The Promising Magic of Disney+
If you read our Disney+ Library Info post, you know that I wasn’t immediately on board with Disney’s streaming service. In fact, after sitting through the ‘Plus Panel’ at the D23 Expo, we both left feeling underwhelmed. The Marvel previews fell flat, and most of the original programming didn’t seem like it was our speed.
This might seem like an odd perspective from someone who is Disney-obsessed and writes Disney posts daily on a blog about Disney. However, as we’ve shared countless times, we’re primarily Disney Parks fans. Our interest of all things Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, etc. (We still haven’t seen the last two films by Walt Disney Animation Studios, although I actually am really looking forward to seeing Frozen 2.)
In terms of television programming, HBO has been more my speed than Disney’s past offerings, and I assumed that meant Disney+ would be potentially “not for me.” However, after a week with the streaming service, I’m sold. (At least, for now.) We’re loving Disney+ and enjoying its features, content, and approach much more than expected. In this, we’ll offer first impressions of Disney Plus’ magic & misses, along with what I’d like to see out of Disney+ as it grows and evolves…
The first element of the Disney+ magic is seeing so many classic Disney films, animated shorts, television specials, and so on. I’ve never been a huge fan of the Disney Vault, but it sure has worked out in Disney’s favor for this streaming service. When you first start browsing Disney+, it makes a strong first impression to see so much all at once that hasn’t seen the light of day in years.
I spent well over an hour just browsing and building out a Disney+ watch list before ever watching anything. My expectation was that the content library on Disney+ would be pretty light at launch (and compared to Netflix, it is) but I was surprised by just how much is available. Lots of Walt-era stuff I’ve never seen, other things I haven’t seen in ages, and plenty of stuff I didn’t even know exists. Just browsing Disney+ is a ton of fun.
To even my own surprise, some of the content I’ve enjoyed watching the most thus far is the old animated shorts. Many of these I’ve never seen at all–or only ever seen in passing (like on a Disney’s Magical Express bus or hotel lobby). It was great to finally sit down and give them my full attention, appreciating the artistry and stunning backgrounds.
Given the season, Pluto’s Christmas Tree was first up (and has been watched a few times already!), with Boat Builders, the Art of Skiing, and How to Swim among other early viewings. As I keep “discovering” older content like this, I keep adding it to my watchlist…which is growing quite lengthy.
With that said, the back catalogue of Disney+ is not perfect. Due to existing contracts with other streaming services, there’s still a lot that isn’t present. In other instances, there are some (seeming) oversights like Wonderful World of Color and Walt Disney’s Disneyland. There are also one-off specials from park openings that I’d love to see–Disney+ seems like the perfect home to niche content like this.
Then there are other things, which I’ve seen suggested on social media, like having Leonard Maltin offer introductions to some older content for cultural and social context. This and the above ‘missing’ content are fairly minor quibbles. As with all other streaming services, I’d expect Disney+ to evolve and improve over time–it had no shot of being a fully-featured Disney version of Netflix on day one.
We were in Japan when Disney+ launched, which was both a good and bad thing. It was good in the sense that we missed all of the release day hiccups, outages, etc. I followed along on social media and read reports about extensive day one problems, including those from some friends who waited hours on hold with customer service. (Why?!)
It was bad in the sense that I felt like I was missing out on a ton of fun as others shared their watchlists and reactions to Disney+ programming and the service in general. Additionally, I saw spoilers almost immediately, and ended up avoiding social media in large part because of that. Unfortunately, the cat–or should I say the Baby [redacted for those of you who don’t have social media]–was already out of the bag by that point.
In hindsight, I think this personal downside could end up being a huge upside to Disney+. One of the things I love about HBO is that it’s pretty much the last bastion of “appointment television.” Many viewers watch HBO shows live because everyone talks about them immediately around the (virtual) water cooler. There’s the implicit understanding that spoilers are fair game immediately. (Warning: old man yells at clouds rant incoming.)
Although I partake in the occasional television binge, I think it’s a terrible way to consume quality content–and one that does thought-provoking shows a huge injustice. How much time do you reflect on shows when watching 20 in a row? How often do you forget what happened in the previous season when the next is released because you watched all at once over a year ago?
