Summary
- Sound of Freedom’s multi-tier release strategy includes limited-time screenings via the Angel Studios app, followed by digital purchases, Blu-ray and DVD releases, and finally digital rentals.
- Despite receiving poor reviews, Sound of Freedom performed well at the box office, grossing $183 million domestically and $216 million worldwide.
- Controversies surrounding the movie, including the arrest of one of its main investors for child kidnapping, may affect its success in the digital release, but its previous success and the endorsement of star Jim Caviezel suggest it could still become a streaming hit.
Sound of Freedom Was a Surprising Theatrical Hit, But How Will It Fare In Its Digital Release?
The 2023 crime drama Sound of Freedom reveals its multi-tier release strategy. The film is based on the true story of a former government agent who takes on a dangerous mission to rescue hundreds of children from sex trafficking. Despite abysmal critical reviews, the movie achieved solid success at the box office, driven by its controversial nature.
According to Variety, viewers will soon have the opportunity to watch Sound of Freedom from the comfort of their homes. The action-packed thriller will follow a multi-step release plan, beginning with limited-time screenings via the Angel Studios app on October 13. The film will be available for digital purchase on November 3, followed by Blu-ray and DVD releases on November 14. Finally, digital rentals will be offered starting December 15.
The success of Sound of Freedom in theaters was astonishing, considering its estimated budget of $14.6 million. The movie grossed $183 million domestically and a total of $216 million worldwide. It emerged as a strong contender during the early summer box office period, even surpassing the $100 million mark, a significant achievement for an independent film post-pandemic.
While the theatrical success hints at potential triumph in the digital release, Sound of Freedom’s recent controversies present a potential obstacle to its long-term success. Around a month after the movie’s premiere, one of its main investors was arrested for child kidnapping. Given the movie’s central theme of combating child trafficking, this development carries significant irony and may dampen the interest of viewers who were planning to watch it during its digital release. Moreover, questions have been raised about the accuracy and embellishments in Ballard’s biographical story.
Nevertheless, the film’s controversies are unlikely to hinder its success entirely. The endorsement of star Jim Caviezel, who has publicly aligned himself with QAnon conspirators and actively promoted the movie as a stand against child trafficking, may help maintain interest. The possibility of becoming a streaming hit remains well within reach, given Sound of Freedom’s previous accomplishments.
Source: Variety
