Dinosaurs are stomping back into the pop culture spotlight in 2025, but not in the way fans might expect. While the mighty Jurassic Park franchise has long dominated the prehistoric blockbuster scene, two new releases—one a gritty film and the other a lush digital playground—are shaking up the status quo for dino enthusiasts across North America.
First up, there’s Primitive War, an action-horror sci-fi movie directed by Luke Sparke. The film follows an elite recon unit, Vulture Squad, as they’re dropped into the chaos of the Vietnam War, only to encounter terrifying dinosaur enemies lurking in the jungle. After a limited theatrical run, which grossed just over $1 million, the movie is set for a much wider audience: Samuel Goldwyn Films has confirmed that Primitive War will hit video-on-demand (VOD) platforms on October 3, 2025. It’ll be available for pre-order and purchase from all major digital retailers, including Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango at Home.
Director Luke Sparke is eager for the film to reach more viewers. “I can’t wait for the film to be unleashed across North America digitally, so everyone has a chance to finally see it after the tiny theatrical release. The response has been amazing so far and I hope this release finds even more fans to support this crazy-bonkers-film, but one it seems people are craving right now,” he shared, as reported by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
The movie’s marketing campaign hasn’t shied away from drawing comparisons with the Jurassic Park franchise, but Primitive War ups the ante with its violence and scares. The dinosaurs here, particularly the black-feathered Utahraptors, are presented as truly formidable predators. According to Bill Dubiel’s review for ScreenRant, “Obviously, the scare factor of any dinosaur horror movie comes from the carnivores, and Primitive War takes great care to present its predators as strong, agile, vicious monsters. The de facto main villains of the movie are the black-feathered Utahraptors, which are intimidating due to their size, speed, and intelligence.”
Critics have been split on the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, Primitive War holds a 57% critic score, but the audience response tells a different story: the Popcornmeter sits at a robust 86%. Many who have managed to catch the film during its limited run have praised its commitment to the B-movie premise and its ability to make dinosaurs genuinely terrifying. The lack of big-name stars and an outlandish premise seem to set the stage for a potential cult classic, especially as it becomes more accessible via VOD and, perhaps down the line, streaming services.
The film’s timing couldn’t be better. The latest entry in the Jurassic World saga, Jurassic World Rebirth, may have been a box office success, but it has left critics and audiences underwhelmed, with many feeling the franchise is treading familiar ground. As Primitive War enters the home viewing market, it stands as a fresh example of what’s possible when filmmakers lean into the primal fear and excitement that dinosaurs evoke, even on a smaller budget. The effects may not rival Hollywood blockbusters, but the film’s atmosphere and sense of fun more than make up for it.
Meanwhile, for those who prefer their dinosaur adventures to be interactive, Orbx has released the Jurassic World: Archipelago downloadable content (DLC) for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Available as of September 12, 2025, this digital expansion lets players explore painstakingly recreated islands and structures from the Jurassic World film franchise, including the iconic Isla Nublar and Isla Sorna.
To access the DLC, players must download it through Orbx Central or purchase it directly from the game’s marketplace—it's not available on Steam. Once installed, the experience is nothing short of immersive. Pilots can take to the skies in a variety of aircraft, including the branded CubCrafters XCub, and soar above the lush, cinematic landscapes. The DLC even allows players to land their planes, step out, and walk among digital dinosaurs scattered across the islands.
The guided tour feature is a major highlight. According to UploadVR’s first impressions, the tour breaks down the experience into eight distinct areas from the films, each offering a chance to spot dinosaurs and explore iconic locations on foot. Upon arrival at each destination, players receive a brief backstory, enhancing the sense of adventure and nostalgia. The reviewer noted, “A flock of pterodactyls caught my attention to the left, and I sat there in awe.”
However, the experience isn’t without its challenges. The CubCrafters XCub, while authentic, is tricky for novice pilots to handle, especially when attempting to land on small clearings. The reviewer found relief in the discovery that all DLC content could be accessed through the game’s Free Flight mode, allowing players to use any aircraft they own for a more manageable experience. This flexibility opens up the islands to a broader range of players, regardless of their piloting skills.
Visually, the Archipelago DLC is a stunner. The islands are rendered in meticulous detail, capturing the lush vegetation, dramatic coastlines, and iconic structures that fans will recognize from the films. While dinosaurs aren’t as plentiful or easy to spot in Free Flight mode, the thrill of discovering a herd and walking among them is undeniable. “Exploring these islands offers a visual experience that evokes a childlike sense of wonder and is not to be missed,” the reviewer concluded, especially recommending the DLC for those with high-end PC VR setups.
The DLC also encourages community engagement, with the publisher inviting fans to join live sessions where they can explore the islands together and share their discoveries. For franchise devotees and digital explorers alike, the Archipelago pack is a must-have addition to Flight Simulator 2024.
Taken together, these two releases—Primitive War and Jurassic World: Archipelago—signal a new era for dinosaur media. Whether viewers are looking for pulse-pounding horror or immersive digital exploration, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for those who never outgrew their fascination with the prehistoric giants. As the Jurassic franchise’s grip loosens, fresh contenders are stepping up to remind us why dinosaurs never really go out of style.
