This Fan-Favorite MCU Release Deserves To Break Marvel’s Physical Release Slump

In the current cultural scene, there’s a growing sentiment that every piece of content should be distributed on physical media. What might have seemed self-evident in 2004 has become an increasingly important point in the mid-2020s. With major studios trimming costs wherever possible, one area they’ve been focusing on is restricting which titles receive a physical media release. Titles that are streaming exclusives seldom, if ever, get a physical release. For instance, it’s quite challenging to find streaming movies like “Da 5 Bloods” or “Togo” on DVDs or Blu-rays.

A number of Marvel Cinematic Universe shows on Disney+ such as WandaVision and the first season of Loki have bucked the trend by being made available on home video. Regrettably, most Marvel productions on this streaming platform have not received physical media launches. However, if any Disney+ Marvel project deserves a proper home video release, it’s an exceptionally well-crafted fan favorite special.

Werewolf By Night Desperately Needs To Come To Home Video

Introduced in October 2022, the TV special “Werewolf by Night,” directed by Michael Giacchino, has been widely appreciated as one of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) standout productions since 2019. Fans and newcomers alike have commended its distinctive visual style, impressive practical effects, and likable characters such as Man-Thing. Given this positive reception, it seems fitting to make the special available on a physical media release, like DVD or Blu-Ray. This would allow fans to rekindle their admiration for “Werewolf by Night” all over again.

Instead of just a standalone 53-minute special, Disney could release a variety of related content alongside Werewolf by Night. For instance, the colorized version, titled Werewolf by Night in Color, was already streamed in September 2023. Additionally, a documentary about Giacchino’s life and creative aspirations, called Director by Night, would add significant value to a Blu-Ray release of Werewolf by Night. Furthermore, a new featurette could be created using footage and interviews from the 35mm screening of Werewolf by Night in Los Angeles in October 2022.

Despite the fact that the initial “Werewolf by Night” was short, clocking in at less than an hour, there’s already such a wealth of additional content associated with it that a Blu-Ray edition could be filled to the brim. Moreover, this move would also facilitate the release of the streaming exclusive project, “Director by Night,” on physical media as well. This thoughtfully crafted production deserves more than just being relegated to the Disney+ platform for viewing; it warrants a wider audience experience. To elaborate further, releasing “Werewolf by Night” on Blu-Ray would address another significant concern – providing a physical format for enthusiasts who prefer that method of consumption.

Werewolf by Night Should Be Accessed By All

At present, “Werewolf by Night” can only be accessed by individuals who have a subscription to Disney+. This is truly unfortunate because it restricts the film from gaining wider popularity as a chilling Halloween special. If it were available on physical media, more people would have the opportunity to encounter this project. They could not only buy it but also rent it from their local libraries. In this case, “Werewolf by Night” would become known to many rather than just MCU enthusiasts with Disney+ subscriptions.

One advantage of physical media is that it allows consumers to own the content they enjoy. In the mid-2020s, many individuals lack either the financial means or technical resources to access “Werewolf by Night.” Restricting these properties behind streaming paywalls limits the number of people who can find hidden gems like “Werewolf by Night.” Releasing the content on physical media could help address this issue. Furthermore, it’s unlikely that a Blu-Ray release of “Werewolf by Night” years after its debut on Disney+ would significantly impact the subscriber base of the streaming service.

Essentially, “Werewolf by Night” is just one of many notable titles on the platform, which sometimes gets overshadowed by bigger shows like “Bluey” or “Family Guy.” Releasing it on DVD or Blu-ray might not harm Disney+, but it could revitalize the series and expose its fantastic qualities to a larger audience. Admittedly, this idea seems unlikely due to the rarity of streaming titles, particularly Disney+ Marvel projects, receiving physical media releases. Nevertheless, optimism remains, and so does the hope that “Werewolf by Night” will receive the exceptional physical release it deserves.

Werewolf by Night is now streaming on Disney+.

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2025-07-22 00:40