Exciting news for sci-fi horror fans: ‘Alien: Romulus’, the latest installment in the iconic Alien franchise, is set to premiere on digital streaming platforms this Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Ridley Scott, this terrifying thriller has been a box office hit since its theatrical release on August 16.
The Plot
Alien: Romulus takes place between the events of the original 1979 Alien film and its 1986 sequel, Aliens. The story follows a group of young mining colonists who attempt to escape their dreary confines by scavenging an abandoned space outpost for cryo pods and other materials to make a nine-year journey to a better life. However, their plans go awry when they accidentally release hundreds of deadly Xenomorphs aboard the ship, forcing them to fight for survival against the galaxy’s most lethal alien species.
Box Office Success
Since its theatrical debut, Alien: Romulus has been a commercial success, grossing over $342 million worldwide against an $80 million production budget. The film has earned $103.9 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally, making it the second-highest-grossing entry in the Alien franchise, surpassing Alien: Covenant but falling short of Prometheus‘ $400 million global total.
Critical Reception
Alien: Romulus has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive 80% “Fresh” rating based on 375 reviews, with the Critics’ Consensus stating, “Honoring its nightmarish predecessors while chestbursting at the seams with new frights of its own, Romulus injects some fresh acid blood into one of cinema’s great horror franchises”. Audiences have also embraced the film, giving it an 85% “Fresh” Audience Score based on more than 5,000 verified ratings.
Digital Streaming Release
According to When to Stream, Alien: Romulus will be available on digital streaming via premium video on demand (PVOD) on multiple platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, starting October 15, 2024. The film will be offered in 4K Ultra HD, with pre-order prices currently set at $19.99 on Prime Video and $29.99 on VUDU. Digital rentals are typically $5 less than the purchase price and are valid for a 48-hour viewing period that begins when the viewer starts watching the film.
Home Video Release
In addition to its digital debut, Alien: Romulus will also be released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on December 3, 202. The home video release will include a variety of bonus features, such as:
- Featurettes
- Alternate and extended scenes
- Interviews with director Fede Alvarez and producer Ridley Scott
- VFX secrets
- Promotional materials
- Behind-the-scenes content
A collectible limited-edition SteelBook with custom artwork and box packaging will also be available for purchase in 4K UHD.
Celebrating ‘Alien’s 45th Anniversary
To commemorate the 45th anniversary of Ridley Scott’s original 1979 Alien film, fans can purchase a special Two-Movie Collection digital bundle that includes both Alien and Alien: Romulus starting on October 15.
Behind-the-Scenes Snippets
In anticipation of the digital release, several outlets have shared snippets of the bonus features included with Alien: Romulus. IndieWire has uploaded a short deleted (or alternative) scene showing a different way in which the character Bjorn finds himself below the Scorched Alien’s cocoon. The Hollywood Reporter has also shared a brief behind-the-scenes featurette showcasing the film’s practical face-huggers.
The Cast
Alien: Romulus stars an ensemble cast, including:
- Cailee Spaeny
- David Jonsson
- Archie Renaux
- Isabela Merced
- Spike Fearn
- Aileen Wu
The Creative Team
The film is directed by Fede Alvarez, known for his work on Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, from a screenplay he co-wrote with frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues. The story is based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. Alien franchise veteran Ridley Scott serves as a producer alongside Michael Pruss and Walter Hill.
Where to Watch the ‘Alien’ Franchise
Fans looking to catch up on the entire Alien franchise, including the mainline movies, prequels, and Alien vs. Predator spin-offs, can stream them all on Hulu. Hulu offers several subscription options:
- With ads: $7.99/month (or $79.99/year)
- Ad-free: $17.99/month
- Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ bundle: $14.99/month (ads) or $24.99/month (no ads)
Conclusion
Alien: Romulus has proven to be a thrilling and successful addition to the long-running Alien franchise, earning praise from both critics and audiences while performing well at the box office. With its digital streaming debut on October 15 and its forthcoming home video release on December 3, fans will soon have the opportunity to experience the nerve-rattling scares and intense action from the comfort of their own homes. As the franchise celebrates its 45th anniversary, Alien: Romulus serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic sci-fi horror series.
