Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

'The Interview' won't be released in Canada on Christmas Day: Sony

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Dec, 2014 10:40 AM

    TORONTO — Sony Pictures Entertainment says "The Interview" will not be released in Canadian theatres on Christmas Day, but the controversial comedy will be available for rental on several digital platforms beginning on Wednesday.

    The film, which provoked an international incident with North Korea, is set to open in about 300 American theatres on Thursday, the day it was originally set for wide release.

    Sony says the movie will also be released on demand at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday on Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft's Xbox Video and a separate Sony website. It will cost $5.99 to stream.

    The major multiplex chains in the U.S. and Canada dropped "The Interview" last week after hackers, allegedly backed by North Korea, threatened terrorist attacks against theatres showing the film.

    "The Interview" stars Vancouver's Seth Rogen and James Franco as journalists who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

    A Sony spokeswoman, who does not want to be named, says the company is still looking into the Canadian release of the movie.

    Sony Pictures chair and CEO Michael Lynton said in a statement on Wednesday that it was always Sony's intention to release the film on a national platform.

    "Negotiations with digital providers began last Wednesday, and, as of this morning the film will be available in around 300 independently owned theatres starting Thursday," Lynton said.

    "We chose the path of digital distribution first so as to reach as many people as possible on opening day, and we continue to seek other partners and platforms to further expand the release."

    Sony's original decision to shelve the movie drew fierce criticism, including from President Barack Obama, who chastised the company for what he deemed "a mistake" that went against American principles of free speech.

    North Korea's Internet was shut down in an apparent attack Monday following Obama's pledge of a response to what he called North Korea's "cyber vandalism" of Sony.

    The White House and State Department have declined to say whether the U.S. government was responsible for the outages.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Three dead in apartment fire southwest of Montreal

    Three dead in apartment fire southwest of Montreal
    LES COTEAUX, Que. — A man and woman and one of their children are dead after a fire at an apartment building southwest of Montreal early this morning.

    Three dead in apartment fire southwest of Montreal

    Canadian teacher's trial begins in Indonesia, family says he has mixed emotions

    Canadian teacher's trial begins in Indonesia, family says he has mixed emotions
    The trial of a Canadian teacher accused of sexually abusing three students at an international school in Indonesia began Tuesday by hearing from an alleged victim, his family said.

    Canadian teacher's trial begins in Indonesia, family says he has mixed emotions

    Magnotta found guilty of first-degree murder in Jun Lin's death

    Magnotta found guilty of first-degree murder in Jun Lin's death
    MONTREAL — Luka Rocco Magnotta remained impassive as one of the 12 jurors who deliberated his fate uttered the word "guilty" to all five charges against him in the slaying and dismemberment of Jun Lin, including first-degree murder.

    Magnotta found guilty of first-degree murder in Jun Lin's death

    Child pornography charges laid after search of Saskatchewan Mountie's home

    Child pornography charges laid after search of Saskatchewan Mountie's home
    FOND DU LAC, Sask. — A Mountie in Saskatchewan is facing charges of accessing and possessing child pornography.

    Child pornography charges laid after search of Saskatchewan Mountie's home

    Former Manitoba cabinet minister launches bid to become next premier

    Former Manitoba cabinet minister launches bid to become next premier
    WINNIPEG — Another candidate is launching a bid to become Manitoba's next premier.

    Former Manitoba cabinet minister launches bid to become next premier

    Man charged with kidnapping, attempted murder of six-year-old on Alberta reserve

    Man charged with kidnapping, attempted murder of six-year-old on Alberta reserve
    EDMONTON — A few days before a six-year-old girl was found battered and near death on an Alberta reserve, she was singing and smiling at her school Christmas concert.

    Man charged with kidnapping, attempted murder of six-year-old on Alberta reserve