Here’s every movie getting an early digital release

Over the weekend, Disney announced it would be releasing its latest Pixar flick Frozen 2 on Disney Plus early in response to widespread self-isolation. Now, more studios are following suit with Universal’s decision to drop The Invisible Man, The Hunt, and Emma on digital services early. The studios’ upcoming kids movie Trolls: World Tour releases in cinemas 26 March and will be fast-tracked for home release on 10 April.

Here’s the updated list of every movie getting an early digital release in 2020.

Disney dropped Frozen 2 early this week, but it also released The Rise of Skywalker on digital services in the U.S. a little early in the U.S.

Frozen 2 (17 March)

Disney fired off a press release over the weekend, announcing that Frozen 2 would be released “three months ahead of schedule” beginning 15 March 2020. Australia and New Zealand will be able to stream Frozen 2 on Disney Plus starting today (17 March 2020).

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (18 March)

The Rise of Skywalker had a surprise early release on digital services in the U.S., dropping Friday 13 March on the usual services, iTunes, Google Play, etc. In Australia, iTunes still lists The Rise of Skywalker for release on Wednesday, 18 March 2020, and is available for pre-order at $24.99. On iTunes, that’ll also nab you some iTunes extras, such as a making-of documentary and a handful of behind-the-scenes bonuses.

Unfortunately, The Rise of Skywalker isn’t getting the same early streaming release as Frozen 2, so Disney Plus subscribers will still have to wait until late 2020 before they can stream the latest Star Wars film on-demand.

The studio has released a statement detailing its decision to release its theatrical releases early, explaining that “current circumstances” have made it “more challenging” for audiences to view the studios’ films. We’ve reached out to Universal Pictures’ Australian PR for more information, but the original press release includes “international markets” as part of the announcement. The films are being released on digital services like iTunes and Amazon for purchase at U.S. $19.99

The Invisible Man
The 2020 reboot of this classic horror tale starring Elizabeth Moss is possibly the most exciting early release on this list. Releasing in theatres at the worst time possible, Leigh Whannel’s latest has had a terrific run so far, but with more and more countries opting to self-isolate, a trip to the cinema is off the cards for many.

The Invisible Man releases digitally on Friday 20 March in the U.S. this Friday. That’s Saturday 21 March here in Australia, but we’re still waiting on more details for local release plans.

The Hunt

This political Purge-like is a tongue-in-cheek thriller about a group of wealthy elites who hunt conservatives for sport. The Hunt is written by the Watchmen/Leftovers creative duo Damon Lindelof and Nick Cuse and looks like a bit of a laugh.

The Hunt releases on the same day as The Invisible Man, Friday 20 March in the U.S. and possibly Saturday 21 March in Australia.

Emma

The 2020 reimagining of Jane Austen classic Emma is the third film in Univeral’s Friday release round-up. It stars Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) in the titular role of Emma Woodhouse.

Emma is currently sitting at 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a solid effort from debut director Autumn de Wilde.

Trolls: World Tour

This colourful kids flick still hasn’t hit cinemas yet, but its 26 March theatrical release will be shortly followed by an early home release on 10 April. Right in time for the Easter school holidays here in Australia (that is unless schools close early).

That’s everything so far, but we’ll update this article with more early releases if and when more details surface. Be sure to let us know if we’ve missed anything else dropping early.