Netflix has done a lot of great and some not-so-great things, and I’d firmly file the binge-model under the latter. It virtually eliminates the social component of television, reduces retention and reflection, and increases our collective desire for instant gratification. Binging guilty-pleasure fluff is one thing, but artfully-made and thought-provoking programming is another entirely.
Even though I had some things spoiled for me, I’m incredibly happy that Disney+ is following a weekly release schedule. My only wish is that they’d mimic the broadcast model with episodes airing “live” on release day during prime time. If spoilers are going to be fair game right away, a live release time that’s sensible for those with traditional work schedules is only appropriate. (This is something HBO does on its streaming platform, which makes sense as it’s still a traditional network. I’d love a “live” Disney+ feed in this same style.)
The weekly excitement around the Mandalorian and Imagineering Story is contagious, and the fun of socializing about the shows appears to be a big part of the early magic. (I wouldn’t know entirely, as I’m not fully caught up on either–please don’t spoil how the Eisner drama ends!)
I wish we could have this with Stranger Things, Master of None, Unbelievable, or any number of supposedly-great Netflix shows I never even heard about until there was outrage over their cancellation. I’m aware that “drowning in great content” is an odd complaint, but it does feel like Netflix has done some of its shows a disservice by failing to spotlight them amidst a deluge of other programming.
So long as Disney+ is releasing quality content, the weekly release approach is not just viable, but advantageous to get people to savor what they’re watching. (And if they’re not releasing strong new content with regularity, Disney+ is doomed anyway.)
The big question mark for me is when Disney+ will ramp-up its lineup. The Mandalorian is beautifully shot, memorable, engaging, and has the full weight of the Star Wars brand behind it…but it’s also just one show.
This is a bit of a tangent, but in browsing the Disney+ library and seeing what’s featured, it still boggles my mind that Disney spent $71.3 billion to acquire 21st Century Fox, an acquisition that was almost entirely for the sake of building up its streaming library. Aside from Avatar, the Simpsons, National Geographic, and a few classic films, I don’t see a ton of Fox content emphasized.
While I hardly have the credentials or insight to second-guess that acquisition, it sure seems like a lot was spent. The combined cost of Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars was roughly $15 billion, and those are now among Disney’s most recognizable brands/franchises. To be fair, Fox is not an apples to apples comparison with any of those, but the cost difference is noteworthy.
As suggested above, what Disney+ will need over time to grow its subscriber-base is a steady stream of buzz-worthy original content. The service doesn’t need to drop $15+ billion per year like Netflix in pursuit of a ‘throw everything at a wall and see what sticks’ approach, but it seems savvy to spend $1-2 billion for high quality, curated content like HBO.
Personally, I would’ve far preferred Disney devoting the bulk of its streaming ‘war chest’ over the last couple of years towards original content than acquiring Fox’s back catalogue. The original programming is what I’m enjoying most on Disney+ thus far, and I fear it’s going to be lacking on that front for at least the next year.
Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, and even shows and movies developed by Disney that don’t fall under one of the mouse’s major labels have Disney in their DNA, which is something that I don’t think can be said for the Fox content. As the “Disney” brand is increasingly fragmented, I think this is significant. Disney+ could be a great way to reaffirm what the core brand means, even/especially via original programming. (For example, Noelle is not part of any franchise, but it very much has that Disney feel to it–not to mention Disney product placement!)
I’m veering pretty far off topic now–and my wishes for what Disney+ could or will be in the future have no bearing on what it is today or what it might actually become…
Ultimately, in the here and now, there’s a lot about Disney+ to like or even love. It has definitely exceeded my initial expectations, and I’m really excited about what’s coming out between now and the beginning of 2020. We never did end up taking advantage of the Disney+ 3-year promo offer for fear of future programming shortcomings.
As much as I’m loving Disney+ right now, this is still the “honeymoon” phase with the service, and a future dearth of quality original programming remains my main concern about the service. The strong first impression and back catalogue will leave us satisfied for at least a few months, and we’ll reevaluate after that. Suffice to say, Disney+ is off to a solid start, and there are some definite sparks of magic in it.
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of Disney+ thus far? Which programming have you enjoyed the most? Any misses for you? Want to see more Disney+ content reviews or previews here? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment of Disney+? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I was in the same boat as you. My initial concern about Disney+ was that it was going to be a streaming version of the Disney Channel whose programming doesn’t appeal to my demographic (50 year old male).
