Oh no! Disney to remove all its movies from Netflix – including Pixar films!
Sit down. Take a deep breath. Yes, it is true. It’s just been revealed that Disney will be removing all of its content from Netflix. Do you need a tissue and a cuddle?
Bad news and good news (maybe!)
That’s right. Netflix users will someday no longer be able to find Nemo. No Tangled. No Bug’s Life. Sob!
While this news is sending some parents into a regret-filled tailspin, it’s important to note that this is part of a broader Disney master plan and you’ve got a bit of time to get used to it.
It’s also worth noting that there’s not a HUGE amount of Disney content available on Netflix, so this might actually signal an upcoming improvement.
Let us tell you more:
The entertainment giant apparently plans to launch its very own streaming service – and exclusively distribute its own content online for the first time.
While this is good news for parents – we’ll still have access to the movies we gosh-darned NEED – it also signals an extra streaming cost which some families may not be able to justify.
In an interview with CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger noted Disney had a “good relationship” with Netflix, but were ready to exercise their option to move their content off the platform.
He confirmed that content to be removed included “Disney as well as Pixar’s titles.”
Iger said that Disney are set to launch their own streaming platform in the US in 2019, with an ultimate aim to expand the new service globally.
The long goodbye
New Disney and Pixar content will cease being added to Netflix at the beginning of 2019. Existing Disney Pixar content will go AWOL altogether from Netflix at the end of 2019.
“US Netflix members will have access to Disney films on the service through the end of 2019, including all new films that are shown theatrically through the end of 2018,” a Netflix spokesperson told Mashable.
It’s unclear if it’s the same story in Australia. It’s also not yet known what the pricing structure for the new Disney streaming service might look like, but here’s hoping it’s comparable to – or cheaper than – Netflix.
A fresh focus
Disney said they’ll be creating new content especially for their platform, which will also host the upcoming and much-anticipated Toy Story 4, Frozen 2 and the live-action version of The Lion King.
Mashable revealed that Disney had also acquired a controlling interest in “BAMTech, the company that powers live streaming video operations for a variety of sports and events,” to ensure that they are technically ready to launch their own streaming service, drawing on BAMTech’s expertise.
Here’s hoping the new Disney kids’ streaming service is competitively priced AND chock full of excellent content.
Fingers, toes and eyes are crossed here!
