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A film that is released direct-to-video (also known as made-for-video and straight-to-video) is one which has been released to the public on home video formats (historically VHS) before being released in movie theaters or broadcast on television. The term is also at times used as a derogatory term for sequels of films that are not expected to have financial success.

Reasons for releasing direct-to-video

Direct-to-video releases can occur for several reasons. Often a production studio will develop a TV show or film which is not generally released due to poor quality, lack of support from a TV network, controversial nature, or simple lack of general public interest. Sometimes a film may be in post-production before the studio realizes how bad it is. Rotten Tomatoes. Only able to grant a cinematic release to a limited number of films in a year, they may choose to pull the completed film from the theatres, but aim to recoup some of their losses through video sales and rentals.

In the case of a TV show, a studio may have filmed an entire season and aired some episodes before cancelling the show due to low ratings. If the show has enough devoted fans, the studio may release unaired episodes on video, in order to recoup losses. Clerks: The Animated Series and Firefly are examples of cancelled shows which were successful cult hits on DVD.