Then one day I read an article about what was going to be offered. I found myself thinking “I’d watch that” for about 70% of what was being described. I signed up that day. Other than the original programming (which I love) I’ve also really enjoying see the live action comedies from the 60’s and 70’s. I get that these aren’t exactly high-brow (ok, they’re not high-brow at all) but they’re like candy; it’s not good for me but I like it anyway. Maybe there’s a little bit of nostalgia thrown in there, but I’m happy to see Dean Jones getting into wacky shenanigans again.
My favorite original content so far is Imagineering Story. I love this documentary and seeing all the old footage restored.
I didn’t like Noelle (except for the Duffy & Shellie May cameo and the little reindeer) or Lady and the Tramp reboot.
I am hoping Disney+ will include Johnny Tremaine, Small One, all the old Mickey Mouse/Donald Duck/Goofy/Chip and Dale shorts, House of Mouse episodes, and all the Silly Symphony cartoons. Also, I hope for more park content similar to Imagineering Story.
I wonder how this streaming service will impact Disney channel and Disney junior which are both key players in my household. I’d hate to lose all those kids shows and “be forced” to order another service (have Netflix currently).
I was initially quite annoyed that we have to wait until March in the UK.
But this post has really made change that opinion to be honest.
Allowing Disney+ to ‘flesh out’ for a few months might actually work in our favour.
Assuming we get everything… if there is no Imagineering Story, I riot.
Zorro!
We were disappointed to find that The Last Jedi won’t be available until after The Rise of Skywalker comes out in theaters. This feels like Disney is nickel and diming us for content that there’s no reason to not be available right now.
They have contracts with other streaming services. Usually Netflix. The date it arrives on Disney+ is the day that contract is up with Netflix.
They have been very transparent over the past few months when talking about which popular movies would be available at launch. It is coming soon, but it not being present on day 1 is not new information, nor evidence that Disney was being misleading.
We bought Disney+ for our Marvel-loving teen, but the favorite so far has been the new Jeff Goldblum series. Now I’m going to have to go searching for “The Snowball Express.” (I’d forgotten to go searching for the oldies.) And definitely do go see “Frozen 2” — a fun film where they didn’t just try to do-over “Frozen” and milk that cash cow.
Vis a vis the general absence of Fox content on Disney+, I think that disney has made the smart choice by partitioning the acquired material away from Disney “branded” channels. All of the less “family friendly” stuff has its place, and that place is HULU. Disney can put whatever squalorous drek it wants on Hulu, without impinging on the historically squeaky clean Disney image. All of the darker, edgier, younger or just cruder stuff can go on Hulu, and still make Disney a ton of money as the controlling shareholder of Hulu. If folks complain about the content on Hulu being to crass for a family friendly company, Disney can just say “Hey, that’s not Disney, it’s Hulu and we don’t have complete control over Hulu”. Which is technically correct. It’s the smart move, and it makes folks have to get two subscriptions if they want all of the content in the Disney/Fox catalog. Kind of like splitting Harry Potter Land between two parks so you have to buy admission to both if you just want to do all of Harry Potter…
Don’t forget buying Fox gets Disney a majority stake in Hulu and the rights to Star Wars: A New Hope (fox owned that one, not Lucas)
Reading about your watchlist I got inspired so I added a few suggestions from your article. But I found out that a few things are not available here (The Netherlands). I’ve searched for the Goofy shorts, but I can’t find them anywhere. Pluto’s Christmas Tree is there, as well as a dozen mickey mouse shorts, but no Goofy specific stuff (I’m only talking about the shorts here).
Now, this does not make sense to me at all. These shorts have running contracts with other services in Europe? I sure hope the’ll become available over time…
Ohw, and being a themepark fan I also looked for the Disneyland around the sea… (dont’t know what that is, but it looked interesting). Can’t find that either 🙁
It is “Disneyland Around the Seasons” as the full title. 🙂 I just found it here in the US.
I’m bummed they haven’t included the Disney Sunday Night Movies. My parents were obsessed with taping these every night and they have a VAST Library on VHS. I guess I expected to see these included.
that’s what my husband really wants too. they’d have a lifelong subscriber in him if they added those. you can’t find those anywhere.
