From hit in cinemas to VHS release, Alien : Romulus has put nostalgia at the heart of its narrative process and its communication. Fede Alvarez has managed to resurrect the most famous horror franchise of the 80s with a film that pays homage to the imagination of Ridley Scott while freeing itself from certain codes to better reinvent them. With a budget of 80 million dollars, and revenues well in excess of 350 million around the worldRomulus is an undeniable success for Disney and 20th Century Studios. If there were many fears, especially after the many failed attempts, the story of Rain and his friends had no trouble finding its audience. The two entities do not intend to stop there, and want to exit of the film in physical format an event.
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the first Alien, 20th Century is preparing a launch that is surprising to say the least. In addition to traditional DVD and Blu-ray, Alien: Romulus will be offered on VHS. Nostalgic fans will have to prepare their readers to enjoy a completely retro experience. In a press release, sent to The Vergethe studio explains that the VHS will be fully functional, provided you have the necessary equipment for viewing it. It will be accompanied by a cover illustrated by Matt Furgeson, which takes the style of posters from the 80s. The launch is planned for December 3 in the United States. 20th Century Studios nevertheless warns spectators, the product will be available in limited quantityso you won’t have to wait to get one. For the moment, nothing indicates whether France will benefit from the same preferential treatment.
Are VHS making a comeback?
It is in 2005 when the last major VHS release took place. A History of Violence marks the end of this format born at the end of the 70s in Japan. In 2016, as DVDs and Blu-rays entered the consumption habits of movie fans around the world, Funai, which was the last manufacturer of VCRs in the world, announced the end of production of the last existing model. Only 750,000 copies were sold in 2015. Now, VHS are collector’s items which have many fans, but largely neglected by studios and companies in the audiovisual sector.
The exit ofAlien : Romulus nevertheless encapsulates the attachment of certain consumers for this physical format, even though sales of DVD and Blu-ray media are reduced to nothing. If a trajectory similar to that of vinyl is not possible – it is being published again following the return of turntables and other players of the genre – it is clear that VHS continues to fascinate. Some copies of great classics sell for high prices. In 2022, VHS of Back to the future were displayed at 75 000 dollars. Note that this often only concerns particular editions, in this specific case, a version sent to actor Tom Wilson by the studio is autographed by the latter. In the case of‘Alien : Romulus however, there will be no question of auctions. We do not yet know at what Price this format will be marketed or how many copies will be released. You’ll have to keep your eyes open.
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