In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through the sci-fi community, 20th Century Studios has announced that Alien: Romulus, the latest installment in the iconic Alien franchise, will be released on VHS.
This unexpected move has ignited a wave of nostalgia and curiosity. While the film will be available in high-definition formats such as 4K UHD and Blu-ray, as well as streaming services, the VHS release adds a unique twist. It’s a nostalgic nod to the era when VHS tapes were the primary way to consume home video content, and it offers a unique way to experience the latest Alien film.
“A brand-new movie coming out on VHS in 2024 is brilliant,” exclaimed one excited fan. “Whoever thought of that, absolute kudos to them.”
Says the press release:
An ultimate movie collector’s dream, the fully functioning VHS tape was created in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the legendary Alien franchise, the box features artwork by renowned artist Matt Ferguson.
The limited-edition VHS release of Alien: Romulus is scheduled for December 3rd with full screen 4:3 ratio and features striking artwork by renowned artist Matt Ferguson. It’s unclear whether this is a genuine marketing ploy or a limited collector’s item, but it’s certainly an intriguing development.
Think this is weird? I think it’s pretty exciting. It’s just another example of the use of lo-fi tech to promote modern releases. Another example would be the Commodore 64 version of Farming Simulator, which accompanied the Farming Simulator 19 release in 2018.
It highlights the enduring appeal of physical media, particularly for iconic franchises like Alien, whose first three movies were all issued on VHS. While digital streaming has revolutionized the way we consume media, there’s still a strong desire for tangible products that can be owned and cherished. The VHS release of Alien: Romulus taps into this nostalgia and offers a unique way to experience the latest installment in the franchise.