Kevin Smithhas announced plans for a physical release of his long-out-of-print comedyDogma, which was previously back in theaters celebrating its 25th anniversary. As one of the defining directors of the 1990s, Smith’s 1999 fantasy comedyDogmahas often been overshadowed by other works starringthe stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, likeClerks,Mallrats, andChasing Amy. As perhaps the most ambitious and controversial movie in Smith’s entire back catalog, the wayDogmaexplored topics relating to Catholicism and the Catholic Church head-on meant it was subjected to protests and accusations of blasphemy.
Dogmawas the highest-grossing release inSmith’s View Askewniverse, but rights issues meant that the film was unavailable to stream or purchase digitally for years. As a film that was previously owned personally by Harvey and Bob Weinstein, it was not until 2024 thatSmith managed to regain control ofDogmaand put in motion plans to tour the film theatrically and, at last, re-release it on physical media. With plans for a “a fat f—-ng steelbook,”Smith spoke toScreenRantabout how excited he is that viewers will finally be able to own their own copy ofDogma.
Kevin Smith: There’s gonna be a fat f—-ng steelbook, man. We’re going with a company that believes in physical media still. We will be able to own a physical copy, finally, something to replace that Blu-ray, which was a beautiful Blu-ray, and is how I watched Dogma for 10 years. Somebody copied that, put it up on YouTube, so anytime I wanted to watch it, I’d watch that 4K version on YouTube. But we’ll have a new version.
What Kevin Smith’s Comments Mean For Dogma’s Physical Release
Smith Has Big Plans For Dogma’s Re-Release
WithDogmapreviously back in theaters for the first time since 1999, it’s exciting that Smith has finally regained control of his work, and audiences could at last enjoy this cult classic on the big screen once again. However,viewers who didn’t manage to catchDogmain theaters can still look forward to owning their own copy, as Smith is committed to ensuring the film becomes available on home media. WhileDogmawas released on DVD in 2000 and on Blu-Ray in 2008, it’s now been 17 years since Smith fans have been able to purchase a new copy of the film.
Smith’s assertion that there’s going to be “a fat f—-ng steelbook” for Dogma’s re-release also bodes well for home media enthusiasts.
Smith’s assertion that there’s going to be “a fat f—-ng steelbook” forDogma’sre-release also bodes well for home media enthusiasts and those with a love for movie memorabilia. As a comedy that had so many interesting points to make about religion, an impressive star-studded cast, and such a controversial history, there’s ample material for bonus features in an upcoming physical copy ofDogma. Smith’s clear excitement in his comments offers hope that this new version ofDogmawill also include some previously unseen content related to the film.
Our Take On Smith’s Dogma Comments
Smith’s Comments Bode Well For The Future Of Physical Media And Dogma Itself
The rights issues that plaguedDogmaare a prime example ofthe lack of ownership in the era of streaming. Even though this was a beloved film featuring major stars like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Rock, and the late Alan Rickman, the fact thatDogmacan end up unavailable for years on end highlights the importance of allowing viewers the opportunity to own a copy of the films they love. Smith’s plans to partner with “a company that believes in physical media still” show that this older-style release model still has relevance in today’s movie landscape.
The re-release ofDogmain both theaters and on physical media will also help reignite interest in this beloved film and will hopefully open the doors for a sequel to be made. Smith has already said he’s been brainstorming ideas for aDogmafollow-up, but it’s uncertain whether Affleck and Damon will return as the fallen angels Bartleby and Loki. No matter what the future ofDogmais, Smith managed to pull off a true miracle by resurrecting the film, and longtime fans can look forward to finally owning their own copy once it’s re-released.
