How to watch 'The Marvels' at home
The Marvels, the latest theatrical MCU release, is already headed to the small screen. While the film only flew into theaters in November, it's making its streaming debut this month — well, kind of. It won't be available on Disney+ quite yet, but it will be available to watch on digital video-on-demand (VOD) services like Apple TV and Prime Video starting Jan. 16. Physical DVD and Blu-Ray editions will also be landing in stores Feb. 13. Here's what you need to know.
What is The Marvels about?
A superheroine-stuffed sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel, The Marvels' premise centers on Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) learning her powers have become entangled with those of Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and super-fan Kamala "Ms. Marvel" Khan (Iman Vellani). Of course, there's a space baddie causing the character collision named Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton). Dar-Benn is determined to save her dying planet by stealing the atmosphere and life-sustaining resources from others. The Marvels must get it together and join forces to stop her.
Like most films in the MCU, a little back story could help you get a better grip on the plotline of The Marvels. You should definitely watch Captain Marvel beforehand, and the shows WandaVision and Ms. Marvel are recommended.
Get a sneak peek at the story in the trailer below.
Is The Marvels worth watching?
The Marvels is the shortest Marvel flick to date, coming in at one hour and 45 minutes. You'd think that would be a welcome relief, but alas, Mashable's Kristy Puchko notes in her review that its length might actually be its biggest blunder. She writes that the "space-trekking romp with action, comedy, charm, cameos, and a cat that spews tentacles" unfortunately is riddled by a "panicked pacing that doesn't so much reflect the characters onscreen battling for their lives, but the Disney execs desperate to battle off the audience's superhero fatigue."
"The Marvels is at its best when it takes a breath to let its heroines have fun. A training montage of transporting while playing double-dutch, cutaways to a gawking Monica and agog Kamala while Carol sings to a dazzling prince — these are when this movie comes alive," Puchko concludes in her review, adding that Vellani's Kamala is a "ray of light" and a stand-out in the film. All in all, it's a short and sweet film with a lot of star power, but once again MCU compromises tend to weigh it down.
When is The Marvels coming to Disney+?
The Marvels will definitely be headed to Disney+ at some point, but that day is not today. While we await its appearance on the streaming service, you can still watch the film via digital VOD services like Apple TV or Prime Video starting Jan. 16. The Disney+ release will most likely be shortly after its Blu-Ray and DVD release on Feb. 13. We'll keep you updated when we get the deets.
How to watch The Marvels at home
In the meantime, those who are dying to see the superheroines take on a space baddie in The Marvels can add the film to their digital film collection beginning Jan. 16. With your purchase, you'll also get access to some fun exclusive bonus content, including bloopers, behind-the-scenes making-of content, and other Easter eggs.
Here are the best digital platforms for purchasing the film.
Buy in UHD on Amazon Prime Video — $19.99
Buy in 4K UHD on Vudu — $19.99
Buy in 4K on Apple TV+ — $19.99
Buy in 4K on Google Play — $19.99
Buy in 4K on YouTube — $19.99
Best Disney+ deals for those who can wait
If you can wait a month or so until the Disney+ streaming release date to watch The Marvels, you'll undoubtedly save some money. Below, we've rounded up the best ways to sign up for Disney+ and keep some extra cash in your pocket.
Best Disney+ deal for most people
You can secure a Disney+ subscription for a single month for only $7.99, as long as you don't mind watching a few ads throughout the film. Technically, you won't save any money, but you also won't waste any if you remember to cancel your subscription immediately after watching The Marvels. If you can't bear the interruptions caused by ads, you'll have to pay $13.99/month instead.
Best Disney+ bundle deal
Already have a Hulu account? Bundle it with Disney+ for just $2 more per month and save 37% compared to paying for each separately. That brings your grand total to just $9.99/month for both. You could also throw ESPN+ in the mix for another few bucks and pay just $14.99/month for all three (with ads). Once again, you'll have to deal with ads interrupting your viewing experience, but since you'll technically be getting Disney+ for only $2 per month (depending on how you look at it), it's really not so bad. Ads just give you time for discussion or bathroom breaks, obviously.
Best Disney+ free trial
Those who use Fios home internet can score either six or 12 free months of Disney+ Premium (no ads) depending on your plan. If you're on the 2 Gig Streaming or 2 Gig Complete Package, you can get an entire year of streaming for free, while those on the 1 Gig Streaming or 1 Gig Complete Package can secure six free months. Check the terms over on the Verizon website to see if you're eligible and learn how to activate your offer.
Best Disney+ free trial runner-up
Extended free trial alert: Verizon Wireless customers with eligible unlimited plans can score six free months of Disney+ Premium (no ads) as well. While most of these eligible plans are no longer available, you can still activate your free trial if you signed up previously. The following accounts are eligible for the free six-month Disney+ promotion:
5G Do More
5G Start
Welcome Unlimited
One Unlimited for iPhone
Get More Unlimited
Do More Unlimited
Play More Unlimited
If you're on the 5G Get More or 5G Play More plan, you're also eligible for the Disney Bundle for free. Check your plan and learn more about eligibility and terms over at the Verizon website. The Disney+ promo through Verizon is only available through midnight on May 17, 2024, so be sure to activate your free trial before that date.
Best free Disney+ deal
As long as you're on the $60/month prepaid unlimited plan through Total by Verizon, you can access Disney+ Premium (no ads) completely free. No fancy eligibility terms; just keep your account in good standing. If you cancel or switch, your Disney+ subscription is no longer valid. Those on the $50/month prepaid unlimited plan can also score six free months of Disney+ as well, which is plenty of time to watch The Marvels and other MCU favorites.