On Demand Weekly

As Video On Demand (VOD) offers more programming to consumers as a viable home entertainment option, the platform is becoming more prominent. A group of movie studios & cable operators have collaborated to promote VOD directly to consumers via a multi-faceted media campaign called “The Video Store Just Moved In™”. On Demand Weekly will attempt to learn more about the "The Video Store Just Moved In™" campaign and how it may affect VOD viewers.

Press Release

The nation’s major Hollywood studios and cable companies have joined forces for a significant push to expand consumer awareness of the value offered by Movies On Demand®, a service that provides a convenient and affordable way to rent top-grossing box office hits on cable

The $30 million TV, print and online campaign is themed, “The Video Store Just Moved In™” and illustrates in a fun way how easy it is for digital cable customers to view movies in their homes with a click of the remote. In addition, during the next twelve weeks, the advertising will feature a wide variety of recent release titles, some of which are being offered on Movies On Demand® the same day as the DVD is available in stores (Day-and-Date).

You've probably seen the Movies On Demand logo quite a bit recently and you may wonder what is it for? Let us tell you.

Very simply, when you see this logo in TV, print or online, it means the film being promoted is now available on Cable Video On Demand systems. Many current movies are released the same day as DVD and may be available for a 48 hour rental.

Go to http://cablelocator.cablevideostore.com/ to find out if your cable systerm is participating.

...and join fellow movie on demand fans at

http://www.facebook.com/CableVideoStore#!/CableVideoStore?v=wall

http://twitter.com/cablevideostore

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Read our review from a few weeks ago.

THE EXTRA MAN

http://ondemandweekly.com/blog/article/the_extra_man_-_on_demand/

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: XXY (Film Movement).
Email Chris

Androgyny has long been a way for people, particularly those in the arts, to garner attention. From Quentin Crisp to Boy George to k.d. lang, presenting female as male, or vice versa, is a sure way to make people sit up, notice you, and wonder where you got that fabulous hat. But what happens when androgyny isn't about style or statement? When the confluence of male/female is visited upon a single person, is it a cosmic joke or an epic tragedy?

Lucia Penzo's XXY is a shattering meditation on our fluid definitions of gender. What makes someone male or female? Are those our only options? How does gender identity inform sexual preference? Penzo's film raises such questions and forces viewers to reconsider their perception.

AN ODW EXCLUSIVE

On Demand Weekly is thrilled to welcome fillmaker Ed Burns to our Advisory Board and our terrific roster of contributers. Ed recently blazed a new trail for digital distribution and marketing for the recent premiere of his film NICE GUY JOHNNY. Every month, Ed will share with our readers the list of independent films currently available On Demand he's most interested in watching and offer insight as to why each film makes his Hot List. We hope you enjoy and look forward to your feedback. - ODW

As an indie film lover, and parent, who doesn't get to to the theater like I used to, I now watch most movies at home. I wanted to reach out to other like-minded people, who are looking for good movies to watch on their On Demand services. Many of these titles I used to catch in the arthouse theater, and sadly, most of them have been slipping through the cracks.

So you can find me here once a month and I will tip you off to the films I'll be watching On Demand.

- Ed

Indie Movies on Demand Hot List - November, 2010

ALL GOOD THINGS (Magnolia Pictures)
- Some terrific actors, including Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella, and a real life story set in New York in the 80's, makes ALL GOOD THINGS a movie I don't want to miss.

TINY FURNITURE (IFC Films)
- I am excited to check out TINY FURNITURE, written and directed by Lena Dunham, who also starred in the movie, and has generated terrific press for making this on a tiny budget with friends and family, including her mother and sister. Sounds like an authentic New York story, which I am a big fan of.

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (FilmBuff)
- EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is a compelling documentary that will have your head spinning and questioning the lines between art and manipulation. The movie is a truly unique glimpse into some of the most compelling and talented street artists around (most notably the enigmatic Banksy).

- Ed Burns

Ed Burns gained international recognition for his first feature film THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN, which won the 1995 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury prize. His most recent film, NICE GUY JOHNNY, the darling of the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, was released on October 26, 2010. A pioneer for independent filmmakers, Burns continues to innovate in this category, premiering PURPLE VIOLETS exclusively on iTunes and more recently, releasing NICE GUY JOHNNY via a multi-platform digital distribution plan. Ed recently joined On Demand Weekly's Advisory Board.

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Ed will be back next month with new films he's looking forward to seeing On Demand. Let him know what you think of his picks above or future films he should consider on Twitter @edward_burns.

Ed's new film NICE GUY JOHNNY, is available now On Demand.

