Amazon has made a strategic move with the upcoming release of the film 'Ferrari' in Germany. The streaming giant has acquired the rights for the Michael Mann-directed race car biopic in Germany and Austria, opting to skip the traditional theatrical route and release the film directly on its Prime Video service. Starring Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, 'Ferrari' premiered at the Venice Film Festival and had a theatrical release in the U.S. through Neon.
The decision to bypass cinemas in Germany and Austria follows a similar approach taken by Amazon in France, where 'Ferrari' will be exclusively available on Amazon Prime starting March 8. By forgoing a theatrical release in Germany, Amazon may have avoided potential backlash, as the film received mixed reviews in Europe, particularly for its casting choices.
In the U.S., 'Ferrari' did not perform as well at the box office as expected, grossing $18.5 million domestically and under $40 million worldwide. While the film did not reach the commercial success of some of Mann's previous works, such as 'Blackhat,' it still managed to garner attention internationally.
Interestingly, the most successful international release of 'Ferrari' came in the U.K. through Sky, the British pay-TV group. The film grossed £4.2 million ($5.3 million) in the U.K., surpassing its earnings in Italy, where it was released by Leone Film Group.
With its upcoming digital release in Germany and Austria, 'Ferrari' will have the opportunity to reach a wider audience through Amazon Prime Video, offering viewers a convenient way to experience the film from the comfort of their homes.
