The Mitchells Vs The Machines Gets Theatrical Screening and Physical Release
During the course of 2020 and 2021, we have seen many movies have their original release plans changed due to the pandemic. Some have held back their releases until cinemas were in operation, but a considerable number have cancelled their theatrical runs in favour of streaming. Sony Pictures Animation opted for the latter option and have sold their entire 2020-2021 slate, four to Netflix and one to Amazon.
The Mitchells Vs The Machines (also going by the title of Connected at one time) was due for cinematic release last year but ended up being the first of Sony's titles to debut on Netflix earlier this year. Directors Mike Rianda and Jeff Rowe and producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller brought us a unique combination of family road comedy and a robot apocalypse movie that has turned out to be one of Netflix's most popular animated movies and also one of the best reviewed films of the year.
The film's spectacular animation (not a million miles away from the style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) meant fans were disappointed we missed out on the release it deserved. Others worried that it meant that the film would not be getting a physical release. Not to mention the fact that not everyone has a Netflix subscription.
We have good news on both fronts- for those of you in the USA. Firstly, The Mitchells will be heading to American cinemas for a limited engagement later this month. Icon Events Releasing is partnering with Netflix and Sony to release the film in cinemas nationwide on Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21. Find a screening near you and pre-order tickets here. Whether the movie will see any cinema releases outside the US remains to be seen.
Shortly after the theatrical run, the film is also getting a release on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital combo pack and standalone DVD. According to the listing on Amazon, it will be released in the US on December 14. The cover art proudly declares it is a Special Edition- but no specific special features are listed yet. The film also has a UK release listed for the same date and is listed as "The Katie Mitchell Edition"- available to preorder from Amazon UK now.