ODW Reviews of the films:

ALL GOOD THINGS

TINY FURNITURE

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP - Now Available!

Email Lindsay

CATFISH - Premieres January 4

This documentary was directed by Ariel Shulman and Henry Joost.  Rated PG-13

On Demand the same day as DVD, before Netflix or Redbox.

HOWL - Premieres January 4 
This unrated drama stars James Franco as the poet Allen Ginsberg, with Mary-Louise Parker and Jeff Daniels.  Rated PG-13

On Demand the same day as DVD, before Netflix or Redbox.

THE LAST EXORCISM - Premieres January 4 
This fictional horror film, shot in the style of a documentary, stars Patrick Fabian and Ashley Bell.  Rated PG-13

On Demand the same day as DVD.

MACHETE - Premieres January 4 

This Robert Rodriguez-directed, action-packed satire stars Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba and Robert DeNiro, and features smaller roles by an all-star cast.  Rated R

On Demand the same day as DVD, before Netflix or Redbox.

SALT - Premieres January 4 
This action film stars Angelina Jolie as a badass double agent: CIA operative/Russian assassin.  Rated PG-13

On Demand before Netflix.

SHREK FOREVER AFTER - Premieres January 5
This final, fourth chapter in the animated film series features the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy.  Rated PG

Available in 3D.

DESPICABLE ME - Premieres January 6

Email Lindsay

CATFISH - Premieres January 4

This documentary was directed by Ariel Shulman and Henry Joost.  Rated PG-13

On Demand the same day as DVD, before Netflix or Redbox.

HOWL - Premieres January 4 

This unrated drama stars James Franco as the poet Allen Ginsberg, with Mary-Louise Parker and Jeff Daniels.  Rated PG-13

On Demand the same day as DVD, before Netflix or Redbox.

THE LAST EXORCISM - Premieres January 4 

This fictional horror film, shot in the style of a documentary, stars Patrick Fabian and Ashley Bell.  Rated PG-13

On Demand the same day as DVD.

MACHETE - Premieres January 4 

This Robert Rodriguez-directed, action-packed satire stars Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba and Robert DeNiro, and features smaller roles by an all-star cast.  Rated R

On Demand the same day as DVD, before Netflix or Redbox.

SALT - Premieres January 4 

This action film stars Angelina Jolie as a badass double agent: CIA operative/Russian assassin.  Rated PG-13

On Demand before Netflix.

SHREK FOREVER AFTER - Premieres January 5

This final, fourth chapter in the animated film series features the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy.  Rated PG

Available in 3D.

DESPICABLE ME - Premieres January 6

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: Direct from the Sundance Film Festival - UNCLE KENT On Demand (Sundance Selects).

Learn about all five films available simultaneously from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and On Demand here.

UNCLE KENT (Sundance Selects)

Kent has become skeptical about getting married; he’s reconciled being single. Sex, for instance, is generally handled autonomously. As he says to his pal Kev (Kevin Bewersdorf), “I can sit on the couch until I’m hungry and then eat whatever I want.”  Despite his protests, its clear that he still yearns for emotional connection. Hence, inviting Kate for a weekend visit.  Kate, as played by newcomer Jennifer Prediger, is a woman Kent recently met on Chatroulette, an online video chat service. She flies in from New York City on the premise of business –she’s an environmental journalist -  but also ostensibly to figure out how she feels about Kent, not to mention the boyfriend she left at home.  

In order to keep himself emotionally in check, Kent hides behind his video camera through much of their weekend. Otherwise they tiptoe around each other barely recognizing the obvious attraction they share for each other. Instead they behave almost adolescently sharing explicit and intimate details of each other’s past and current sex lives. This titillating process eventually leads them to meeting up with a young woman named ---- whom they meet on Craiglist and whom they end up taking home for a threesome. 

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

Joe Swanberg's UNCLE KENT is available now. Check out our review HERE and the trailer below.

UNCLE KENT is Available under Sundance Film Festival via Sundance Selects On Demand Until 2/28/11
Running Time 72 Minutes / TV MA

Direct from the Sundance Film Festival
Learn about all five films available simultaneously from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and On Demand here.

Other Reviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

SEPTIEN

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

Michael Tully's SEPTIEN premieres Monday (1/24). Look for our review tomorrow. Check out the trailer in the meantime below.

SEPTIEN is Available under Sundance Film Festival via Sundance Selects On Demand Until 2/28/11
Running Time 79 Minutes / TV MA

Direct from the Sundance Film Festival
Learn about all five films available simultaneously from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and On Demand here.

Other Reviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

UNCLE KENT

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton’s THESE AMAZING SHADOWS is available now. Check out the trailer below.

