Mulan to stream online, for a price
Mulan is no longer headed for a major theatrical release. The Walt Disney Company said this week that it will debut its live-action blockbuster on its subscription streaming service, Disney+, on September 4.
But this is no Hamilton: Customers will have to pay an additional US$29.99 ($43) on top of the cost of the monthly subscription to rent
Mulan. The company plans to release it in theatres in areas where Disney + is not available.
“In order to meet the needs of consumers during this unpredictable period, we thought it was important to find alternative ways to bring this exceptional family-friendly film to them in a timely manner,” Disney CEO Bob Chapek said. The live-action remake of the animated film was one of the first major films to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Originally set for a March 27 release,
Mulan moved to late July, then late August and was then pulled from the calendar all together as Covid-19 cases spiked through the US.
Along with Warner Brothers’
Tenet, Mulan was going to be one of the first major movies to open in theatres since the shutdown. Exhibitors, most of which have been closed for over four months, have been desperate for new films that would help draw audiences back. But while Warner is moving forward with a theatrical release plan, which involves opening Tenet internationally first and then in select US theatres a week later, Disney decided to pivot and direct consumers to its streaming service.
Few expected Mulan, a US$200 million production, to go this route, even Disney.
In late June, when announcing its delay to August, Disney executives Alan Horn and Alan Bergman wrote in a joint statement that Mulan was, “Everything the cinematic experience should be, and that’s where we believe it belongs — on the world stage and the big screen for audiences around the globe to enjoy together.”
Beyonce´'s new film takes you on a journey of Black art, music, history and fashion as the superstar transports you to Africa to tell the story of a young man in search of his crown, matched to epic songs she created while inspired by The Lion King.
The voyage feels even more special during the current state of the world, as the Black experience has been looked at closely in the wake of the many deaths of Black people, and the Black Lives Matter movement that continues to protest racism and inequality. And for those of us who have been stuck in place for months because of the coronavirus pandemic, the voyage and escapism are welcomed.
In Black Is King, just released on Disney+ in the US, Beyonce´ continues to dig deep into her roots and share her discovery with the world, like she did on the sweet masterpiece
Lemonade.
Black pride is the centre of the film, with African artists strongly represented, as Beyonce´ shares her stage with Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Busiswa, Salatiel, Yemi Alade, Moonchild Sanelly and more.
They add a great deal of energy and beauty — through lyrical delivery, eye-popping and sharp choreography, and bright and elegant costumes — bringing the songs from
The Lion King: The Gift to life.
That album was inspired by the time Beyonce´ spent voicing the character of Nala in the latest version of The Lion King. Audio from the animated film are included, but it's the newer passages that truly resonate.
“When it's all said and done, I don't even know my own native tongue. And if I can't speak myself, I can't think myself. And if I can't think myself, I can't be myself. And if I can't be myself, I will never know me,” a man says. So Uncle Sam, tell me this, if I will never know me, how can you?”
Powerful.
Later in the film, Beyonce´ says: “We have always been wonderful. I see us reflected in the world's most heavenly things. Black is king. We were beauty before they knew what beauty was.”
That leads into Brown Skin Girl ,as
Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong'o and Kelly Rowland — queens that Beyonce´ name-drops on the song — make appearances alongside other black and brown women and girls in a deep celebration of melanin, diversity and sisterhood. Beyonce´ singing “because you're beautiful”, face-to-face with Rowland, could induce tears.
Black Is King also highlights music's royal family: The Carters. Jay-Z makes a stunning appearance on
Mood 4 Eva, while 8-year-old Blue Ivy steals the spotlight every time she appears on screen. Tina Knowles as well as Sir and Rumi Carter — who the film is dedicated to — are also present.
It's a family affair, with musical cousins — both familiar and on the verge — part of the safari ride.
Black Parade plays as the credits scroll at the end of Black Is King, and the song title could be the best way to describe the film: a procession into Beyonce´'s black liberation.
OK, now let's get in formation.
In Beyonce´ continues to dig deep into her roots and share her discovery with the world, like she did on the sweet masterpiece