NEWS: ‘Mulan’ live-action film to debut on Disney+ this September

During the Q3FY20 earnings call for Disney, CEO Bob Chapek shared that the much-delayedtheatrical release of the live-action reimagining of “Mulan” would instead be debuting on Disney+ this September.

The film will make its theatrical debut on the streaming service on Sept. 4 as a “premium” video-on-demand option (PVOD) — meaning that subscribers will have to pay an extra fee to see the film on top of their current subscription cost for Disney+. Chapek confirmed today that the release will be priced at $29.99.

If you love visiting your local movie theater for the latest releases, likely the first thing you’ll think of upon learning this news is, “What does this mean for future theatrical releases? Is this the end of ‘going to the movies’?”

For now, the answer is no.

During the earnings call, Chapek said that the direct-to-consumer release of “Mulan” is a “one-off” situation, meaning that this doesn’t immediately signal the end of theatrical releases as we know them and that Disney fans shouldn’t expect this for other delayed releases this year, like Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow.” However, he did note that it was “interesting” that they will be able to test out this release method and see how it does with subscribers to the service.

As far as what the $29.99 will get you exactly, it appears that this isn’t going to be your average movie rental. According to CNN Media Reporter Frank Pallotta on Twitter, the additional cost will provide ongoing access to the film so long as the purchaser is a subscriber to Disney+:

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My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story