In a strange twist to the home video release marketing strategy, IDW Entertainment, the company behind both Wynonna Earp the comic book series and the Syfy Channel television series, is well on its way through what looks to be a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to bring Wynonna Earp Season One directly to its fans. The first season will only be released on Blu-ray–no DVD–and only via the Indiegogo campaign. Discs are expected to ship around September 2017.
Wynonna Earp follows Wyatt Earp’s great-granddaughter as she battles demons and other creatures in a town called Purgatory. With her unique abilities, a demon-killing gun named Peacemaker, and a posse of dysfunctional allies, only she can bring the paranormal to justice.
Although fans and new viewers can also watch each episode of the first season on Netflix, as Wynonna Earp begins its second season (with the premiere episode of the season airing on Friday nights beginning last Friday, June 9), it’s going to be a little bit harder for the new viewer who would otherwise be willing to buy the first season to get caught up, especially if they missed the Syfy Network recap this Memorial Day weekend. But this likely will really only have an effect on the fans of the show who would ordinarily pay to have Season One in-hand closer to the start date of the next season. Will this be the next regular marketing method for shows that would otherwise not justify a home release to still be able to make fans happy?
The minimum price set for the campaign is $30, which includes the 13 season one episodes, plus behind the scenes content and interviews. The campaign has already achieved its minimum goal to proceed of $50,000 with $55,000 so far pledged via more than 650 backers. As with most crowdfunded campaigns, several options are available for backers, including bonus pins, comic books, autographed photographs, and experiences with the cast of the series, including San Diego Comic-Con in-person meet-ups.
Fans have a month remaining to purchase the Blu-ray home release and other remaining packages. Check out the Indiegogo campaign here for more information.
C.J. Bunce
Editor
borg.com
