Quite a few folks are scratching their heads wondering what Lionsgate’s strategy is as Borderlands arrives on VOD at full price. It’s been a mere three weeks since the videogame adaption made its theatrical debut when it began with a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has only managed to climb to 10% there since. Depending on the source, its budget is estimated to be in the $120-$130 million range and to date, is said to have only made back roughly $25 million in global ticket sales.
Eli Roth’s adaption has garnered ridicule from gamers and movie reviewers alike and now as has become a somewhat norm for movie studios when a project bombs hard at the theater, the movie has been fast-tracked for home release through VOD and digital purchasing. However, it is at a full retail price normally associated with films that are in demand by fans.
Not everybody hated it
It’s not all doom and gloom as Borderlands arrives on streaming as some folks have rallied to give it a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so maybe, just maybe, it’s not as bad as others have said. Meanwhile though, from media outlet forums to social media, there are plenty commenting how they wouldn’t even want to pirate it, let alone pay $20 for VOD or $24.99 for a digital purchase on August 30.
Per VGC Forums:
- “Twenty quid to rent it? I wouldn’t even rent my favourite movie ever for that”
- “i wouldnt even pirate it. they are dreaming in 8k hdr!”
- RE: Prospect of Pirating, “I suspect that the film is so bad that people using such sites will demand their money back (for the electricity and internet connection fees wasted on watching it).”
Per KitGuru:
- “However, the film’s distributor, Lionsgate, appears to be doing everything it can to encourage piracy, as the film will cost a staggering $20 to rent.”
Per Forbes Forum:
- “Horrible movie. Why didn’t you just follow the flow of the games. Terrible casting mistakes as well! Don’t pay for it when it streams. Even a $1.50 would be too much to purchase it!”
And lastly an X (formerly Twitter) post that says it all.
— George vd Westhuizen (@WTFitsGeorge) August 29, 2024