Just 19 Days After Theatrical Release, ‘The Wild Robot’ Receives Digital Release

In a surprise move, Universal released Dreamworks Animation’s The Wild Robot onto digital platforms on Tuesday, just 19 days after the film’s theatrical release.

The quick schedule for digital release is particularly surprising given that The Wild Robot is a box office hit and was the #2 film at the U.S. box office last weekend. For comparison, Dreamworks Animation’s last theatrical feature, Kung Fu Panda 4, was released theatrically earlier this year on March 8, and didn’t arrive on digital until May 28, over 11 weeks after it first appeared in theaters.

The critically acclaimed film, which is a key contender for end-of-year awards, is available to both rent and own from a variety of platforms including Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox Microsoft Movies & TV, and Movies Anywhere. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment also announced that the film will become available on physical media (4K UHD and Blu-ray) on December 3.

Many of the digital retailers are offering bonus features with the digital download of the Chris Sanders-directed film. The bonuses are as follows:

• COMMERCIAL FOR ROZZUM – An alternate opening to the film in storyboard form, with introduction by writer/director Chris Sanders.
• MOMENTS FROM THE MIC – Straight from the recording booth, watch the cast of The Wild Robot perform some of their most memorable lines.
• MEET THE CAST- How do you give empathy to the voice of a robot, vulnerability to a fox, and wisdom to an opossum? Meet the voice cast and learn more about your favorite characters from The Wild Robot.
• THE OVERPROTECTIVE MOTHER – A deleted sequence from the film in storyboard form, with an introduction by writer/director Chris Sanders.
• ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: ANIMATING THE WILD ROBOT – Go behind the scenes to see how filmmakers pushed the boundaries of animation to achieve the uniquely immersive world of The Wild Robot.
• FEELING ALIVE – Learn how filmmakers and cast enhanced the universally relatable thematic elements of Peter Brown’s original story to deepen its emotional connection to audiences.
• WILD SOUNDS – Explore the incredible music of The Wild Robot – from Kris Bowers’ enchanting score to Maren Morris’ two new songs.
• HOW TO DRAW – Follow along with writer/director Chris Sanders as he teaches Lupita Nyong’o how to draw Roz and then learn to draw Fink, Baby Brightbill, and Pinktail with story artist/character designer Genevieve Tsai.
• FLY YOUR OWN BRIGHTBILL – One of Roz’s primary tasks is to teach Brightbill to fly so he can migrate with the other geese. Here, you’ll learn how to create your very own Brightbill Kite so you can help him fly too.