The Flash Is WB Discovery’s Latest Blockchain Movie, But What Does That Even Mean?
Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that its latest superhero film, The Flash, is its latest blockchain film. This means that you can purchase this film as a non-fungible token (NFT) via the blockchain service Eluvio from July 18th.
In a press release, WB-Discovery states that The Flash Web3 Movie Experience is a “multimedia NFT enabling fans to own and engage with the 2023 DC superhero movie in an exciting way.”
Aside from the fact that you can watch the film in 4K, those who buy it get access to an “immersive Web3 experience” that gives them access to five digital locations that contain hidden Augmented Reality (AR) collectibles included, and they can unlock exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage.
The blockchain version of The Flash will also include a voucher for buyers of the film to redeem for a DC3 Super Power Pack NFT from the DC NFT Marketplace. But outside of the NFT pack, owners will receive “randomly selected key artworks” featuring characters from the film of “varying rarity.”
It’s official: The Flash is the first new release movie to appear on the blockchain! pic.twitter.com/sScukkA6Fw
— Warner Bros. Digital Collectibles (@WarnerBrosNFT) July 14, 2023
NFTs, cryptocurrencies and Web3 in general are controversial among fans due to the questionability of their value. After a wave of hype in 2022, with numerous game developers announcing NFT projects, the market collapsed by around 97 percent from its peak.
Still, Warner Bros. Discovery is staying on the Web3 train for now. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) and Superman are two other films offered by WB Discovery as “Web3 Film” experiences. However, this is the first time WB Discovery has put a new film on the blockchain.
To be clear, there are other ways to buy The Flash (digital). But as Michelle Munson, CEO and co-founder of Eluvio, points out in the press release, “The Flash Web3 Movie Experience marks the first time that a major studio film will be released as a Web3 film in the same availability window as traditional digital purchase options.”
In our review of The Flash, which we gave a 7/10 on our rating scale, IGN’s Joshua Yehl said, “The Flash may have an unwieldy third act and indulge in too much undeserved fan service, but that doesn’t stop it to be a fun and serious DC superhero film.
Taylor is a reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.