Pixar's 'Soul' will head to Disney+ on Christmas Day

COVID-19 has affected everyday life, including going to cinemas. And so, Disney is adapting some of its releases to reach audiences who still aren't comfortable visiting movie theatres these days. Its new Pixar film Soul will be released exclusively on Disney+ on December 25 in markets where the streaming service is available. 

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Disney+ tests GroupWatch feature in Canada

Disney+ tests out GroupWatch feature (Source: SonicTheOWTHEEGE/Reddit)

Disney+ wants you to host viewing parties with fellow Disney+ subscribers with a feature it's testing out. The company calls it GroupWatch, and it's currently testing it out in Canada, with other markets getting GroupWatch in the fall. A new icon shows up on a film or TV show's title page, which prompts the new function. You can stream any content on the platform with up to six people as long as everyone is Disney+ subscribers. It's not an industry-first feature as other streaming services offer it, too. But it's still good to have the option on Disney's platform.

Source: The Verge

'The Mandalorian' to premiere on Disney+ on Oct. 30

Since the production team behind The Mandalorian was able to work remotely, the Star Wars show can keep to its schedule. Disney announced on Twitter that its second season will premiere on October 30. It'll resume the weekly release schedule of the first season. There's no trailer for now, but we're hoping to get a teaser soon. The Mandalorian will be the first big show the streaming service will debut in months. Marvel Studios' The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was supposed to debut over the summer, but COVID-19 delayed the production.

Source: The Verge

Disney+ tries out new VOD model for 'Mulan'

Disney

Disney is using the perceived popularity of its upcoming live-action remake of Mulan to try a new strategy for Disney+. The company has thrown in the towel of attempting to secure a theatrical release of the film in the US. What the company plans to do now is offer the movie there and anywhere else Disney+ is available, starting on September 4. The caveat is that Disney will be asking viewers to shell out an additional US$29.99 (around CA$40) to watch the film.

It will still show the movie in theatres in markets where theatres are open. But for those where it isn't safe to open cinemas yet, this is supposedly a one-off approach to bring the blockbuster to viewers. It will also be useful to attract subscribers to its streaming service, which can help Disney earn back what it spent to make the film. And if all goes well, we wouldn't be surprised if Disney tries this model with other big movies, too.

Source: IndieWire