As post-holiday schedules ease and home viewing becomes part of a slower start to January, Disney+ and HBO Max are rolling out new releases across science fiction, drama and international programming
‘Tron’s’ latest
Disney+ has added a new science fiction film to its January lineup with the release of “Tron: Ares,” the latest installment in the long-running “Tron” franchise.
Directed by Joachim Ronning, the film continues the series’ exploration of the digital Grid and centers on a mission that brings a highly advanced program into the real world, marking humanity’s first direct encounter with artificial intelligence beings.
The story follows a program named Ares sent from the digital realm on a dangerous assignment, setting up a confrontation between artificial intelligence and humans. The film expands on the world established in “Tron” and “Tron: Legacy,” combining large-scale action with visual effects and an original score by Nine Inch Nails.
In published reviews, Jonathan Sim of Coming Soon described the film as “a fast-paced, thrilling movie that launches at full throttle and never slows down,” while Joseph Morona of Cleveland.com cited the visual style and music, writing that director Joachim Ronning and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth’s work “pops with color, contrast and motion,” with Nine Inch Nails’ score contributing to the film’s intensity.
“Tron: Ares” is available in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, featuring an expanded aspect ratio intended to preserve the filmmakers’ creative presentation. Subscribers with compatible television sets and audio systems may also access enhanced sound through DTS.
Earlier films “Tron” and “Tron: Legacy” are also streaming on Disney+, allowing viewers to revisit earlier chapters of the franchise.
‘The Pitt’ and more
HBO Max is rolling out new series, returning seasons and film premieres throughout January, including Max Originals, HBO Originals and licensed titles.
Among the new releases is the Max Original series “The Pitt” season two, starring Emmy Award winner Noah Wyle. HBO Original titles arriving this month include “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” and season four of “Industry.” HBO Max is also streaming the film “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn.
HBO Max has expanded its Korean entertainment offerings through a TVING-branded hub, featuring original titles and selected content from CJ ENM and TVING. These include “Dear X,” “Villains” and new episodes of “The Judge Returns,” starring Ji Sung as Lee Han-young. The series follows a corrupt judge who suffers an unjust death and returns to an earlier point in time to make amends.
Featured films streaming on HBO Max this month include “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which premieres today, Jan. 9; “Trust,” premiering Jan. 16; “All the Devils Are Here,” premiering Jan. 23; and “Smurfs (2025),” premiering Jan. 30 and airing on HBO on Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. PHT.
New and returning series include “Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super,” “The Pitt” season two, “Industry” season four, “Ponies,” “Tiny Toons Looniversity” season two, and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”
HBO Max is available via its website and mobile app platforms.