The Walt Disney Co. announced the company will pull Disney movies from Netflix, and instead, release a new streaming service in 2019, which will include it’s ESPN sports channels.
Streaming services over the years have expanded rapidly and Disney is finally catching up. Netflix has been the biggest streaming service in past years, but with Disney removing its movies and TV shows, Netflix is expecting to lose subscribers. Disney’s new streaming service will be aimed at parents with children, but will also benefit adults because of the ESPN streaming capabilities.
While Disney has not released the cost of the monthly subscription yet, customers are speculating the price because Disney is known for matching high-quality product with high prices.
“Historically in Hollywood, (entertainment distributors) either have been a really good content developer or content provider. Disney historically has not done terribly well as a content distributor,” said Dr. Jeff Barnes, dean of Student Services and professor of The History of Disneyland course (HIS 401).
With other streaming services available, such as Hulu or Netflix, it will be hard for Disney to beat the price of other streaming services.
“I have three grandchildren and I do not want to have to pay for two different streaming services. Now you’re going to have to pay more for Disney products which I’d rather do. I still have cable where I still have the Disney channels and whatever I can get from that I will. I won’t be changing to Disney streaming,” said Charles Lee-Johnson, Dr. of social work.
Many people speculate about Disney opening its own streaming service but Disney has tested outside of the United States for the past two years in Europe. The trial streaming service was called Disney Life. Disney’s C.E.O. Bob Iger stated in a press release, “(Opening a streaming service) is a strategic shift in the way we distribute our content.”
Netflix customers wonder if Disney will not let Netflix show Lucasfilm or Marvel movies because they are both owned by Disney.
“Whatever Disney does with their streaming service they are going to want to make sure that they keep capturing the hearts and emotions of children at the youngest age possible to make them lifetime consumers,” Barnes said.
