Disney announced this week that they will eventually be pulling their content from Netflix. More surprisingly, this is to correspond with the creation of two new streaming platforms-one for sports and another for their more traditional content. These platforms are slated for release in 2019. They’re aiming to create a platform that will be the exclusive streaming platform for Disney and Pixar movies. specifically, Toy Story 4, Frozen’s sequel and the live action Lion King will be streaming on the platform. Additionally, there will be library titles, original movies,TV shows and short form content. Interestingly enough, Marvel TV won’t be cutting ties with Netflix. Admittedly, I have very little interest in the sports streaming and are focusing primarily on the Disney’s traditional content. What can I say? I’m a sucker for animation.

Asking The Important Questions

Now, this might all seem pretty straightforward – Disney pulls their content from Netflix and starts their own streaming platform within the scope of a year. However, It isn’t so simple.

What about Marvel films? – We know Marvel shows will survive the purge, but what about its films? Furthermore, what about Star Wars? Will Rogue One be disappearing along with Lilo & Stitch?

A la Carte or subscription? – What type of service are we talking about here? VUDU or, well, Netflix? The importance of this stretches well beyond the concern of what you’ll directly be getting for your money since we’re also unsure about…

What about peripheral services like VUDU? – Speak of VUDU, what happens to services that deliver digital forms of their content already? Are we going to lose those as well?

Opportunity Abounds

I say that to say this – there’s a bit more here than you may realize. That being said, Im going to be rather blunt – DISNEY, DON’T MESS THIS UP. I may have a few Disney properties in my Netflix queue, but don’t be fooled – yanking them and starting a new service with them will not entice me to use your service at all. You run the very real chance of just looking like the kid who took his ball and went home.

But getting off of my high horse, I’m sure you don’t need me to point out that this is a great opportunity for you. Like Nintendo, you’re a huge cultural icon and excel at weaponizing nostalgia – don’t think I’ve forgotten all of those “Get it before it goes back into the vault!” commercials from the 90’s. Movies were a big event that happened every few years, but cartoons were a big event that happened every weekend.. Are you starting to get my point? I may not go in for old movies, but I will go in for my favorite old shows. Mighty Ducks, Gargoyles, Pepper Ann, American Dragon, Filmore, Kim Possible or Dave the Barbarian? Certainly. Offer me something that I can’t get without great expense to myself (if at all) and I think you’ll see great success.

OH, and while you’re at it, how about something from ABC Family? (Braceface and totally spies anyone??)

Cautious Optimism

Despite my initial abrasiveness, I don’t think Disney’s making a bad decision. In fact, I think they may be making a good one. But the only thing that will make it a definite good one is going beyond the obvious candidates.