New Disney Movies Finally Coming To Netflix…But Not Until 2016
Today Netflix and The Walt Disney Company announced a new multi-year licensing agreement. Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for Disney’s first-run live-action and animated features. But there’s just one catch. Looks like Netflix viewers are going to have to wait at least three years, as Yahoo Finance reports that the agreement will begin with Disney’s 2016 theatrically released feature films.
Today Netflix and The Walt Disney Company announced a new multi-year licensing agreement. Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for Disney’s first-run live-action and animated features. But there’s just one catch. Looks like Netflix viewers are going to have to wait at least three years, as Yahoo Finance reports that the agreement will begin with Disney’s 2016 theatrically released feature films.
Starting in 2013, Netflix viewers will have access to Disney content, but it will be primarily made up of “high-profile Disney direct-to-video new releases.” Other select Disney features will be available starting today as well, including Dumbo, Pocahontas and Alice in Wonderland. The deal also includes content from Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disneynature.
Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix says, “Disney and Netflix have shared a long and mutually beneficial relationship and this deal will bring to our subscribers, in the first pay TV window, some of the highest-quality, most imaginative family films being made today. It’s a bold leap forward for Internet television and we are incredibly pleased and proud this iconic family brand is teaming with Netflix to make it happen.”
Janice Marinelli, President of Disney-ABC Domestic Television says, “With this cutting-edge agreement, we are thrilled to take our highly valued relationship with Netflix to the next level by adding Disney’s premier films to their programming line-up. Netflix continues to meet the demands of its subscribers in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, and we are delighted that they will have much earlier access to our top-quality and entertaining slate.”
This is good news for Disney and Pixar lovers, as for quite some time the only “Disney-ish” content available on Netflix consisted of knock-offs like Kiara The Brave (instead of Brave), Chop Kick Panda (instead of Kung Fu Panda) and Little Cars (instead of Cars). However, it’s still going to take awhile before Netflixers can get their full fill of Disney on the streaming site. And let’s be real for a moment here—who knows where Netflix and online streaming in general will be in 2016.
What’s your take on this news? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Megan O’Neill is the resident web video expert here at Social Times. Megan covers everything from the latest viral videos to online video news and tips, and has a passion for bizarre, original and revolutionary content and ideas.
