When Disney tested the waters of doing day-and-date theatrical and Premier Access (aka PVOD) releasing of “Mulan” last year, people were wondering if it actually was a profitable move for the studio. Though with streaming, it’s impossible to know actual numbers unless the studio releases them, one clear indicator about the success of this strategy is if Disney keeps doing it. Well, with “Raya and the Last Dragon” following suit earlier this year, combined with the news that “Cruella” and “Black Widow” will be doing the same this summer, it’s clear the Premier Access option is working well for Disney. And to add even more evidence to that hypothesis, Disney just announced that the highly anticipated adventure film, “Jungle Cruise,” is also getting the hybrid release.
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According to Disney, the upcoming film, “Jungle Cruise,” will be released in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access on July 30. The film stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt and is inspired by the theme park attraction of the same name. The film is described as “an adventure-filled, rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton.”
In his post announcing the day-and-date strategy, Johnson said, “The most important thing with our movie was to ALWAYS take care of families around the world by giving you options to watch it. Audience first.”
Obviously, we’ve seen studios (not just Disney) test the waters with day-and-date releases of major films. WarnerMedia is doing it with “Godzilla vs. Kong,” “Mortal Kombat,” and a bunch of other 2021 blockbusters, but those are being offered at no additional fee on HBO Max. Disney+ is charging customers $30 to watch these films from home, in addition to the cost of a subscription. But with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson starring, you have to assume people will gladly fork over $30 to watch at home if a theater isn’t an option.
“Jungle Cruise” arrives in theaters and Disney+ Premier Access on July 30.
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Here’s the synopsis:
Inspired by the famous Disneyland theme park ride, Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” is an adventure-filled, rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.
