Direct to video ( also known as direct to DVD , direct to VHS , direct to digital , made for video , straight to video , shot on video , or straight to DVD ) refers to the release of a film to the public immediately on home video formats rather than a theatrical release or television broadcast .
A movie that is released direct-to-video ( also known as made-for-video , straight-to-video , more recently , straight-to-DVD ) is one which has been released to the public on home video formats ( historically VHS ) before or without being released in movie theaters or broadcast on television .