Home Release Leads to Redemption for Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’

One of the biggest flops of 2024 is finally getting the attention it deserves. Horizon: An American Odyssey – Chapter Onethe latest epic from Kevin CostnerThe film was an instant hit on video-on-demand (VOD), landing at number one on the digital video providers' top ten list. The film, which includes several stories depicting America's westward expansion after the Civil War, failed to entice moviegoers to sit through its three-hour running time, but it found plenty of viewers enjoying it at home.

According to a report by Tom Brueggemann at IndieWire, the Western hit No. 1 immediately upon its release on major digital platforms, including Fandango/VUDU, iTunes, and Prime Video. Its digital release on July 15, just 18 days after its theatrical release, reflects its weak box office receipts. Warner Bros. is hoping to capitalize on the attention the film has received during its theatrical campaign to generate interest in digital sales. The strategy seems to have worked.

Horizon

2/5

Horizon is a fictional character set in America before and after the Civil War, exploring the American West. The film spans a period of twelve years, and features a cast of actors who portray different characters and their experiences exploring new lands from their homes.

release date

June 28, 2024

the show length

3s 1d

broadens

Horizon It reached number one on iTunes on its first day of release, surpassing Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Civil warAnd cyclistsOn Fandango at Home (formerly known as VUDU), the film held the No. 1 spot the week of July 15-21, followed by Planet of the Apes, Garfield movieAnd cyclistsThe film is currently the fourth most purchased film on Prime Video, ahead of other recent releases such as Furiosa And Planet of the Apes.

The New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. film was initially a risk, as the Western genre rarely succeeds in being a big box office hit. Despite Costner's star power and fan following (especially among Yellowstone The film was not well received by audiences, with critics giving it a dismal 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The three-hour running time and the fact that Costner did not get much screen time also did not sit well with many moviegoers.

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What is the horizon?

Based on a screenplay by Costner and John Baird, and directed by Costner, Horizon It is the first of four planned films that follow multiple stories of settlers in the American West during a 15-year period before and after the Civil War. In addition to Costner, the film stars Michael Rooker, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Owen Crowe Shaw, Tatanka Means, Danny Huston, Tom Payne, Will Patton, and Giovanni Ribisi.

The film made just $11 million in its opening weekend, and just over $28 million at the box office after four weeks, against a budget of $100 million for the first two films. This prompted Warner Bros. to change its plans for the film, rushing its digital release and delaying its August release. Horizon Chapter Two. A new release date has not been set for this movie yet. Chapter 1 The film will be released on 4K/Blu-ray in September.

Despite its box office flop, the film gives Warner Bros. reason to be hopeful. The film has a 70% Rotten Tomatoes rating from moviegoers, and its strong digital showing means audiences are gearing up for future chapters. A physical release and eventual Max release could increase the film’s chances of an eventual release. Chapter 2 We will see a stronger return to the box office.