They have Mr. Boogedy which was a Sunday night movie. My grandma always taped that stuff for me on VHS too. Lol
Great post, Tom.
As much as I’m bummed to be missing out on The Mandalorian, I’m holding off on Disney+ for now. First, as others have noted, I have most of the content I need on DVD (or currently still available on other streaming services). Second, as a bit of a cinephile, I like watching “high-production value” movies/shows on my big TV — not on my phone or laptop. But unfortunately our Smart TV is a Vizio and Vizio doesn’t support Disney+ as an app just yet. Sounds like it’s in the works — but I don’t want to have to purchase another streaming device just to access Disney+. (Even if I could cast to the TV from my phone, which is another Vizio problem, that doesn’t help when my kids want to watch when I’m not home).
I’ll eventually come around — and while I agree 100% with Tom that rolling out new content weekly is by far my preference, I might end up waiting until the first season of The Mandalorian (and maybe Imagineering Story) is fully available, then signing up for a free trial and “slow-binging” Season 1 over the course of a single week, assuming I can at least cast to my Vizio TV by then. Not sure how much else on Disney+ I’m really excited about until more original programming is released.
My tv didn’t support Disney + either. I bought a fire stick on amazon (on sale now for $20) and it works perfect. Very happy with it.
I considered a Fire Stick but Disney+ is the only app I’d use it for. And doing the dance of trying to find an open HDMI port and available power outlet adds extra effort/annoyance just for one show.
I’m with you, Tom on the way Disney+ is rolling out the original content weekly! It definitely builds anticipation and sparks fun conversation as we reflect on each episode. It also allows you to explore all the rest Disney+ has to offer while you wait for the next installment. Personally, I’m fine with the mix of original programming and historical content. The most attractive feature of Disney+ is the nostalgia it brings with all of the classic live action and animation available. Disney fans of my generation eat up all of that content (I’m 45!) and it’s wonderful to share memories of these films with other fans who enjoy it. While I hope the original content keeps coming I get my nostalgia fix with all the old stuff…many of which is “rewatchable” over and over!
Seems like they are still working out the kinks. I had a ton added to my watchlist only for them to disappear or so it seemed. Turns out there appears to be a cap on your watchlist. I removed titles and new things showed up. Hopefully that will be fixed in the future. I really am enjoying the original programming and hope they churn out more frequently or do follow ups on stuff like Imagineers. That seems like a one off though. It’s going to feel like a garage sale of old VHS tapes after the new shows are done and we all have to wait for new programming. Glad we all have access to it but like you said, wish there was more of the in depth catalog was added or soon to be. So many old shows on ABC that could be added, but I am sure wrapped up in other contracts and rights.
We have Verizon, so we have one year free. Our first watches were Pollyanna, Swiss Family Robinson and Darby O’Gill and the Little People. Next we watched the first Star Wars movies, not Part 1, 2 and 3, but the original three that they now call 4, 5 and 6. I’m planning on watching some old Mickey Mouse Club, Spin and Marty and hope to find the Hardy Boys on there, too. In a year we’ll decide whether or not to keep it.
we fall into a weird bucket at my house. everyone is shocked when they learn we don’t have disney plus (yet?). we’re still really big physical copy owners and own everything from disney/marvel/star wars/pixar that was ever made available that we feel is worthy-to-own, so most of that content on streaming means nothing for us. my husband said they need to get the old wonderful world of disney series, wonderful world of color, real-life adventures, mickey mouse club, and disney sunday movie catalog and he’d sign up tomorrow, since most of that content is not available to own. and we’re interested in the original content, but have yet to be convinced those alone are worth the price.
I for one am waiting for the Disneyland anthology TV programming as well. By “real-life adventures” do you mean True Life Adventures? If so, there are several feature length True Life Adventures on Disney+ now: Vanishing Prairie, The African Lion, The Living Desert, Secrets of Life and more! They are outstanding…and I’ve found the African Lion to be an excellent prep for a trip to Animal Kingdom.
I signed up for the ~$130 price for 3 years. For me, the Mandalorian, the back catalog of Disney shorts/movies and the Nat Geo content justifies that price. Heck, it cost $60 to take 4 people to see Frozen 2 and as much as I enjoyed that movie I’ve already gotten more than 2x the content from Disney+ with many months left to go.