If you enjoy watching Disney movies on Netflix then you'd better make the most of it. Because Disney has announced it's planning to launch its own streaming service in 2019. Which means it's current distribution deal with Netflix is coming to an end. That Mickey sure is a tough customer.
Disney and Netflix have forged a good relationship over the years. It's been beneficial for both parties too, with Disney getting to stream its films on a popular platform, and Netflix gaining subscribers as a result. Now, however, Disney is ready to strike out on its own, with a streaming service that will provide direct competition to Netflix.
Disney Wants a Slice of the Streaming Pie
Mickey Mouse and co. revealed their hand in a press release regarding its acquisition of BAMTech. Disney is paying $1.58 billion to become the majority shareholder in BAMTech, a streaming company I have personally never heard of. Still, it's this acquisition which will enable Disney to launch its own streaming service.
Disney will launch its streaming service in 2019, which means it's curtains for Netflix. Calling it a "strategic shift," Disney states it will "end its distribution agreement with Netflix for subscription streaming of new releases, beginning with the 2019 calendar year theatrical slate."
As for what kind of service Disney is building, the company said:
"The new Disney-branded service will become the exclusive home in the U.S. for subscription-video-on-demand viewing of the newest live action and animated movies from Disney and Pixar, beginning with the 2019 theatrical slate, which includes Toy Story 4, the sequel to Frozen, and The Lion King from Disney live-action, along with other highly anticipated movies."
"Disney will also make a significant investment in an annual slate of original movies, TV shows, short-form content and other Disney-branded exclusives for the service. Additionally, the service will feature a vast collection of library content, including Disney and Pixar movies and Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD television programming."
As well as this streaming service for movies and TV shows Disney is launching an ESPN streaming service in 2018. This will offer a "robust array of sports programming, featuring approximately 10,000 live regional, national, and international games and events a year, including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, Grand Slam tennis, and college sports."
I Stream Therefore I Pay Through the Nose
This represents a significant change in the way Disney delivers content to consumers. The company has always maintained a tight grip over its intellectual property. Allowing Netflix to stream its content was a bold move, but launching its own streaming service is an even bolder move. The problem for us consumers is it's yet another streaming service to subscribe to.
Do you regularly watch Disney movies on Netflix? Will the loss of new Disney releases make you ditch Netflix? Are you likely to subscribe to Disney's new streaming service instead? Is the number of streaming services getting out of hand? The comments are open below.
Image Credit: Amy via Flickr