Disney +

Why No-one Will Lose The ‘Streaming Wars’- Except Us

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2021

The so-called streaming wars are heating up and, while at this point it’s probably like beating a dead horse, I thought I’d give my take on it. Netflix undoubtedly won Round One, in fact they decimated the competition. And Netflix’s success was so enviable that every media outlet wanted the same. And so, comes Round Two. Netflix dominated what little competition it had in Round One, but now it’s a much busier playing field. Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Hulu, Peacock, and many more are vying for the top spot- or are they?

I don’t think there will be any one winner of the streaming wars. Everyone will be a winner. The current ‘King’ of streaming, Netflix, made an estimated $25 billion in 2020, Disney Plus generated an estimated $4.5 billion, HBO Max made an estimated $3.8 billion. If that’s losing, I’d happily be called a loser. Which brings me to my point; all these corporations are winning, eventually they’ll be making tens of billions a year. That doesn’t mean they’ll all be the same though…

I believe there will be a ‘Big 5’. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, HBO Max (provided it launches worldwide), and Apple TV+. These five services will thrive, they will dominate the market, generate the most income, have the most influence, create the most content. Why? Netflix is the grandfather of streaming, it has had its foot in the proverbial door far too long to be ousted, and it has one invaluable advantage over all the others: experience. Netflix has been at this far longer than all the others, it is the blueprint for modern streaming, it paved the way, Disney Plus, HBO Max, all owe their success and even their existence, to Netflix. It isn’t going anywhere. Netflix’s experience also gives them knowledge about their audience. Netflix knows its audience well, it knows what we like, what is successful and what isn’t. Younger streaming services are just testing the water; yes, Disney has been going for over 90 years but 2021 is only its second year in streaming, and so it’s still figuring out what works and what doesn’t with regards to everything from their content to their user interface. Meanwhile Disney Plus and HBO Max will be part of this ‘Big 5’ because they are owned by Disney and Warner Bros respectively; two of the biggest studios in movie history, together they own some of the most famous intellectual property (IP) in history. Something we’ve already seen them both flex this year; Disney with their Star Wars TV shows, Marvel TV shows, and HBO Max having new DC films, gaining vast subscribers very quickly. Those two are also here to stay.

The reason I also think Amazon Prime and, perhaps controversially, Apple TV+ will be part of the Big 5 is because they aren’t streamers, or movie studios. They are two of the biggest companies in the world. Apple TV+ is backed by a multi TRILLION-dollar company, Amazon Prime is owned by the richest man in the world, they have an almost infinite supply of cash to pour into their streaming services until they are hugely popular and successful, it doesn’t matter if they lose money. Netflix is valued at about $250 billion, which is a drop in the water compared to Amazon’s $1.7 trillion and an ever-smaller drop compared to Apple’s $2.08 trillion worth. Amazon Prime already has the second largest amount of subscribers behind only Netflix, and have also recently acquired MGM, one of the oldest movie studios in Hollywood, giving them a vault of legendary IP like Disney and Warner Bros. Apple TV+ is trailing behind with only (roughly) 65 million subscribers, but as I’ve said, Apple TV+ is backed by the single largest company in the world, its current ‘failings’ mean nothing, Apple will keep throwing money at it until it becomes successful. And many of Apple TV+’s subscribers are using the free trial provided when you buy a new Apple product, and if one year for free is an incentive to buy a $1,000 iPhone, or a $2,000 MacBook, Apple don’t really care. If people upgrade their iPhone with every new release and pay $1,000, that’s far more than a year’s subscription to Apple TV+ costs and as they upgrade yearly, people are getting a subscription to Apple TV+ at no extra cost in perpetuity so Apple simply are too big to care about streaming profits that much, but they’ll keep pouring money into it regardless so it will grow. Apple is also a baby streaming service, launching the same year as Disney+ but without the huge catalogue of pre-existing content Disney had, over the years they will grow and have more content, they can afford to swoop in and pay $250m at the drop of a hat to acquire Martin Scorsese’s next film: Killers of the Flower Moon, they have won Emmys, they have deals with some of the world’s biggest stars, and they will continue to do so.

A still from Apple’s (Martin Scorsese’s) Killers of the Flower Moon

What about all the others, then? What happens to Peacock, or Hulu, or Paramount+? I think all of these will comfortably survive. They won’t come close to threatening Netflix, or Disney Plus, but they also won’t come close to going bankrupt. They will exist very comfortably and be successful, just not so successful to threaten the ‘big 5’. So, my predictions for the streaming wars are that everyone wins, and no-one loses. Well, not no-one but no streaming service…

Call me cynical but the only loser in all of this is us. The consumer. Traditional television died because to watch everything you wanted to, you had to pay for lots of different channels, then streaming, specifically Netflix came along and provided an alternative; stream whatever you want, whenever you want, no ads, at a tenth of the cost, if that. And Netflix boomed, which led to the birth of every movie studio, every TV channel having their own streaming service and so… we’ve done a loop. We went from having to buy lots of different channels to watch everything we wanted, to paying for one or two streaming services, back to having to buy lots of different streaming services (channels) to watch everything we want. Streaming also had the advantage of no ads, but HBO Max recently introduced a cheaper version with ads.

