'Onward' Joins Long List Of Films To Go Straight To Video Due To COVID-19

Disney’s recently released film “Onward” has become the latest movie to join straight-to-video releases in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. With movie theaters closing down and people not allowed to go out of their homes, there has been little to no choice but to either postpone releases or to go straight to an on-demand format.

Disney’s “Onward,” for instance, will be released on Disney’s Disney+ streaming service. It opened in theaters on March 6 and, starting today, will be available for purchase on other digital platforms starting at 8 p.m. EST.

Disney isn’t the only film outfit that’s releasing its film earlier or postponing its release entirely, CBR reported. These include Marvel’s “Black Widow” and the latest Fast & Furious film “F9” whose release is being moved to later dates. Some movies like the Vin Diesel- starrer “Bloodshot” are still in theaters. In the case of this film, it is coming to home video for $19.99 on Tuesday.

According to the National Post, other movies’ releases have since been postponed as well. Big studio films like “No Time to Die” will be released later instead of on April 10; “A Quiet Place 2,” meanwhile, has no release date yet, after it decided not to release on March 20.

Movies have adjusted to the call of the times. Cinemas are shutting down and social distancing is being strictly enforced, which means people are encouraged to stay at home. Home video releases or streaming services have certainly stepped up. Apart from Disney+, films like “Hacksaw Ridge” and “The Imitation Game” are coming out on iTunes. Other films are also releasing on Netflix.

The film’s director and producer, Dan Scanlon and Kori Rae, have said that they would love to have audiences enjoy the films in theaters. However, they understand the situation, which is why they have decided to release to let audiences enjoy the film on video earlier than expected.

There had been no timeframe announced for the "Onward’s DVD or Blu-Ray release, but the retail price has been set at $19.99.