If you had doubted the emergence of the streaming wars before the launch of Disney+, you'll no doubt believe in them now. There has never been as much competition brewing against Netflix until now, and the soon to be released HBO Max is only going to complicate things further.
Dinsey+ offers a streaming service that's the first of its kind: dedicated to the most recognizable brand in Hollywood which consists of arguably the most powerful independent properties around. But, for all its strengths, there are some things that Netflix has that certainly overcome other aspects of Disney+.
For all of the original programming that Netflix has to offer, along with its many third-party content, there is no doubt that Disney has the most valuable Independent Properties. Disney animation alone would garner a massive following, but the streaming service isn't limited to Snow White and Moana. The service offers the entire Pixar catalog, nearly every live-action Disney film ever released, not to mention all of the Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic series and films available. These are the most recognizable and valuable properties on the market.
Disney+ is a powerful new player in the market, but the types of content that its producing and owns is much safer than Netflix's. Disney has always prided itself on its neutrality, offering content for the whole family. Netflix, on the other hand, prides itself on risky moves and experimentation.
It garners some of the most talented and exciting creators in the business and gives them a platform to do their magic. A film like Martin Scorsese's The Irishman or Alfonso Cuaron's Roma most likely wouldn't get nearly as much attention if it wasn't for the fact that they are backed by both fantastic auteurs and Netflix.
Netflix certainly has its own brand. Shows such as Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black, and Queer Eye are examples of that certainly. But, few companies and studios have as strong of an identity as Disney. They have had one of the longest and closest relationships with the global market than any other studio in the business.
They are so connected to the childhoods of many, and their ability to integrate outside properties under their banner only makes them stronger. Disney+ is instantly recognizable in that way. If Netflix came out in today's market, its release would be nothing compared to that of Disney+ in terms of marketing.
When it comes to sheer numbers, Netflix arguably has way more to choose from in terms of programming. Does it have the same recognizability as Disney? Obviously, not. But, what it does offer is just way more stuff, all of which is different. Need a major blockbuster to watch? Netflix has got it. Classic indies? You got it. Stuff for the whole family? Yep!
Netflix doesn't have to be a middle ground for the whole family, and with profiles, it doesn't ever have to be! Also, Netflix's TV selection remains unmatched. There are way more TV series to choose from, as opposed to Disney+ which boasts the fantastic The Mandalorian, along with Disney Channel series.
It was mentioned before that Disney+ contains the entirety of the Disney animated library. That alone is something remarkable. For so long, Disney held back their home video releases, only allowing new additions every few years to be "released from the Disney Vault." With the release of Disney+, the vault has finally opened to everyone, allowing you to go back and watch every single Disney animated classic since Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. That alone is a huge win over Netflix. No other animated studio has more emotional attachment than Disney.
The biggest drawback of Disney+ is it is far too kid-friendly. Adults will like to revisit certain cartoons, but apart from that, the most mature entertainment available on the platform are the Disney and Marvel offerings (which most fans would already own at home).
Netflix, on the other hand, offers a wide array of programming for multiple age groups, but especially adult TV streaming. The number of dramas and comedies available is massive, and the quality is almost always a high mark. Not to mention the number of genres it explores, from period dramas like The Crown to Sci-Fi horror like Black Mirror.
Disney+ has such a great opportunity to reevaluate what you can do with massive IP's. The work seen thus far on The Mandalorian proves it. For so long, audiences were doubtful that the world of Star Wars could translate well into a live-action television series. But, with the success of The Mandalorian, all of those fears are gone. Imagine what can be done with the later Obi-Wan and Cassian Andor series?
The Marvel series too are reinventing Superhero TV, finally bridging the gap between the films and TV. Bringing in big-name creators and actors for these shows are bringing these massive cinematic universes to long-form TV stories.
Perhaps Disney+'s greatest foe so far isn't another streaming service, but the technology that supports itself. As many have complained about, the apps for Disney+ have remained fairly buggy or insufficient compared to other streaming services. There were sure to be issues from the beginning, as there are always some.
But, the fact that the apps don't support a simple function such as a "continue watching" option until days ago is pretty shocking. Hopefully, Disney hears complaints and continues to adjust their apps for consumers, both on consoles and mobile platforms.
For now, the original programming on Disney+ leaves a lot to be desired. The Mandalorian is must-watch TV, and The Imagineering Story is an excellent docuseries, but most of the other original content is anything but essential. But, in the coming year, the service is bound to bolster some of the most exciting streaming content around.
Both the Marvel and Star Wars series are huge opportunities, but there is bound to be even more. Monsters Inc. is getting its own follow-up series, for example, leaving the door open for exciting Disney and Pixar series in the future. Who knows what kind of never before imagined series could be in the works?
If the future of entertainment is sequels and reboots of independent properties, Disney+ certainly has an advantage. But don't give up on Netflix. The streaming platform still has many projects for families coming down the pipeline. Netflix will soon have exclusive rights to classics from Nickelodeon, including brand new projects such as continuations of old series and reboots of classics (like the upcoming live-action reboot of Avatar: The Last Airbender).
Not only that, but Netflix is set to start its own fantasy library, with a new Narina series and Roald Dahl adaptions coming too. All of these have held similar emotional attachment similar to Disney, and combined could become a threat to the Mouse's service.
