Disney+ is an upcoming streaming platform from the Entertainment juggernaut and it aims to straightaway take on competitors like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. The new announcement that the online hub would stream non-Disney shows is a positive sign in this direction.
Some of the most anticipated movies would ditch the competition and directly hit your home screens via Disney+. The looming onslaught has already forced its major competitor i.e. Netflix to hike its price.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has reportedly emphasized that Disney’s direct-to-consumer business remains the company’s number one priority. During the company’s quarterly earnings call, he told investors that the service will host content licensed from other parties in addition to their in-house properties.
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Disney gave the investors a sneak peek into the platform at a meeting on April 11, and revealed important details such as Pricing, Supported Devices, and Launch Date.
Speaking of cost, this new decision could shell a lot from Disney’s pocket. As per their estimate, Captain Marvel and other Disney films releasing this year will cut operating income by about $150 million.
Disney+ Content: What all could you binge?
- A major highlight of this platform would be its children-friendly content. Sorry! No R-rated stuff. Moreover, there will be parental and data controls.
- You could design and set iconic Disney characters as your avatar in custom profiles.
- You’ll have the option to download unlimited Disney+ content for offline viewing as well.
- It would sport a dark theme.
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As mentioned already, Captain Marvel would be the first big release to hit the Disney+ screen. Regardless to say, the biggest cinematic experience of the year, (drum rolls) Avengers Endgame could also be streamed simultaneously with the big screen. So, it is likely a bliss for all couch-potatoes.
Other big movies slated to launch this year like Dumbo, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Frozen 2, et. al. could also be available. The list continues with content from Walt Disney Studio and Walt Disney Productions banners, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, X-Men (21st Century Fox has been acquired by Disney). You could quench your binge crave with old favorites extensions as well like High School Musical and Monsters Inc.
Disney has already announced a live-action Star Wars TV series titled The Mandalorian executive produced by famed director/screenwriter Jon Favreau and Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi. All Marvel fans could expect standalone movies/shows of characters like Hawk-Eye, Loki, and Scarlet Witch.
When Disney enters the streaming war, choices for the consumers increase and we’d all agree – the more the merrier.
Disney+ Price, Availability and Supported Devices
It all starts on November 12. For more info: https://t.co/RD04P7jdAT #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/M1QI7qkH5p
— Disney (@Disney) April 12, 2019
Disney+ would be available in the USA from November 12, 2019, at a cost of $7 per month or $70 per year. Interestingly, the company might offer bundling discounts with other services such as Hulu (USA) and Hotstar (India).
Disney+ Availability Timeline:
- North America: Q1 Fiscal 2020
- Western Europe: the first half of 2020
- Eastern Europe: the first half of 2021
- Asia-Pacific countries: throughout 2020 and 2021
- Latin America: the first half of 2021
The global media giant is already planning a Disney+ app in partnership with Sony. Disney+ application will be available on smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers as well as set-top boxes like Roku and Apple TV, consoles like PS4. We could also expect platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch to be included.
