noun
Originally a trademark of Toei Company for films released directly to video without a theatrical run. Now often used generically for low-budget, straight-to-video Japanese films, especially in the yakuza or action genres.
wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from V cinema
あの俳優はVシネマでよく見かける。
That actor is often seen in direct-to-video movies.
Vシネマは劇場公開されずにビデオで発
V-cinema films are released on video without a theatrical run.