Pixar’s Onward rides again with early digital release set for tonight

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Pixar's ONWARD was released a week ahead of what became a very unprecedented time at the box office. Although its $39.1 million opening weekend was muted by Pixar standards, it still opened at a time when every major theater chain was open but a mere week later movie theaters began cutting capacity due to coronavirus concerns which resulted in a second weekend of just $10.6 million which led a then 22-year low for the box office. Now that over 5,000 theaters have shut their doors just three weeks after the release of Onward, Disney Pixar is making sure you get to watch the film at home with an early digital release that is coming your way tonight!

The studio will make the film available to buy digitally and on Movies Anywhere for $19.99 today at 5:00 PM PST which will be followed by a release on Disney+ on April 3 in the U.S. Before cinemas around the world began to close, ONWARD had grossed $62 million at the domestic box office and $103 million globally. ONWARD'S director Dan Scanlon and Kori Rae support the decision to release the film early digitally but also hold out hope that the film can run again when theaters reopen:

"While we’re looking forward to audiences enjoying our films on the big screen again soon, given the current circumstances, we are pleased to release this fun, adventurous film to digital platforms early for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes."

Featuring the vocal talents of Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Octavia Spencer & Julia Louis-Dreyfus, ONWARD follows the lead of Universal and Blumhouse’s THE INVISIBLE MAN and THE HUNT, and Focus Features’ EMMA  which is being released online early as of today, officially breaking the theatrical window. Warner Bros. made a similar move with BIRDS OF PREY and its Ben Affleck-starring THE WAY BACK while Sony, Lionsgate & STX Entertainment also followed suit with Vin Diesel's BLOODSHOT, the faith-based tear-jerker I STILL BELIEVE & the Guy Ritchie caper, THE GENTLEMEN.

I think ONWARD is probably one of the last big studio releases to release early on digital as we enter a very strange time for all of us in the weeks ahead. There are a few random titles that may also be released early digitally as studios realize people will want to watch fairly new content while they're stuck at home. ONWARD represents a picture choice because it's fun for the whole family and gives them another option for home viewing. 

Will YOU get the early digital release of ONWARD?