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Disney chief Bob Iger revealed the news Wednesday, adding that the streaming version will include “Cardigan” and four songs not seen in the theatrical or VOD editions.
By Pamela McClintock
Senior Film Writer
A new era is about to begin for Taylor Swift‘s concert film.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert pic is headed for Disney+ in a coup for the streamer, considering the clout and breadth of the superstar’s fan base.
A souped-up version of the film will stream exclusively on Disney+ starting March 15 under the extended title Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version). It will include the song “Cardigan” as well as four acoustic songs not included in the theatrical or VOD releases.
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Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed the news during the company’s earnings call on Wednesday.
Any streamer would have jumped at the chance to carry Eras Tour. The movie was one of the biggest box office sensations of 2023 and stands as the top-grossing concert documentary movie of all time, not adjusted for inflation. The movie grossed $180.8 million domestically and $80.9 million overseas for a staggering total of $261.1 million against a mere $15 million budget.
Swift and her team surprised many when bypassing the studio system and using AMC Theatres to distribute Eras Tour to theaters around the world, including rival chains. The move was highly unorthodox, since exhibitors don’t generally dabble in distribution (AMC went on to distribute Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé).
The decision to partner with Disney+ means that the major Hollywood studios won’t be cut out of the action this time.
Last month, Swift traveled to Beverly Hills to attend the Golden Globes ceremony, where Eras Tour, directed by Sam Wrench, was among the movies vying for the first-ever award for best cinematic and box office achievement. A film can only be eligible in the category if it has earned at least $150 million at the worldwide box office, including $100 million or more in North America. (Greta Gerwig’s Barbie — likewise a female-fueled film — was the inaugural winner.)
Throughout its box office run — the movie only played Thursday through Sunday — Eras Tour benefited greatly from repeat viewership on its way to achieving the rare status of box office unicorn. The big question now is whether it can become a streaming unicorn and single-handedly lure new subs to Disney+
Iger is betting that it can. “The Eras Tour has been a true phenomenon that has and continues to thrill fans around the world, and we are very excited to bring this electrifying concert to audiences wherever they are, exclusively on Disney+,” he said.
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