Disney+ What, When, Where & How (Much)
Disney announced plans to launch a new digital streaming service back in 2017. In late spring, the company provided the highly anticipated details. Today’s post shares the what, when, where and how (much!) on Disney streaming.
What
Let’s start with the what.
Disney named its upcoming streaming service Disney+. This new Netflix rival will feature hundreds of films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucas Films as well as classic titles the company acquired in the recent 20th Century Fox deal (Sound of Music! Princess Bride! Titanic!). Unlike Netflix though, Disney+ will only feature films rated PG-13 and lower.
In addition to films, Disney+ will also offer subscribers access to previously aired content from Disney-owned stations like ABC, Disney, Disney Junior, Disney XD and National Geographic. The company claims the initial launch will showcase more than 7,500 television episodes.
As if that wasn’t enough to fill your free time, the new service will also showcase original content. Gobs of it. Disney plans to release 25 original new series and 10 new movies within its first year. Examples of new shows based on popular Disney brands include Mandalorian (Star Wars), The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Marvel) and Monsters at Work (Pixar). Other series will feature all new content or draw from Disney-owned book series, like the popular Disney Villain titles from Serena Valentino.
Made-for-streaming (is that a thing?) movie titles will run the gamut on genre with at least a few following the Disney trend of live-action remakes. Examples include The Lady and the Tramp and The Sword in the Stone.
So, yeah. You’re probably going to need A LOT of popcorn.
Of course some titles won’t be included, at least initially, due to Disney’s current deals with other media partners. Netflix, for example, has a deal to stream Marvel and Star Wars films from 2018 or earlier. Disney will possibly try to rework these terms, but for now at least a few very popular movies titles will be excluded from Disney+.
The exceptions overall are fairly limited though. Everything released in 2019 or later, including Captain Marvel, will be part of the Disney service when it launches later this year.
When
Which brings us to the when. Disney+ launches on November 12 this year, just in time to feature Avengers: End Game and a few other anticipated 2019 theater releases (Toy Story 4, Lion King...).
Although no specific date was given, the company also announced plans to roll out the service in Europe and Asia in 2020.
Where
The where is pretty much the same as any other streaming service. You will be able to stream Disney+ through a smart TV, gaming console or Roku among other options, as well as through the Disney+ app on phones and tablets. The app should include methods to flag favorites, browse recommendations and set-up user profiles like other services as well as a few Disney-unique touches (Disney character avatars!).
How Much
This may be my favorite part, since my Disney addiction isn’t always so great for my budget. Disney plans to offer the service (at least initially!) at $6.99 a month.
Seems like a deal to me, especially since I paid more than that for each of the MANY Disney films I saw in the theaters this year. A month’s worth of content for less than one theater ticket is surprisingly reasonable.
What do you think?
So there you go: the what, when, where and how (much) on Disney’s new streaming service.
Do you think you’ll give Disney+ a try or stick with your other entertainment options?
Fortunately or not, depending on your perspective, you still have about six months to decide.
Add a little (streaming) magic to your world.