Highlights
- WandaVision is the first Disney Plus series to have a physical release, but the upcoming steelbook doesn't actually include any discs or a download code.
- The steelbook set includes a case, full slip, folder, envelope, character cards, and stickers, but the lack of actual physical media may turn fans off.
- The decision to release a steelbook without including the series itself seems odd and could be seen as a disappointment, especially considering Disney's recent removal of other series from its streaming platform.
The hit Disney Plus series WandaVision is about to make Marvel Cinematic Universe history by being the first series from the platform to feature a physical release. However, fans eager to pop in a Blu-ray and enjoy their favorite surreal show may find one bizarre aspect of the upcoming product to be a hindrance.
Aside from partially serving to set up the hotly-theorized upcoming film The Marvels, WandaVision earned its substantial audience on its own merits. With a novel outside-the-box approach to storytelling themed around popular television shows through the decades, the series captivated audiences from day 1. So it certainly makes sense that, if any Marvel Studios show should be the first available on physical store shelves, it would be this one. The thing is, that's not exactly how this release will play out.
Marvel Studios revealed a stylish-looking WandaVision Steelbook set to release in the fall (via Collectong). Physical media collectors likely began immediately salivating at that idea, as Steelbook cases tend to be favorites among enthusiasts and casual buyers alike. Unfortunately, the bizarre twist here is that the release doesn't include any discs, and there's currently no word on whether it will even offer a download code. That's right, this is a Steelbook case for a series without actually including the series.
That's not to say the upcoming release will only include a case. According to the pre-order page, the product includes the Steelbook and a full slip to slide over the case. Inside the case, buyers will find a folder, an envelope, character cards, and stickers. Whether or not this type of release is worthy of one of the most heartbreaking moments in MCU history is up to the fans themselves. But it's not difficult to see why some might be turned off by the lack of physical media inside.
It makes sense that Disney would keep most of its shows on the Disney Plus service, particularly given how it keeps people subscribed. It even included arguably the best superhero series of 2022 with Ms. Marvel, which is no small feat given the sheer number of shows in the genre. But it seems odd to announce a Steelbook release for a show, using a format made exclusively for holding physical media, without including the media itself. Odds are, nobody thinks they're owed a physical release of WandaVision. But an empty case almost seems cruel.
There's also the unfortunate reality that Disney Plus has been removing several series like Willow from its streaming platform. Critical reception aside, streaming is still the only legal way to experience many movies and shows. This has been a frustrating fact for many viewers. So while WandaVision likely isn't in danger of leaving Disney Plus anytime soon, teasing a physical release only to essentially withhold it probably wasn't the best move on the company's part.
WandaVision is available on Disney Plus.
Source: Collectong