Home Theatre: Theatrical Releases Moved to VOD

Studios are bringing their big theatrical releases to VOD services.

With most theaters across the globe shutting down, the major Hollywood studios are looking at different approaches for releasing current or upcoming films. Some titles have been moved out to later dates, such as the James Bond film No Time to Die, and Fast 9. But many studios are moving to digital rentals for films currently in theaters or with closer release dates. We’ve gathered a list of the films that are changing their release plans, which you can read below. We’ll continue to update the list in the coming days and weeks.

Frozen 2 – Currently Available
While Frozen 2 just hit Blu-Ray and DVD a few weeks ago, Disney moved up its Disney+ premiere last week, and the film is now available for subscribers.

Onward – Currently Available
In what may be the quickest turnaround of all, Disney announced that the latest Pixar film would be available for VOD rental as of 5pm ET on March 20^th. Disney also announced that the film would premiere on Disney+ on April 3^rd.

The Hunt – Currently Available
Universal was the first studio to move their films over to VOD rentals with The Hunt being one of a handful of releases announced as being available for a 48 hour VOD rental.

The Invisible Man – Currently Available
The modern take on the classic Universal Monster Movie is one of the first films announced as going to a 48 hour VOD rental.

Emma. – Currently Available
The Jane Austen adaptation is another one of Universal’s titles to move swiftly to 48 hour VOD rental.

Birds of Prey – March 24^th
Birds of Prey will be available for Digital Purchase on March 24^th and for VOD rental on April 7^th, cutting short its theatrical run window for now. The move was spear headed by director Cathy Yang, but it’s unclear if WB made the movie because of her suggestions or because Universal began moving their films to VOD first.

Just Mercy – March 24^th
The Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Fox legal drama is currently available for purchase digitally and will be available for VOD as of March 24^th.

The Gentleman – March 24^th
Director Guy Ritchie’s latest flick will be available for digital purchase as of March 24^th, a significant move forward on the film’s planned home video release.

The Way Back – March 24^th
Warner Brothers just announced on 3/20 that the Ben Affleck film would be releasing digitally on March 24^th, just three weeks after its theatrical release. Whether it will be a full digital release or just a digital rental isn’t exactly clear as of now.

Bloodshot – March 24^th
The Vin Diesel Comic Book Adaptation is being released digitally March 24^th by Sony.

I Still Believe – March 27^th
The faith-based drama is moving to VOD rental starting March 27^th.

Sonic The Hedgehog – March 30^th
The family friendly video game adaptation is moving up its digital release to March 31^st, with a Blu-Ray and DVD release set for May 19^th.

Trolls World Tour – April 10^th
The upcoming animated sequel will see a VOD rental release, which will likely run about $20 for a 48 hour rental. The film will still hit theaters that are open and will be in theaters for its theatrical run window should movie theaters open back up in regions they are currently closed.

Black Widow – TBA
Marvel and Disney pulled the latest entry in the MCU from the release schedule and as of now there are rumors of the film potentially going to Disney+, but the release of the film and the MCU’s overall release schedule is currently in flux.

Mulan – TBA
Another major title from Disney pulled as of now from the release schedule. But as of now there are no rumors or details known for when or where the film may be released. Disney hoped the film would rake in some serious cash in the Asian film markets, and given the closure of theaters throughout Asia, there’s no telling when the film may now be released.

Lovebirds – TBA
Paramount’s upcoming Rom-Com starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae is moving to Netflix, with the two companies working out a deal and a streaming release date. The film was originally set for release on April 3^rd, but it’s unclear if Netflix and Paramount will instead use that as the streaming premiere date.

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Image via Paramount

Written by Alex Lancaster
(Alex is a life long film fan, and has dedicated his life to watching, making and obsessing over films. His favorite film is Big Fish, and he despises Avatar. He has a 5 year old son. And a bad habit of saying more than he needs to. Follow @alex5348 on Twitter)