Now that the first trailer for 28 Years Later has fans on the edge, many might want to go back to explore what happened in its prequel 28 Days Later. Considered one of the best horror films, the first installment came out in 2002 with Oscar-winning star Cillian Murphy as the lead.
Unlike typical post-apocalyptic films, it focuses on a specific virus called the rage virus, which transforms humans into terrifying and aggressive creatures. It originates from the creative mind of Danny Boyle, who's also returned for the threequel set to arrive in 2025.
The film gained widespread recognition for reinventing the zombie genre as it became somewhat stagnant before the release of Murphy's film. Its success led to the creation of 28 Weeks Later, which is widely available to stream, but the same doesn't apply to the first film.
It has become quite tough for fans to rewatch the film as 28 Days Later isn't available on any streaming platform currently. Continue reading to explore the ways to can watch the film.
Here’s why 28 Days Later isn’t on streaming services
It's quite unusual for an acclaimed movie to not be available on streaming platforms in the era of digitalization. Especially when it's a project like 28 Days Later that shaped the genre.
Its unavailability on streaming platforms and for digital purchases might be frustrating to many who wish to get a recap of how the tragic events and rage virus unfolded. Curious about the reason? Read below:
The reason why you can't watch 28 Days Later on any streaming platform as of now is due to the owner issues. The film was made through indeed net financing, which mean no big studio was involved in its production. However, it was then bought by Searchlight Pictures (a division of 20th Century Fox) and they still didn't fully own it.
Later, Disney acquired 20th Century Fox but couldn't decide where it should stream or how it should be sold. As a result, the producer of the film, Andrew Macdonald, got back the rights to the film from Disney and sold them to Sony Pictures.
With this deal, Sony Pictures agreed to produce the sequel, which as expected became a hit project. Unfortunately, Sony hasn't partnered with any streaming platform as of now, leaving the streaming availability uncertain.
Also Read: What happened to Cillian Murphy in the new trailer of 28 Years Later
Your Guide to Watching 28 Days Later
While the sequel to 28 Weeks Later is available for streaming and other options, there's only one possible way you might be able to watch 28 Days Later: DVD or Blu-ray. However, the physical copies of the film have now become rare and expensive, further complicating the situation.
A Reddit user even posted about ordering a DVD for the film from Amazon and found out that the DVD he received was 28 Weeks Later instead of the first film he wanted. Additionally, stores like Walmart have sold out of official DVDs and Blu-rays, so the only way left to buy the DVD and Blu-ray versions is from third-party websites like eBay.
However, the prices on eBay are often quite high, especially when the product is in high demand. So, keep an eye on the websites to compare the pricing and find what suits you best.
28 Days Later might come to digital in 2025
Though not confirmed, there are high chances of Sony making the first film available in 2025, as the threequel is also arriving the same year. Since Sony is both a tech company and a film studio, 28 Days Later will likely be available for DVD and Blu-ray or rent online.
As for the streaming option, Sony doesn't have its streaming service, which means it will have to sell the rights to other platforms. Potentially Netflix as Sony has a deal with them starting in 2021. If the first film lands on Netflix, it might be possible that the third installment will also land on the same platform.
Also Read: Is Chris Evans returning to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday? Rumors explained
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