The controversy-causing film The Interview, pulled from theaters nationwide due to violent threats, is now available on various online platforms.
Google is making the movie available on both YouTube and Google Play for rent or purchase, as is an official website for the film. Microsoft has made the announcement as well, offering The Interview through its Xbox Video service--read its statement here.
It will cost $5.99 to rent, and $14.99 to purchase in HD. Sony Pictures was behind the release, seeking partners with visibility to launch the movie after hacks connected with North Korea forced is removal from theaters. Terror threats and stern warnings led theater companies to pull the film from its locations, though some locations once again plan to show the movie on Christmas Day.
The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on Xmas day!
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 23, 2014
The Seth Rogen and James Franco film has sparked something of an international controversy, with North Korea denying blame for the hacks that led the Sony email and information leaks. Eventual bowing to the anonymous threats created a narrative that stirred the nation--North Korea was censoring American media in a very direct way. As Rogen stated in his tweet, the peoples' voice has been heard, and Sony pushed to make sure its film was not silenced, whatever quality the movie itself may be.
