Disney reveals streaming deal with Amazon and Microsoft
Disney has partnered with Amazon and Microsoft to expand the availability of its cloud-based film app in a move designed to steer film fans towards digital purchases.
Walt Disney Co's studio unit announced that customers of Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp's video services will have access to Disney’s film collection on its cloud-based movie storage service from today (8 September). Users will be able to buy a digital movie once and access it on any device, through the app, via the cloud.
The collection of Disney movies will be available to purchase and stream and can be accessed through Microsoft’s Xbox and for Amazon's Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. The app will update with new films on the same day as DVD release which Disney hopes will help recoup declining DVD sales.
Disney’s studio has created hugely popular films like "Frozen" and Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," which has enjoyed success at the box office but the company is looking to continue the brands revenue streams with purchases through its app.
The app is also due to launch on video streaming-device maker Roku Inc and Google Inc's Android TV on Sept. 15, coinciding with the DVD release of "Cinderella”.
Disney has remained cautious about streaming video but has agreed deals with Netflix for timed exclusive content which is due to take effect 2016. The company’s home entertainment sales have held up better than the rest of the industry's which has been attributed to the success of hits such as Frozen and children’s tendency to watch films over and over.
However, some of the company’s other arms have been financially struggling as of late including their prised ESPN sports network which has suffered a decline in its subscriber base as consumers continue to cut cords with subscription cable services.