Disney Switching To Netflix For Exclusive Film Distribution

[wraggster]

When Disney films leave the theater and head for TV, they currently go through the Starz channel first. That's going to change in 2016. Disney has signed a deal (http://www.bloomberg.com/article/2012-12-04/ahra6BoYSPuQ.html) to give Netflix the first crack at its animated and live-action films. Even if you're not a fan of either company, this is a bit of a big deal; Disney isditching a traditional pay-TV service in favor of online streaming (http://arstechnica.com/business/2012/12/disney-anoints-netflix-as-its-exclusive-distributor-starting-in-2016/). (It also includes properties from the recent Lucasfilm deal (http://entertainment.slashdot.org/story/12/10/30/2018219/disney-to-acquire-lucasfilm-star-wars-episode-7-due-in-2015).) The article wisely points out that pay-TV in general isn't in danger until the live sports situation changes, but this is a big step away from the status quo.

http://entertainment.slashdot.org/story/12/12/05/059221/disney-switching-to-netflix-for-exclusive-film-distribution