'Red State' debuts on VOD before theatrical run

Lionsgate will release Kevin Smith's "Red State" on VOD on Sept. 1, three weeks before his Smodcast Pictures banner releases the pic theatrically on Sept. 23. "Red State" will be released on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download on Oct. 18. Horror/thriller "Red State," starring Melissa Leo and John Goodman in the story of a group of teens in middle America who receive an online invitation for sex, debuted in January at Sundance with a publicity stunt where Smith bought his own film for $20 and declared he would self-distribute. When Lionsgate acquired homevid in June, it said "Red State" has grossed close to $1 million from 15 single show engagements with ticket prices in the $65 range, including $162,000 at Radio City Music Hall at the March 5 kickoff show. Smith announced last week that he would mount a one week qualifying Oscar run starting Aug. 19 at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles, with a entry price of $20 including a live Q&A. Lionsgate said Monday that the Blu-ray and DVD release will contain a documentary, audio commentary with Smith, deleted scenes and an extended ending sequence. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com