There has been a disturbing trend when it comes to Disney and their push to make physical media go obsolete.
As you know, a few years ago, Disney purchased Fox. They now own the distribution arm as well now. This means they also own indie film distributor Fox Searchlight, which they’ve plainly renamed as Searchlight.
Searchlight’s “Barbarian,” an indie horror film that was made for $4.5 million and grossed $45 million, garnered great reviews and has developed a major cult following.
Last year, Disney/Searchlight sent a press release with a digital release date, but there was no mention of a physical release. Based on my own experiences, these types of press releases almost always give you digital AND physical dates. Not with “Barbarian.”
This is very concerning given that horror movie fans are major advocates for physical media. They are collectors. They go out of their way to own their most treasured movies. That’s why there’s a slew of horror underground labels that exist.
Disney has been steadily pushing physical media out of the way for a few years now, but this is certainly the biggest step they've made so far. It’s quite clear that Disney is pushing for a) audiences to go digital and/or b) subscription boosts to Disney Plus.
Its been nine months since the theatrical release of “Barbarian” and still not a word about a blu-ray disc release. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’m in no rush to get my physical copy of “Barbarian,” but have we finally reached the point where we need to accept the fact that we might not be getting all the movies we want on physical media?
The fact is that Disney is adamant, and very determined, to push digital and streaming in an effort to eliminate physical media and that means they’re going to be scratching off physical releases.
Another reason to hate Disney.
Edward Berger seems to have settled on what comes next. His Lance Armstrong biopic, starring Austin Butler, is now holding casting calls, with production eyed for January.