The Flash Is WB Discovery’s Latest Blockchain Movie, But What Does That Even Mean?

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced today that its latest superhero flick, The Flash, is its latest blockchain movie. Meaning you will be available to purchase this film as a non-fungible token (NFT) through the blockchain service Eluvio starting July 18. 

In a press release, WB-Discovery explains that The Flash Web3 Movie Experience is a “multimedia NFT allowing fans to own and to engage with the 2023 DC superhero film in an exciting way.”

Aside from the fact that you can watch the film in 4K, those that purchase it will gain access to an “immersive Web3 experience” that allows them to access five digital locations that contain hidden augmented reality (AR) collectibles and will allow them to unlock exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage. 

The blockchain version of The Flash will also feature a voucher for those that purchase the film, allowing them to redeem it for a DC3 Super Power Pack NFT from the DC NFT Marketplace. But outside of the NFT pack, owners will obtain “randomly selected key art” featuring characters from the film with “varying levels of rarity.” 

NFTs, cryptocurrency, and Web3 in general have proven controversial with fans owing to the questionable nature of their value. After a wave of hype in 2022 that included numerous game developers announcing NFT projects, the market dropped by some 97 percent from its peak.

Nevertheless, Warner Bros. Discovery remains on the Web3 train for now. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) and Superman are two other films WB Discovery offers as “Web3 movie” experiences. However, this is the first time that WB Discovery is putting a new movie on the blockchain.

Now to be clear, there are other ways you can (digitally) purchase The Flash. But as Eluvio CEO and co-founder Michelle Munson points out in the press release, “The Flash Web3 Movie Experience marks the first time a major studio motion picture is being released as a Web3 film in the same availability window as conventional digital purchase options.” 

In our review of The Flash, which we awarded a 7/10 on our review scale, IGN’s Joshua Yehl said that “the Flash may have an unwieldy third act and indulges in too much unearned fan service, but that doesn’t stop it from being an entertaining and earnest DC superhero film.

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.