Showcase Cinemas, a world leader in the cinema exhibition industry, has announced that it is launching a new streaming service called Showcase at home with free apps for IOS and Android devices.
Showcase at home is a new video-on-demand service designed to complement and expand upon Showcase Cinemas’ highly successful theatrical Event Cinema, Flashback and Spotlight programming, as well as the company’s theatrical distribution business.
The service offers a handpicked selection of films and event programming for fans while at home or on the move including new digital releases, nostalgic classics from the Flashback series, independent gems nurtured through the Spotlight strand, and a wealth of Event Cinema productions including theatre, musicals, stand-up comedy, exhibitions, and concert films.
The service features a library of titles from distributors including Paramount, Lions Gate, Altitude, Signature, Vertigo and Verve along with specialist programming from companies such as Eagle Rock, Seventh Art, Liberator, and All the Anime. Further titles will be added continually with High Definition films available to rent from £3.49 and to buy from £7.99.
James Dobbin, Director of Event Cinema, UK & International, Showcase Cinemas said: “Over the last 30 years, Showcase has consistently innovated and led the way in the UK cinema industry, and the launch of Showcase at home is the latest instalment in our pioneering approach to film and entertainment – giving customers enhanced accessibility, choice and diversity.
“The forced temporary closure of our cinemas obviously been a difficult period, but one positive is that it’s allowed us to develop and launch this platform. The big screen will always be our first priority but it’s very exciting to have a streaming platform that will give our audiences another chance to watch shows they missed at our cinemas, and also encourage them to try content they might not usually choose for their night out.
“Showcase at home truly supplements our core cinema offer and continues our commitment to innovation in the marketplace – something we are incredibly proud of.”
At launch the platform will lead with the release of Becoming Rocky: The Birth of a Classic, a documentary about the creation of the Academy Award winning film Rocky, narrated by Sylvester Stallone and featuring never before seen footage. Other new releases will include the documentary Repeat Attenders about musicals super fans, and Dogwoof’s The Australian Dream.
Showcase at home will initially focus on five content strands in line with Showcase’s cinema offering, comprising:
- Event Cinema: The fastest growing sector in cinemas over the last 10 years, including everything from concerts, theatre, ballets, exhibitions through to stage musicals. Titles to include An American in Paris, Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away, Vincent Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing, andThe Rolling Stones: Ole Ole Ole A Journey Through Latin America
- New Release Films: Quality limited and mid-level releases covering known new releases through to undiscovered gems. Titles to include Becoming Rocky: The Birth of a Classic, Days of the Bagnold Summer, and The Biggest Little Farm
- Flashback: Classic films and fan favourites. Titles to include Monty Python: Life of Brian, A Quiet Place, There Will Be Blood, and Grease
- Spotlight: Documentaries and crossover independent releases. Titles to include The Australian Dream, A Rainy Day in New York, Peanut Butter Falcon, and John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky
- Anime: Manga titles from Japan. Titles to include Your Name, Perfect Blue, Mary & The Witch’s Flower, and Promare.
Matt Smith, Co-Head of Theatrical, Lions Gate UK, added, “Being able to extend our relationship with Showcase and their audience from the large screen to the small screen is a really exciting development for Lions Gate. We’re looking forward to seeing our highest quality films on Showcase at home, from new releases including The Personal History of David Copperfield, through to heart-warming classics like Wonder, and to musicals such as La La Land.”