Perhaps other services will follow suit and we will be back to spending more money on our TV and we’ll have to watch ads (if you can’t or don’t want to pay for the ad-free version). Still though, they can’t take away the benefit of being able to pick what to watch and when to watch it, so that’s good. Also, the actual content we’re getting is incredible and volume we’re getting it in is tremendous compared to the pre-Netflix era. However, to subscribe to every major streaming service isn’t that much cheaper than traditional TV anymore and the cost will continue to go up; Netflix Premium had a 17% price increase in the US between 2013 and 2017, and another 14% increase between 2017 and 2019 (their price increases aren’t limited to the premium service) and that increase isn’t limited to Netflix and it won’t stop. Streaming was successful, streaming changed the way we consume media, because it was better and cheaper than traditional TV, now it’s just better.

FILM RATING

Disney

Disney’s Latest Star “Wish”

Published

14 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Jacques van Zyl

Ariana DeBose as Asha in Wish (Disney)

Plot

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

*Ariana Debose as Asha in Wish (Disney)*

Movie Review (no spoilers)

The film is inspired by Disney’s centennial, which ties together a central theme across most of the Disney-related stories — of wishes and dreams coming true. One can view it as the origin story for the wishing star, albeit a funny star. Disney delivers a feel good story filled with humor and the occasional teases and links to other Disney-related works. Ariana DeBose braces the big screen as the hero, Asha who discovers a sinister secret about King Magnifico and his use of the wishes.

Ariana’s performance performance is amazing and I enjoyed listening to the songs she performed. I foresee “This Wish” topping the charts at Spotify soon.

This Wish by Ariana DeBose (Spotify)

Chris Pine plays the part of King Magnifico and delivers a good performance as the villain. We hear him sing a song alongside Ariana, At All Costs.

At All Costs by Chris Pine & Ariana DeBose (Spotify)

The story delivers the usual fun characters that Disney brings along in all stories, amazing graphics of a magical world, and an amazing song library for everyone to listen to. This movie is excellent for young and old, delivering a feel-good movie for all. Wish is yet another treasure in the world of Disney.

I’m really excited for the next 100 years of Disney magic. The movie Wish has the potential to become a sequel, or even provide potential spin-offs exploring the wishes and dreams of others in the magical Disney Universe.

My wish is for more many more years of movie magic from Disney. What is yours?

My rating is a 4 out of 5 for Disney’s Wish. Watch at a cinema near you and join in the Disney centennial celebrations!

Wish Official Trailer (Disney)

FILM RATING

Disney +

‘Doctor Who: The Star Beast’: Review | A Delightful Cosmic Adventure

Published

5 days ago

November 23, 2023

Liam Dearden

This review was made possible by screeners for Doctor Who: The Star Beast. Doctor Who: The Star Beast releases on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney Plus in the rest of the world on November 25

Doctor Who has undoubtedly become a pop-culture phenomenon. With over 60 years of iconic history, the show continues to enthral audiences worldwide with its time-travelling adventures, dynamic characters and imaginative storylines. Now celebrating its Diamond anniversary, writer Russell T. Davies returns to spearhead the trio of hour-long specials and the new series with 15th Doctor Ncuti Gatwa starting this Christmas with “The Church on Ruby Road”. This new regeneration of the show looks to be the third new beginning, following the original classic run, from 1963 to 1989, and the modern revival, which began in 2005 as Davies delivers a brilliant start to the new era that ultimately kickstarts the 60th celebrations in style.

It’s been two years now since the exciting and surprising announcement that Russell T. Davies, the man who revived Doctor Who in 2005 after its 15-year hiatus and helped the show soar to incredible new heights, will be returning as showrunner for the 60th Anniversary and series beyond. Now, it’s time to find out what the future looks like. However, the wait is nearly over as we’re just a few days away till the Doctor returns to our screens with the first of three anniversary specials, celebrating 60 years of sci-fi prestige.

The first special, “The Star Beast,” premieres on Disney+ worldwide and on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK on Saturday, November 25. Check out our spoiler-free review below to see what Whovians can expect later this week.

The Doctor is caught in a fight to the death as a spaceship crash-lands in London. But as the battle wreaks havoc, destiny converges on the Doctor’s old friend Donna.

“The Star Beast” follows the Doctor as he tries to figure out why he’s regenerated back into this body and ultimately Why this face. Why now? Tennant, who was originally the 10th Doctor, left back in 2010. The episode, which premieres on Saturday, November 25, reunites fans with Tennant’s Doctor and his former companion, Donna Noble.

