DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island Sets Digital and Disc Dates

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is transitioning from theaters to home entertainment, with a digital release set for October 27, 2026, followed by a physical media launch on December 1, 2026. Despite critical acclaim and high audience approval, the film’s theatrical run struggled to recoup its reported production budget.

Film Grosses 60.5M Worldwide Amid Theater Reductions

The film opened on September 25, debuting at No. 5 with $13 million in ticket sales. As of late October, the production has grossed $60.5M worldwide, with $35.2M of that total coming from domestic markets. The film has faced a rapid reduction in exhibition, having been removed from approximately 1,400 theaters over the last four weeks. This financial trajectory places the project behind its reported budget, a common challenge for original IP in a crowded theatrical market where studios often rely on long-tail revenue from digital platforms and physical media to balance the books.

Forgotten Island Earns High Critical and Audience Scores

While the box office figures remain modest, the film has maintained strong sentiment across major metrics. Forgotten Island holds a 94% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer and an audience score of 95% or 96%. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment notes that the film also earned an “A” on CinemaScore. The project, which explores themes of Filipino mythology, has been described by Discussing Film as “the best DreamWorks film of the decade,” according to the official press release from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Home Entertainment Strategy

Digital platforms will host the film starting October 27, 2026, offering early access months before the title reaches subscription streaming services. The physical release on December 1, 2026, will be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD. These formats include over 60 minutes of bonus content, such as “Friends for Life,” which details the relationship between leads H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, and “Creatures of Lore,” which highlights the film’s take on Filipino mythology. The physical release also features commentary from directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado.

Ensemble Cast and Directors Draw from Filipino Culture

The film features an ensemble cast including H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga. The creative team, led by producer Mark Swift and directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, previously worked on the Academy Award-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The production emphasizes its cultural roots, with bonus features such as “Friendship and Filipino Culture” documenting the directors’ travels through the Philippines to inform the film’s setting, Nakali.

Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.