I might as well begin with the much discussed fact that Bubble was released in theaters, on DVD, and on cable TV within a four-day period (known as "day-and-date"), thus becoming the first film to subvert the standard theatrical release followed by a DVD some six to nine months later. But as Soderbergh commented, he can go buy a bootleg of his own movies the day they are released in theaters, so why not just make it available at the time of the theatrical release? I personally know of someone who reasons that for the price of two adult movie tickets he can buy the DVD, watch it when he wants as much as he wants, and still be able to hit pause and go use the restroom. Amen.
Now whether or not this innovative idea will catch on remains to be seen, but Soderbergh is under contract to deliver five more such films. However, Bubble is a short, simple, and well- but cheaply-made film that employs non-actors. It seems unlikely that we'll be seeing the next Jackson or Spielberg movie directly on DVD, because straight to DVD blockbusters would literally bankrupt movie theaters. But maybe that's not such a bad idea. After all, I'd much rather give my local theater chain a middle finger than my $8. While they play loud, repulsive, intrusive commercials, I have begun the practice of sitting in my seat with eyes closed. Just another way to stick it to the man.
There are only a few films that are necessary to see on the big screen such as The New World or Kill Bill. I also have benefited from seeing older films at retrospective festivals and art gallery movie nights where sharing the experience with an audience and seeing a gigantic picture really made the viewing unique.
But onto Bubble. Even if it had a wide release, it still would not make money because of its limited appeal. And without Soderbergh's name attached to it, it probably would never be seen outside of some small independent film festival. Fortunately, that's not the case, and Soderbergh delivers a small, but very good movie.
Article comments
1 - Tan The Man
I'm glad Soderbergh chose non-actors for the movie. Having non-actors gave the characters this lingering sense of shyness and isolation.