The decision to release Mulan directly to Disney+ has theater owners shook, but the only thing that really matters are the subscribers and how they feel. There was some initial shock to learning the cost of the September 4th release is an additional $29.99 for those who want to see the blockbuster, but at least it was pretty straight-forward, right? Well…Disney has clarified what’s up, and there’s some interesting language that may have you rethinking whether the price is worth it.
So first off, the $29.99 cost for Mulan is to provide what Disney calls “Premier Access.” What does that mean? Here’s how Disney describes it, and be sure to read carefully:
“…starting September 4, with Premier Access, you can watch Mulan before it’s available to all Disney+ subscribers. Disney+ will offer Premier Access to Mulan for $29.99 on disneyplus.com and select platforms. Once you have Premier Access to Mulan, you can watch as many times as you want on any platform where Disney+ is available. Your access to Mulan will continue as long as you are an active Disney+ subscriber.” The film will be available in UHD, HDR, and Dolby Audio.
You see that bit there in the first line” “…you can watch Mulan BEFORE IT’S AVAILABLE TO ALL DISNEY+ SUBSCRIBERS.” It sounds like, if you wait long enough, and probably not even that long, Mulan will be available for streaming like any other Disney title.
For families with little kids at home the $30 price tag might be a solid investment. Buy it and watch it as many times as the kiddies desire. But for those who don’t have any rugrats to consider, that cost is pretty steep.
This release strategy might be the way of the future for Disney as long as COVID-19 is keeping theaters closed.
The legend arrives. pic.twitter.com/Q3OAlTiiue
— Disney+ (@disneyplus) August 12, 2020
