It seems MGM is really embracing the direct to DVD market. On top of the news that they are creating a third Legally Blonde chapter, the studio is also moving forward with plans for several new Science Fiction movies.
In fact, according to Sci-Fi Wire, MGM is planning on 12 or more projects a year.
The studio will kick off its direct to DVD plans with two Stargate telemovies: Stargate: The Ark of Truth and Stargate: Continuum. The first of those movies began production at the beginning of this week and will start filming scenes in the Arctic in less than a month. It appears most of the “Stargate” regulars are returning according to early reports.
Other DVD films under production include a remake of Audrey Rose, a horror-thriller film titled Pet, another movie in the Species franchise (Species: The Awakening), and Wargames: The Dead Code, which is supposed to be “based” on the 1983 movie WarGames - who knows if that means sequel or remake?
I’m not sure how I feel about a direct to DVD approach like this. Typically pictures head straight for home entertainment when the quality is poor and the budget is low. However, effects are becoming increasingly affordable. It could be MGM has the right idea and going straight to DVD will help them harness their target market. Or, most of these movies could wind up at the $5.99 bin at Wal-Mart.
Appropriate enough for Science-Fiction films, only the future will reveal how these plans pan out.
