audiences will now have the chance to own Bloodshot right away and see it at home, where we are all spending more time. We are confident that — like other businesses hit hard by the virus — movie theaters will bounce back strongly, and we will be there to support them.”
Currently, Bloodshot is up on Rotten Tomatoes with a 32% critics rating and a 78% audience score. ComicBook.com’s own Brandon Davis rated the movie a 3 out of 5, calling it “a simple popcorn flick that honorably adapts the source material” and claimed it ended up “being an entertaining, albeit slightly dated action flick.”
When the news of Bloodshot‘s early release hit the Internet, many people took to Twitter to share their feelings on getting the opportunity to watch Diesel’s latest flick in the comfort of their own home. Here are some of the best reactions to the news…
A Short Theatrical Run
News: #Bloodshot will hit VOD March 24, less than two weeks after it hit theaters
— Aaron Couch (@AaronCouch) March 18, 2020
The New Normal
Me on my way to the cinema (a.k.a my couch) to watch The Invisible Man, The Hunt and Bloodshot now that they’re gonna be released online pic.twitter.com/zX8IEhgLY5
— Chase (@ChaseStein_) March 18, 2020
A Nice Distraction
@SamHeughan Can’t wait till next week to purchase Bloodshot!! Something good to look forward to when life is so worrisome!
— Karen Gervais (@tigger3358) March 18, 2020
“Cool Cyborg People”
That’s crazy I just saw this shit in the theater with my friends a week ago. Damn and now you can already see digitally next week. #Bloodshot Its actually alright. Cool cyborg people. https://t.co/sHA3tkHniF
— Cris_B🧟♂️ (@parappa317) March 18, 2020
Something To Look Forward To
So excited to be able to see #Bloodshot and was crushed when we weren’t able to see it on opening weekend. Something good to look forward to!
— Jennifer (@JBSchneider50) March 18, 2020
Watch With Your Friends
Both #BirdsOfPrey & #Bloodshot will be available for purchase on Tuesday 3/24!
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) March 18, 2020
Which one should we do as a Watch Along at 6pm EST on 3/24?
*you have to buy a copy of the film to participate
Finally, An Endorsement
My mom and I watched #Bloodshot a few days ago and it was AMAZING! Sam, you were the perfect Jimmy Dalton; so proud of you, @SamHeughan ❤ Glad to know it’ll be available home for those who couldn’t go to the movies. pic.twitter.com/7a8mCVokkz
— maria (@marriaisabel28) March 18, 2020
For those who are worried about the spread of the coronavirus, the CDC offers a litany of tips, including covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding large gatherings or close contact with people who are sick, and washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Bloodshot will become available digitally on March 24th.