A major German movie theater organization believes Disney has made a bad decision by having Mulan premiere in theaters and on Disney+ simultaneously.
"The latest events around the distribution of films and the avoidance of…the cinema show: Here a game is being played with fire and a proven and successful business model is overridden in this crisis," HDF Kino CEO Christine Berg said in a statement. HDF Kino is one of the largest cinema organizations in Germany. "If great films made for the [big] screen are not shown there, the available market opportunities will not be used."
"Large films belong on the big screen," she added. "Cinema creates an experience that is unique and cannot be replaced by streaming." This mirrors the sentiments of theater owners in the United Kingdom and France, who have similarly taken issue with Disney's Mulan decision.
It was announced earlier this month that Disney would be releasing its live-action Mulan adaptation on both Disney+ and in theaters on Sept. 4. For those who chose the former, Mulan will be available to purchase for $29.99, which will include "continuous access to the film as long as they remain subscribers to the service."
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s "Mulan," in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.
Directed by Niki Caro, Disney's Mulan stars Yifei Liu as Mulan, Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan and Yoson An as Cheng Honghui, with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film arrives on Disney+ and in theaters Sept. 4.
(via Deadline)