A Hard Truth About 28 Days Later Highlights a Major Flaw in Modern Movie and TV Consumption

28 days later became a classic horror film upon its release in 2002 and has only grown in popularity in the decades since, but one hard truth about the film exposes a major problem with the consumption of modern movies and TV shows. Despite having a very small budget, 28 days later managed to become a resounding success, both critically and financially, resulting in the release of a sequel in 2007. Although it did not live up to the original, the project was still a success and continued the franchise's legacy, leading to the confirmation of 28 years later.

With the film series finding a modern resurgence, interest in the project that started it all has naturally increased, making many fans and new viewers want to watch it. Unfortunately, 28 days later is not streaming and even finding a physical copy is relatively difficult, making it a challenge for audiences to revisit the cult classic. Given the number of films and TV shows that are at our fingertips these days, it's almost bizarre not to be able to watch Danny Boyle's thriller without hassle, which highlights one of the biggest consumer problems in modern entertainment.

Why 28 Days Later is not available on streaming

Rights issues with the film mean it hasn't found a home on streaming

Not having one of the most groundbreaking horror films of the early 2000s on streaming seems odd, but there's a reason for its absence. According to Rolling Stonethe reason 28 days later the non-availability online comes down to rights issues, which meant that the only legal way to watch the film was through physical media. With the film being produced and distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures – which is now owned by Disney – it seems likely that 28 days later end up on Hulu as its sequel; however, Sony owns the rights.

Sony managed to win the bidding war 28 years later and also took 28 days latercreating complications since Disney purchased the studio that initially produced it. As a result, the original discs are the only official way to watch the film and are very rare to find, resulting in high second-hand prices. While it's not out of the question for Sony to eventually put it on a streaming platform, 28 days laterThe unconventional zombie premise of remains a relatively niche viewing experience these days that only a few can legally enjoy, adding to the film's unique nature.

Streaming is a super convenient (but inherently flawed) way to browse movies

The platform's choice not to host certain films goes against what makes streaming so attractive

While streaming is an undeniably convenient way to consume modern entertainment, it is also a flawed system as 28 days later proof. Being able to sign up for a monthly subscription service and have a multitude of shows and movies at your disposal is great, especially when watching selectively. A new series can be released on streaming and, once watched, viewers can cancel until something new appears. Unfortunately, this has its downsides, as platforms can be strategic about what they choose to show, often to the detriment of viewers.

While streamers are unlikely to avoid platforming popular IPs, they may choose to withdraw some of their services if they are not gaining much traction. Therefore, viewers who failed to do something risk missing a show or movie they were interested in simply because they weren't fast enough. With certain platforms having exclusive rights to specific franchises, this creates even more problems as there may not be another streaming service that has the show or movie a fan is looking for, causing them to end up in a similar position to 28 days later.

Removing projects can be financially beneficial for platforms, and with the recent increase in Disney Plus subscription costs following in the footsteps of other streamers, it's clear that users aren't always the priority. Sadly, the ability to remove certain shows or movies when beneficial hurts the overall appeal of the streaming formatproving that there is a huge problem with current media consumption.

Will 28 days later be legally available sooner than 28 years later?

Rumors suggest the film will be released digitally before the next installment in the franchise

There was no official confirmation that 28 days later will have a digital release before the new film, but it seems likely. Along with emerging rumors that there is a digital version on the way, Sony has also started a sign-up page to notify fans of its availability for pre-order. The page indicates that a new legal method of watching the film will be possible at some point, and while it may not be via streaming directly, it may be available for purchase from companies like Amazon or Apple in the future.

With Cillian Murphy returning to 28 years laterIt looks like the newest installment will tie into the original, making it important for new viewers to get a chance to watch the 2002 hit. The project may not be essential viewing, but understanding the prequel films will make the upcoming sequel even better, hence the looking for a digital option. Even if physical versions of the film don't return, fans will at least have a cool way to watch the horror if the rumors are true, adding an exciting new chapter to the franchise's legacy.

28 years later they will not face the problem that haunts 28 days later

28 years later will inevitably end up on a streaming platform at some point

Different 28 days laterthe next film in the franchise should face no difficulties surrounding its streaming future. While Sony doesn't have a traditional streaming service equivalent to Netflix or Prime Video, the studio has rarely had difficulty getting its projects onto those platforms. In fact, not having a direct service is arguably more beneficial, as Sony can sell its movies and shows to the highest bidder, and 28 years later will be no exception. Once its theatrical run ends, it will likely end up on digital and Blu-ray, before finally finding a home online.

When 28 days later was first released, streaming services were incredibly uncommontherefore, it is not available more than two decades later. In contrast, 28 years later will fall into a mainstream streaming era, meaning it's unlikely to face the same issues as the original film in the franchise. Unless Sony decides to keep it away from streaming, it will inevitably appear somewhere in late 2025, or 2026 at the latest, and even if it somehow encounters the same problem as 28 days laterIt won't be for the same reason and will still have a digital release.

Source: Rolling Stone