Since the start of COVID-19, the release dates for many movies and films have been delayed. For months well-anticipated films had yet to show official releases, and under the circumstances, theaters were unsure of how they would operate. Now, both the movies “The New Mutants” and “Mulan” have been released, but in two very different ways, and if I were to choose between stream and theater under today’s circumstances, streaming is the way to go.  

Directed by Josh Boone, Marvel Entertainment’s “The New Mutants” was theater-ready and officially released in the United States on Aug. 28, 2020. The trailers hinted a mix of horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes. After a short waiting period, the movie will be made to stream and rent through sites like Redbox and Disney+. The title, which Disney inherited following the acquisition of 20th Century Fox on Mar. 20, 2019, is Disney’s first theatrical release since the start of the global pandemic. With the release date being originally set for Apr. 13, 2018, it is no wonder why many, including myself, were impressed by the release over two years later.

Officially released a week later on Sep. 4, of this year, Disney’s live-action “Mulan” adaptation, directed by Niki Caro, made its debut on Disney+. Unlike the release of “The New Mutants”, “Mulan” is solely available on the Disney streaming service, with an additional one-time fee of $29.99 on top of a $6.99 monthly subscription to watch. Thankfully, three months later, the film can be watched by Disney+ subscribers without the extra fee starting Dec. 4. But why so much for only one movie? 

When looking at individual ticket prices, the number of Disney+ users under one account and the cost of how much each movie took to make, it makes sense to release “Mulan” at the 30 dollar price for each account. “Mulan’s” 200 million dollar budget towers over “The New Mutants’” 67 million dollars, making it plausible that that is the case. As it is an unprecedented method of release, it is impossible to know if the price is right or wrong. 

I would never have predicted that a pandemic would arrive, closing theaters and leaving many with streaming services and digital purchases instead of tickets and theater snacks. To be honest, I would pay to stream instead of viewing the film at a theater. Being able to watch a movie however many times I want is what I think is the better option. Then again, I could choose neither. After all, “Mulan” and “The New Mutants” will most likely be available to stream or purchase at a much lower price, given time.