When Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 2002 film 28 Days Later hit theaters, it revolutionized the zombie horror genre in ways that are still felt today. This influential film deviated from traditional conventions by introducing a ‘final boy’ instead of the usual ‘final girl,’ and it featured a unique twist on the zombie trope. The story revolves around a deadly Rage virus outbreak that transforms the living into the Infected, rather than solely reanimating the undead.
Over the years, 28 Days Later has earned critical acclaim, winning the 2003 Saturn Award for “Best Horror Film” and garnering an impressive box office total of $82,719,885 worldwide. It currently holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its iconic status in cinematic history. Despite this positive reception, the film’s availability remains puzzlingly limited.
Current Availability of 28 Days Later
Complex Rights Issues Affect Streaming
The film’s streaming absence stems from complicated licensing issues. Disney originally held the rights when the film was produced, but they lost these rights in 2002. Meanwhile, a lack of initiative from Sony to secure distribution via streaming platforms has left fans in limbo. Interestingly, while the rights for the original film lapsed, Disney retained the rights to the sequel, 28 Weeks Later, due to its financing by Searchlight Pictures, a subsidiary acquired by Disney in March 2019.
Frustration mounts for fans as they can stream the sequel but find the original film unavailable, especially with the announcement of 28 Years Later, slated for theatrical release in June 2025. Long before the streaming era, viewers relied on more traditional methods such as DVDs for accessing films, which now seem almost nostalgic.
Physical Media Availability Concerns
Discontinuation of Hard Copies
Unfortunately, the option to purchase a physical copy has also dwindled. Disney ceased production of the original DVD, which was the primary method for acquiring 28 Days Later. As a result, obtaining a secondhand copy has become an expensive venture, with listings often ranging between $150 and $200 due to its scarcity. Fans looking for a tangible copy might have to wade through thrift shops or utilize online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace.
Future Streaming Prospects for 28 Days Later
Sony’s Recent Rights Acquisition
Good news is on the horizon for fans eager to revisit this classic! Following the release of the chilling trailer for 28 Years Later on December 10th, Sony has announced that the original film will be made available for streaming ahead of the third installment’s release. It was revealed that producer Andrew MacDonald successfully reacquired the rights to 28 Days Later earlier this year and transferred them to Sony.
For updates on the film’s potential digital release, interested viewers can register with Sony Pictures. While details regarding streaming specifics and availability remain unclear, fans are hopeful that they will soon have the opportunity to enjoy 28 Days Later once more, well ahead of the anticipated sequel.
Source: Forbes.com
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