Reviews and Interviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

SEPTIEN

UNCLE KENT

VOD SPOTLIGHT On Independent Filmmaker Joe Swanberg Of UNCLE KENT

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

Greg Araki's KABOOM is available now. Check out the trailer below.

Reviews and Interviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

SEPTIEN

UNCLE KENT

VOD SPOTLIGHT On Independent Filmmaker Joe Swanberg Of UNCLE KENT

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

MAD BASTARDS is available now. Check out the trailer below.

Reviews and Interviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

SEPTIEN

UNCLE KENT

VOD SPOTLIGHT On Independent Filmmaker Joe Swanberg Of UNCLE KENT

Check out the trailer below.

Who Isn't Tempted To Check Out This Cast Of PEEP WORLD: Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman, Rainn Wilson, Ben Schwartz, Judy Greer, Kate Mara, Taraji Henson, Lesley Ann Warren and Ron Rifkin?

See the IFC Films trailer below...

A Special Valentine's Day Movies on Demand Top 14 List

It’s that time of year again when that little cherub puts on his diaper, grabs his bow and arrow and shoots young lovers at inspiration point. No, it’s not the new Will Ferrell comedy, but it means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Which is why On Demand Weekly has compiled the top 14 love-themed movies on demand.*

14. HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS (Paramount) starring Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Kathryn Hahn
13. BECOMING JANE (Buena Vista) starring Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters
12. JUST WRIGHT (Fox) starring Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton
11. KNOCKED UP (Universal) starring Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd
10. THE NOTEBOOK (New Line) starring Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands, James Garner
9.   THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN (Universal) starring Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Jane Lynch
8.   SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER (Sony) starring Mike Myers, Nancy Travis, Anthony LaPaglia

AN ODW EXCLUSIVE

Every month, filmmaker Ed Burns will share with our readers the list of independent films currently available On Demand he's most interested in watching and offer insight as to why each film makes his Hot List. We hope you enjoy and look forward to your feedback. - ODW

As an indie film lover, and parent, who doesn't get to to the theater like I used to, I now watch most movies at home. I wanted to reach out to other like-minded people, who are looking for good movies to watch on their On Demand services. Many of these titles I used to catch in the arthouse theater, and sadly, most of them have been slipping through the cracks.

So you can find me here once a month and I will tip you off to the films I'll be watching On Demand.

- Ed

Indie Movies on Demand Hot List - February, 2011

Check it out film fans. With the Oscars® on the mind, Movies On Demand has made the best of this year's nominated short films available to see before Sunday's awards show (and throughout March).

You can choose Best Animated Short Films or Best Live Action Short Films. Or watch both. This is your chance to get a leg up on your Oscar® pool.

The Oscar® Nominated Short Films 2011 - Available On Demand

The Gruffalo (Shorts Intl)

• “Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)”: European traveler’s experience of the Malagasy culture. (French, 11 mins, Director:  Bastien Dubois).
• “Let's Pollute” Satirical educational film looks at pollution’s longtime necessity to the American economy. (USA, six mins, Director:  Geefwee Boedoe).
• “The Gruffalo”  Innocent mouse vs. predators.(UK; Germany, 27 mins, Directors:  JakobSchuh and Max Lange).
• “The Lost Thing”  Boy discovers a strange creature on the beach and tries to find it a place for it to fit in. (Australia; UK, 15 mins.  Directors:  Andrew Ruhemann and Shaun Tan)

Na Wewe (Shorts Intl)

• “The Confession”  Nine year-old boy stages a prank so he has something to say at confession. (UK, 26 mins, Director:  Tanel Toom). 
• “Wish 143”  Dying teen has a final wish - to lose his virginity. (UK, 24 mins, Director:  Ian Barnes).
• “Na Wewe”  Civilians caught in 1994 civil war between ethnic Hutus and Tutsis in Burundi. (Belgium, 19 mins, Director:  Ivan Goldschmidt).
• “The Crush”  Eight year-old boy has a crush on his teacher. Real boyfriend arrives on the scene and is challenged to a duel. (Ireland, 15 mins, Director:  Michael Creagh).
• “God of Love”  Love triangle changes the good luck of a lounge-singer darts champion. (USA, 18 mins, Director:  Luke Matheny).

Where to find the Short Film packages content on your Cabler On Demand on-screen menus:

IFC Films released the official poster to Rainn Wilson's upcoming film SUPER. Wilson is a a DIY superhero called Crimson Bolt, along with his sidekick Boltie (Ellen Page).  Also starring Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon.

Look for the film on April 1, 2011. We're not kidding. Check out a clip...