Live-Action ‘Moana’ Is Officially Sailing Home, Here’s When You Can Watch It on Digital and Blu-Ray

Disney

Share:

Disney’s live-action reimagining of one of its most beloved animated musicals had a complicated theatrical journey this summer, generating plenty of conversation despite a rocky critical reception. Nearly two months after the film first hit theaters, the studio is now preparing to move the wayfinding adventure into its next phase of release.

That theatrical run brought in over $300 million globally, a respectable but underwhelming figure given how the film had been positioned as one of Disney’s biggest releases of the season. Directed by ‘Hamilton’ filmmaker Thomas Kail, the remake introduced newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia in the title role, while Dwayne Johnson made the jump from voice work to live action as the shape-shifting demigod Maui.

Disney has now confirmed that ‘Moana‘ will arrive to buy or rent on digital platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango on September 8, followed by a physical release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on October 6. The home release comes less than two months after the film’s July 10 theatrical debut, marking a fairly standard turnaround window for a major studio release.

Rounding out the film’s principal cast alongside Johnson and Lagaʻaia are Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, John Tui as Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams as Sina, with Jemaine Clement also appearing in the ensemble. The film adapts the 2016 animated original’s story of a young wayfinder answering the ocean’s call to save her people, this time brought to life through live-action performance and practical filmmaking.

RELATED:

Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ Crosses an Important Box Office Milestone, But It’s Still Nowhere Near Profitable

The upcoming digital and physical editions will come packed with a fairly extensive slate of bonus material. Among the featured extras is a sing-along version of the film, along with behind-the-scenes content exploring Lagaʻaia’s casting process, the construction of the village of Motunui, choreographer Tiana Nonosina Liufau’s work, and costume designer Liz McGregor’s contributions to the film’s visual style.

Disney is also releasing a limited-edition 4K UHD SteelBook on October 6, featuring Lagaʻaia and Johnson as Moana and Maui alongside her animal companions Pua and Heihei on the collectible packaging. For fans looking to round out their collection, a three-film bundle combining the live-action remake with both the original 2016 animated film and 2024’s billion-dollar hit ‘Moana 2’ will be available digitally starting September 8, with a DVD bundle following on October 6.

The film’s theatrical run drew a notably divided response from critics and audiences alike. While the movie holds just a 32% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 42 out of 100 on Metacritic, audiences responded far more warmly, giving it an 88% audience score alongside an A- CinemaScore rating.

Johnson has previously addressed the mixed critical reaction directly, acknowledging the divide without much concern. “That’s just the way it goes because we’re in this business… If you love it, great. If you don’t, no problem,” he said.

For a franchise that’s proven remarkably durable across both animated and now live-action formats, the upcoming home release gives ‘Moana’ a chance to find an even wider audience beyond its theatrical run. With bonus content aimed squarely at longtime fans of the franchise, Disney appears confident the film’s home video rollout will resonate even if its box office numbers fell short of expectations.

Are you planning to watch the live-action Moana at home?

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!

Don't miss:

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted