The article discusses the success of “Alien: Romulus,” the latest installment in the iconic Alien franchise directed by Fede Álvarez. Released on August 14, 2024, the film opened to over $100 million worldwide and has surpassed $350 million in total earnings, becoming the year’s top horror film. Notably, there will be a collector’s VHS version of “Alien: Romulus,” available in a limited edition format from December 3, offering fans a nostalgic experience.
The Alien franchise stands as a cornerstone of horror cinema, having captivated audiences since its inception by Ridley Scott in 1979. The film introduced Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, pitting her against the terrifying Xenomorph in the depths of space. Over the years, this beloved saga has expanded into seven films, helmed by iconic directors such as James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Recently, on August 14, Alien: Romulus hit theaters, directed by Fede Álvarez. Following its impressive box office performance, the film is set to return in a highly unique format.
Alien: Romulus Achieves Massive Success
While previous installments, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, struggled to win over die-hard fans despite Ridley Scott’s return to directing, expectations were high for Alien: Romulus. Many were skeptical about the franchise’s revival, questioning who could breathe life into it if not Scott. However, the reception changed dramatically upon the film’s release.
During its opening weekend, Alien: Romulus grossed over $100 million worldwide, landing it in second place among the franchise’s best ever debuts, following only Prometheus. To top it off, since its release, the film has amassed over $350 million globally, making it the top horror film of 2024. With a production budget of just $80 million, there’s no doubt that Alien: Romulus is a significant triumph.
Get Ready for Alien: Romulus on VHS!
When a film achieves monumental success like Alien: Romulus, producers often look for ways to maximize profits through various marketing strategies. This typically begins with the launch of DVD releases, often including special collector’s editions that can fetch high prices. In a surprising twist, Alien: Romulus will be released on a collector’s VHS tape.
For younger audiences, a quick history lesson: VHS (Video Home System) was the dominant home video format from the 1970s to the 1990s. These large plastic cassettes housed a film tape and were played on cassette players, reminiscent of those found in many households decades ago. This format eventually became outdated, replaced by DVD technology in the late 90s, which offered better quality and convenience.
In the case of Alien: Romulus, the upcoming VHS edition will be fully functional, assuming you have a compatible player and will present the film in a 4:3 format. Set for a limited release on December 3, the artwork for this edition will be crafted by Matt Ferguson. Currently, 20th Century Fox has only confirmed a US release, meaning fans outside the U.S. may need to seek import options, unless a version for other regions is announced.
While the cinematic journey of Alien: Romulus is just beginning, there is another sci-fi gem from previous years that offers a treasure trove of enjoyment for devoted fans of the genre.