In a significant turn of events, Kevin Smith's 1999 comedy film 'Dogma' is set to return to theaters and streaming platforms after a long and tumultuous journey. The film, which has been out of print for several years, is now under new ownership and will be re-released to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This development marks a significant milestone for Smith, who has finally regained control of the film after years of being held 'hostage' by Harvey Weinstein.
The news of 'Dogma's' re-release has been met with excitement from fans and critics alike. The film, which is part of Smith's View Askewniverse series, has always been a subject of controversy due to its religious themes and satirical content. However, it has also been celebrated for its unique blend of humor and philosophical depth.
According to an interview with Kevin Smith on The Hashtag Show , the film's new owners approached him with an offer to re-release and tour the movie. Smith, who has a history of touring his films and engaging with fans, was enthusiastic about the opportunity. 'The movie has been bought away from the guy that had it for years and whatnot,' he explained. 'The company that bought it, we met with them a couple months ago. They were like, Would you be interested in re-releasing it and touring it like you do with your movies? I said, 100 percent, are you kidding me? Touring a movie that I know people like, and its sentimental and nostalgic? Well clean up.'
The re-release of 'Dogma' is not just about bringing an old film back to life; it also marks a significant personal victory for Kevin Smith. The director has long been passionate about his work and has fought tirelessly to regain control over his creations. This struggle has been well-documented, particularly in the case of 'Dogma,' which was bought by Harvey Weinstein after Disney acquired Miramax.
Weinstein's ownership of 'Dogma' led to the film being out of print for several years. This meant that fans could only find used copies online or through rare DVD collections. However, with the new ownership and licensing agreements in place, 'Dogma' will now be available on home video and streaming platforms for the first time in years.
The theatrical re-release of 'Dogma' is set to coincide with its 25th anniversary in November 2024. This will give audiences a chance to watch the film on the big screen once again. Additionally, Kevin Smith plans to tour the film, engaging with fans and sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the making of 'Dogma.' This tour will likely take place in 2025, allowing Smith to reflect on the film's impact and legacy.
For fans of Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse series, this re-release is a significant event. 'Dogma' is one of the most beloved films in the series, known for its ensemble cast including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Alan Rickman, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Linda Fiorentino, Jason Lee, and Jason Mewes. The film's story revolves around two fallen angels who attempt to get back to Heaven after being thrown out by God.
The new home video release of 'Dogma' will also cater to physical media collectors who have been eagerly awaiting a complete collection of Smith's View Askewniverse series. With 'Dogma' now available on home video, fans can finally complete their collection and enjoy all the films in the series without having to scour the internet for rare copies.
Moreover, there is now a possibility of continuing 'Dogma's' story with a sequel. Kevin Smith has hinted at this possibility during his interview on The Hashtag Show , suggesting that under new ownership, there are more opportunities for creative expansion and continuation of beloved characters.
In conclusion, the re-release of 'Dogma' is not just about bringing an old film back to life; it's about celebrating a piece of cinematic history and giving fans what they have been waiting for. With its unique blend of humor and philosophical depth, 'Dogma' remains a significant contribution to modern comedy and continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes.
