Disney+: Why Did ‘Mulan’ Cost $30 Extra, But ‘Soul’ is Free?

in Disney, Movies & TV, Pixar

soul

Credit: Disney-Pixar

One of the most anticipated films of 2020 — Disney-Pixar’s Soul — will be heading to Disney+ at the end of this year…at no extra cost to subscribers.

For a Disney fan, this is a big deal! Many of us have been itching to see this movie, which was originally supposed to hit theaters in June 2020 and then in November. At long last, it’s heading to Disney+ — but what does this mean?

Months back, it was announced that the 2020 live-action version of Mulan would forgo a theatrical release and debut instead on Disney+ as a “Premier Access” film for $30. Since then, many have been wondering whether or not more films would be an upcharge on the streaming service in the future, especially when it comes to highly anticipated releases like Disney-Pixar’s Soul. 

soul
Credit: Disney-Pixar

Disney revealed just over a month ago that the newest film from Pixar Animation Studios, Soul, will debut exclusively on Disney+ on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020. Initially, some fans assumed the film would be a Premier Access release like Mulan was prior. But Disney quickly clarified that Soul would arrive on the streaming service at no extra cost. If you are a Disney+ subscriber, you will be able to watch Soul on Disney+ on or after December 25 without having to pay an upcharge.

So, why did Disney decide to do this? Well, CEO Bob Chapek answered the question during  Disney’s Fiscal Full Year and Q4 2020 Earnings Results Webcast on Thursday.

Chapek was asked whether or not Disney plans to release more films at an upcharge through Premier Access. And in his answer, the CEO shared why Disney-Pixar’s Soul is not going to cost any extra than a Disney+ subscription.

soul
Credit: Disney-Pixar

“We also realize though that part of the lifeblood of Disney+is providing great content to the base-level subscribers,” the CEO stated. ” We thought it was a really nice gesture to our subscribers to release Soul during the holiday and provide that as part of the service.”

In his explanation, Disney CEO Bob Chapek essentially says that the company was thinking of the value they were providing to base-level subscribers when deciding whether or not to make Soul available via Premier Access. It looks like this year, it’s our holiday gift!

And what a holiday gift Soul will be, indeed. The film explores what it truly means to be alive and reminds viewers of all ages that, no matter who they are or where they come from, their life has value. To read more about this new movie, click here.

Pixar's 'Soul' gets 100% rating from critics
Credit: Pixar

Did you pay the extra cost to watch Mulan on Disney+ in Premier Access? Are you planning to watch Soul on Christmas Day? 

in Disney, Movies & TV, Pixar

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