Hey, did you catch Pixar’s Onward? A lot of people didn’t, making the relatively fun and poignant picture one of Pixar’s few box office underperformers, but here’s guessing a lot of people are going to be catching it soon because Onward is coming to digital on Friday. That’s today!
The movie was released in theaters on March 6, before coronavirus concerns became threats in the U.S., but has become part of Hollywood’s scuttle to figure out how to keep the entertainment machine rolling in the midst of a pandemic. Dozens of upcoming movies have had their release dates bumped or canceled altogether, while more recently released movies like Emma, Birds of Prey and Bloodshot are getting a likewise streamlined window between theatrical release and digital download.
“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,” director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae said in a press release.
While Onward didn’t dazzle with moviegoers earlier this month, audiences missed out on a very winsome tale of two brothers in a suburban fantasy realm attempting to make a magical connection with their long lost father. It has Pixar’s usual blend of dazzling visuals, goofball humor and emotional pathos.
Chris Pratt and Tom Holland do excellent work as the voice cast of the lead roles, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer pop up in fun roles as well. If you’re stuck at home — and you are — you could do a whole lot worse than Onward. You probably already have this week. It’ll be free to Disney Plus subscribers on April 3 but everyone will be able to rent it from all the usual spots starting at 5:00 p.m PDT/8:00 p.m. EDT.
