Having sat next to the buyer from IFC at my viewing of Lars Von Trier's incendiary Antichrist and witnessed her reaction first hand I can't say that I'm surprised by this but it is good news nonetheless: IFC have picked up rights to distribute Lars Von Trier's Antichrist. It's still early but word right now is that it will be going out theatrically and on VOD via their simultaneous day-and-date system and word is that they intend to release the film complete and uncut. Which means they're going to need some very brave theater owners out there as well as hoping that they catch the MPAA on a good day. Aint no way this is any less than an NC-17.
But have you seen an IFC film play theatrically outside of the art house circut in LA or New York the past few years anyway? I doubt they'll bother passing it through the MPAA. They make all their money on the VOD now which isn't nessecarily a bad thing.
Now that I live out in rural Pennsylvania, I know LOTS of people who rent IFC VOD movies. And I'm coming from Philly as a fest organizer where it takes a miracle to fill seats. I mean, if it aint Slum Dog, or Sideways, or Little Miss Sunshine style indie film, people just don't show.
But I hate to see the theater experience completley die.
My bet is that they'll probably release it unrated which is good, kind of.... I mean, we'll see it uncut on television & DVD but certainly not on screen if you're anywhere outside of the major film markets.
Correction on one sentence (in the second paragraph of my previous comment):
most of the US theater owners are willing to show NC-17 films.
(I am sorry for my typing mistake)
NC-17? Doesn't hardcore sex scenes garuantee an X?