Details on Disney, DC Universe Streaming Services

Is the Disney and/or DC Universe streaming service something you’ve been waiting for? If so, Solid Signal has some news for you!

During Disney’s recent second quarter earnings call, CEO Bob Iger shared details about this upcoming on-demand streaming service. The biggest takeaway is that Disney wants it to be more affordable than Netflix. (The amount of $5 per month is being considered.) Like Netflix, Disney plans to highlight its offering with plenty of original programming. The corporation is eyeing a 2019 release. How’s that sound so far, Disney fans?

Disney’s planned original shows are based on some of its popular franchises, such as Monsters Inc. and High School Musical, according to Iger. There are two Star Wars shows rumored to be in the works, though Iger did not mention this during the earnings call. Star Wars movies released before next year will be shown on streaming services such as Netflix. (These contracts will need to end before the shows can appear on Disney’s streaming service.) Disney also plans to build its library with Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and NatGeo content.

Disney’s upcoming streaming service will focus on the “core Disney fan,” according to Iger. Anyone familiar with the brand can safely assume that most or all of the service’s content will have a family-friendly vibe. No R-rated films will be found on the new streaming service, according to Iger. This content will be viewed on Hulu once Disney owns 60 percent of that company.

Are you eagerly awaiting Disney’s streaming service? If so, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Iger said that Disney expects a late 2019 release. This could mean any time during the second half of that year, or even in its final few months. (This release date is not set in stone.) Like most things in the streaming world, we’ll have to wait and see.

DC Universe Streaming Service Info

Are you a DC comics fan? Perhaps the DC Universe is the streaming service for you. When it launches this fall, it will cost $7.99 per month, or $74.99 for the year. The streaming service is scheduled to feature original and archived video content, comic books, and more, according to Warner Media. This news was recently released at the San Diego Comic-Con.

At the event, DC and Warner Media announced that DC Universe pre-orders have opened at DCUniverse.com. Fans who order before the pre-launch will get three additional months for free. DC Universe will be available for:

  • iOS
  • Android
  • Roku
  • Apple TV
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android TV
  • Web
  • Mobile web

No original comic book content will be created for the DC Universe launch, according to Warner Media. The possibilities presented by this streaming service has many creators excited, however. The comic book catalog is expected to get regular updates, according to Warner Media spokespeople. Plans also include showcasing a new series, and new episodes, at least once a week, and more.

The Future of Streaming Services?

Are niche streaming services the focus on specialty content the future of this entertainment medium? When released, Disney and DC Universe will be two such streaming options in a long and growing list of specialty content providers, which includes:

  • CBS All Access
  • Crunchyroll
  • Filmstruck
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Smithsonian
  • Ultraflix
  • Vimeo

While these channels all have their fans, I’m not sure that niche streaming services will replace the big dogs, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. For people who enjoy specialty content, these services will likely help fill a void. I believe the key to their success is finding a balance between offering plenty of content, but keeping the monthly rates low. (Personally, I think anything under $10/month is the sweet spot.) That makes it’s more attractive to add one or more of these unique streaming services to one’s overall plan. This is definitely something to keep an eye on as the streaming world moves ever forward.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.