“Lilo & Stitch,” the Hawaii-filmed live-action film which originated as a cartoon, recently passed the $1 billion box office milestone. Translation: it’s now Disney’s biggest film and also is a global favorite.
And today (July 22), the film will be available on digital platforms –including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home – to rent or buy.
On Aug. 26, “Lilo & Stitch” will be released on physical media via 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. A key destination will be Disney+, which traditionally will be a few weeks following the digital release.
The film opened during the Memorial Day weekend and boasted a $1 million budget. Its ascent to the $1 billion rank means, however, that production costs have been recouped.
Clearly, “Lilo & Stitch,” is a home-grown success with prominent participation of Hawaiian actors in the cast. Surely, the feature also is the most successful film entirely lensed in the islands. Big Island discovery Maia Kealoha, who portrayed Lilo in her screen debut, is a pint-sized superstar on the fan circuit.
The ‘ohana of actors include Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani Pelekai, Tia Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa, Amy Hill as Tutu, Blake La Benz as kumu hula, Jason Scott Lee as luau manager, Celia Kenney as AJ, Kaipo Dudoit as David, Hanna Waddingham as Grand Councilwoman (voice), Judy Nguyen as agent Huynh, Courtney Coleman as concierge, Christina Souza as Dr. Pereira, Christian Yuen as Agent Yzao, and Skyler Bible as Agent Foster.
Also, Billy Magnusen as Pleakly, Zach Galifianakis as Jamba, Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubble, and Chris Sanders as Stitch (voice).
The film was directed by Dean Fleischer Camp. Hawaii’s Chris Kekaniokalani Bright wrote the screenplay, with input by Mike Van Waes and Chris Sanders.
The anticipated Blu-ray Steel Book edition will be a keeper for fans. It will be packaged in a special edition reflecting the blue alien’s mischievous nature and contain bonus features such as deleted scenes and bloopers, plus behind-the-scenes peeks at Lilo and Stitch with cinematic Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Disney packaging.
And yes, a “Lilo & Stirtch” sequel has been announced, release date not known…
And that’s Show Biz…