This whole situation keeps surprising me. It would seem that Disney has set to release Onward online for purchase as of 3/20 for $19.99. The film will also be available for viewing on Disney+ on April 3.
The film unfortunately did not perform very well being released as the virus scare really kicked into high gear. While I’ve not seen the film, it did receive solid reviews and deserved to make its money back. The film’s directors, Dan Scanlon and Kori Rae, were really wanting to see the film back in theaters when they reopen, but putting it up for sale today online, that pretty much kills that option.
I’m not really convinced that this is a good call comparatively because I think this movie could have legs upon theaters reopening and releasing it online today may get the home video purchase from parents and families, but I think that would be there later on just as much.
I also think the drop on Disney+ is really interesting, and the only way this would actually help their service is if they are still struggling to keep their subscribers with the lack of content. I know that has been an issue with the service since the end of The Mandalorian. I know I paused my subscription after that show and The World According to Jeff Goldblum ended their seasons. Onward would make more people interested in returning to it (but I’m a physical media fan so not I!). In that case, it would make sense to save Disney+ with the early inclusion of Onward.
So what do you think? Is putting Onward on home video and Disney+ the right more or is Disney setting up a significant loss of revenue? Let me know/Drop a comment below!
-Kyle A. Goethe
GOAT Film Reviews 
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