Disney+ Launches New “Die Hard” Campaign With Alfie Boe
With Christmas now under a month away, Disney+ has kicked off a new promotion in the United Kingdom that features a new video featuring renowned tenor Alfie Boe and the Kingdom Choir, singing a new version of Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy,’ with an aim to settle the “Die Hard” Christmas movie question: Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie?
The classic 20th Century Studios film, “Die Hard” was released 35 years ago and tells the story of Detective McClane, who heads LA to spend Christmas with his wife, but things take a turn for the worse when he learns about a hostage situation in an office building and his wife is one of the hostages.
With new YouGov research revealing that the nation remains divided over this high-stakes Christmas question, the time is right to settle the debate with a choral call to arms set to take people on a journey through all the reasons why. For those who firmly believe in the ‘Die Hard’ festive camp, three-quarters (76 percent) argue that it is a Christmas movie because it takes place on Christmas Eve, with an additional 62 percent pointing to the fact that it’s set at a Christmas Eve party.
While 35 percent of Brits think the action classic should be considered a Christmas movie-watching tradition, 33 percent disagree that it should be on anyone’s Christmas playlist. Nearly a third of us (31 percent) have even argued about ‘Die Hard’s’ credentials as a Christmas movie with friends, family, or colleagues.
Two-thirds (62 percent) of Brits believe that Christmas movies are an integral part of the season’s festivities. Thirty-eight percent have a designated ‘go-to’ festive movie, a cherished tradition they uphold annually to immerse themselves in the festive mood. Additionally, nearly a third (31 percent) express that they kick off the Christmas spirit by watching their first festive flick while putting up decorations and dressing the tree.
English tenor Alfie Boe said in a statement:
“For me, “Die Hard” is one of those movies I can watch over and over again; it’s timeless and definitely a Christmas classic. Everyone has their own view, I am sure, but for me, it has all the ingredients that make up a festive film, from the setting to the soundtrack. We thought this would be a fun way to get people into the Christmas spirit and acknowledge one of the most enduring Christmas debates once and for all. Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? This song says it all. Everybody had a lot of fun making the track and I think that comes across, so I hope it brings a smile to anyone watching too!”
This fun interpretation of ‘Ode to Joy’ comes with lyrics that unequivocally affirm what many have sensed all along – “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie:
Die Hard is a Christmas movie
A fact that no one can deny
If you still doubt its festive cred
Then here’s some Yuletide reasons why
It’s set at a Christmas Party
Taking place on Christmas Eve
The most festive time of year
All non-believers must agree
John McClane’s wished Merry Christmas
When he lands at LAX
Sleigh bells ring at 1 minute 50
Festive so far? Yes, you bet
Then there’s John’s wife, her name’s Holly
How many more clues? Is this enough?
The only thing missing is a Christmas turkey
But Hans Gruber does get stuffed
12 villains crash the party
12 days of Christmas. Coincidental? We think not
Eighteen mentions of the word “Christmas”
Quite the merry melting pot
Is Die Hard A Christmas movie?
We’ve proved that beyond a doubt
So John McClane’s a festive hero…
“Yippee-Ki-Yay Hans, over and out”
You can find all five “Die Hard” films to stream now on Disney+ in the United Kingdom, along with many other festive hits like “Iron Man 3”, “Avengers: Endgame”, “Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark”, “The Sound Of Music” and “Home Alone”.
Do you think “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie? Let us know on social media!
Roger Palmer
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