Subtitles section Play video
-
Outrage is brewing over Mulan's new release strategy, and it's coming from both movie theater executives and consumers alike.
-
Disney's live-action remake of its beloved 1998 animated film Mulan was originally meant to hit theaters on March 27th, 2020.
-
But in response to growing concerns over the safety of movie theaters amid the coronavirus crisis, it was then delayed until July 24th.
-
And then to August 21st.
-
And then removed from the release schedule altogether.
-
On August 4th, 2020, Disney made a final, bold decision when CEO Bob Chapek announced that Mulan will be released directly to streaming on Disney+ on September 4th, instead of arriving in theaters.
-
Following the announcement that one of the most anticipated movies of 2020 will bypass a theatrical release entirely.
-
Many have wondered what the news could mean for the future of movies as a whole.
-
For some theater owners and fans, this move by Disney is a huge problem.
-
According to a report from Deadline, cinemas in the UK are furious over Disney's decision to release Mulan on streaming without even a limited theatrical run to go alongside it.
-
Phil Clapp, who serves as the head of the UK Cinema Association, wrote in a statement,
-
"The decision not to give cinemas the chance to play the film (even if day-and-date with Disney+) is frankly bewildering and something we've of course gone back to them on."
-
Though Disney's Bob Chapek did describe Mulan's release strategy as a "one-off", Clapp and his fellow theater owners still have some cause for concern.
-
As the COVID-19 crisis continues throughout the world, most places that typically attract large crowds remain closed.
-
While some directors, like Tenet mastermind Christopher Nolan, have remained insistent that their films be released theatrically
-
studios are either pushing back big new releases or removing dates from their schedules altogether.
-
Several films, including Wes Anderson's star-studded feature The French Dispatch, now simply have no release date at all.
-
Before it was officially moved to Disney+, Mulan was facing the same fate.
-
Many have wondered if the current crisis has the potential to close US movie theaters for good.
-
Films like Tenet will skip a United States premiere due to the fact that the outbreaks within the States are much worse than they are in other locations around the world,
-
so it's easy to see why UK cinema owners are frustrated by the choice Disney made with Mulan.
-
Still, they may have to adjust to a rapidly shifting cinematic landscape.
-
Unfortunately for Disney, the company didn't just tick off UK cinema owners; the Mouse House also irritated audiences.
-
However, fans aren't upset that they can't see Mulan in theaters and instead have to watch the flick from the comfort of their own homes.
-
They're angry at the price of entry.
-
When word broke about Mulan heading to Disney+, the news came with a hefty catch.
-
Viewers will have to pay $29.99 to watch the movie...in addition to their usual subscription costs, far above the price for a single movie ticket.
-
However once purchased, subscribers can watch Mulan as many times as they please, unlike in theaters which requires a fee for every showing.
-
That doesn't mean Disney won't have a hard time getting viewers to pony up that kind of money, especially when they already pay for a Disney+ subscription.
-
Adding insult to injury for some is the fact that the live-action Mulan differs too much from the animated original, with one Twitter user writing.
-
"So they're making us pay for it while paying for the subscription? For a movie that has no music and no Mushu? Nah fam, I'm good."
-
Another added,
-
"I wouldn't pay $30 for a movie ticket in the theater. So I'm not going to pay that to see the new Mulan, especially when it doesn't have Mushu or classic songs [from] the animated version."
-
So I'm not going to pay that to see the new Mulan, especially when it doesn't have Mushu
-
or classic songs [from] the animated version."
-
On the flip side, others have noted that $30 is a small price to pay to watch a blockbuster movie like Mulan with your entire family,
-
and that it's important to support a movie led by an all-Asian cast.
-
"You know, you just gotta…gotta learn to let these things go."
-
Overall, while many are unhappy with the decision Disney made.
-
only time will tell how things pan out in terms of both critical response to the film and the movie's financial gain from this type of debut.
-
Those interested can rent Mulan on Disney+ beginning September 4th, 2020.
-
Check out one of our newest videos right here!
-
Plus, even more Looper videos about your favorite movies are coming soon.
-
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell so you don't miss a single one.