The first 60th-anniversary special truly is a return to form thanks to Russell’s writing and Rachel Talalay’s direction.”The Star Beast” is based on the eight-part 1980 Doctor Who Magazine/Marvel comic strip from Doctor Who Weekly written by Pat Mills, John Wagner, and drawn by Dave Gibbons and now The Meep makes the jump from the comic pages to TV screens across the globe. Watching “The Star Beast”, felt like something magical had returned to my Tv screen, which it has, I was grinning from ear to ear as this first 60th special is quintessential Doctor Who, It’s a special that encapsulates everything we love about Who especially from RTD’s era, that’s what truly made it great. Davies’ adaptation allows the show to embrace its already dedicated Whovians whilst also welcoming with open arms those who are new to the Whoniverse thanks to the special intro which recaps previous events. It also stays pretty faithful to the source material whilst bringing a unique flair thanks to Davies and weaves all of that into the Nobles’ story.

When Doctor Who’s 60th-anniversary was announced alongside Russell T. Davies’ return and the plans to make the special a trio of episodes – was exciting, the reveal that the Anniversary specials would be helmed by none other than returning cast members David Tennant and Catherine Tate excited me as my favourite duo would be back together again. how, you may ask, as after absorbing some of the Doctor’s regeneration energy during 2008’s “Journey’s End”, she experienced a biological meta-crisis, gaining much of the Doctor’s understanding and memories. The strain of having a Time Lord’s mind in a human body was ultimately just too much for Donna to handle, so the Doctor had to erase all of Donna’s memories of travelling in the TARDIS so that she could survive. However, The Doctor made one thing explicitly clear about Donna’s fate: if she ever remembers the Doctor, her mind will burn and she will die. There’s not much of the plot we can reveal of course as fear of being Exterminated.

THE DOCTOR & DONNA

David Tennant and Catherine Tate’s infectious and energetic energy throughout “The Star Beast” truly radiates from the screen. Both Tennant and Tate are exceptional once again as the Doctor and Donna. And it feels like no time has passed as they easily slip back into their roles, without missing a beat. Tate delivers her signature sarcasm and snark whilst also being a loving and supportive Mother to her daughter Rose (Yasmin Finney). Tennant as the Doctor is now wearing the face of an old favourite but this is most definitely a new man, however, Fans will notice many of his hallmark traits and mannerisms.

Having these two back truly made me feel like I was 13 again time travelling with the Doctor, this is what made me love the series in the first place. as Doctor Who helped shape my life and love for science-fiction and exploration.

A Family Affair!

Along for the ride in “The Star Beast” is Donna’s family, truly making it a family affair. Wilf (Bernard Cribbins) ended up very much loving the Doctor as much as his granddaughter did and It was a joy to see Jacqueline King as Donna’s mother Sylvia return especially her reunion with the Doctor, much to her delight.

Yasmin Finney, from Heartstopper, portrays Rose, the daughter of Donna and Shaun Noble. From the moment she appears on screen, Finney brings warmth and a new perspective to the episode and is a wonderful new addition to the show fitting right in with the Noble family.

THE ALIENS & ACTION

The Star Beast” also introduces Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham, and while we can’t say much about her character yet, you’re certainly going to want to see more of her. Miriam Margolyes, a British icon, however, is a thrilling stand-out as the adorable voice of The Meep. I also enjoyed seeing the Wrarth Warriors.

Whovians will no doubt know that once upon a time the BBC made the sci-fi series with a lasting lifelong dream, which certainly has come true as this Science-Fiction spectacle has stood the test of time becoming fresh with each new regeneration. Gone are the days of bubble wrap and tin foil. “The Star Beast” now has the opportunity to blow on some fun and creative designs and explosive action setpieces thanks to its Disney-powered budget and partnership. Everything from its scope, scale, and VFX work has had a huge upgrade and the production and cinematography are next level, thanks to Talalay’s direction. We also get a nostagic return from composer Murray Gold whose score still gives me goosebumps. He returns bringing back familiar themes and motifts and provides a new updated dimaond rendition of the iconic opening theme. Doctor Who has never looked better.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whilst Doctor Who is the most polished its ever been, “The Star Beast” never never forgets the humble beginnings it came from. The love Davies,Talalay, Tennant and Tate amongst the crew at Bad Wolf Studios have for Doctor Who is present throughout, especially with the numerous Easter eggs and nods that celebrate the show’s 60 years iconic history on television.

“The Star Beast” is a celebration of Doctor Who, filled with satisfying payoffs and the return of fan favourites Tennant and Tate. Its campy and compelling whilst featuring momemts of sentiment, high stakes, and above all its what Doctor Who does best. This is the type of episode that will have the whole family crowding around the TV espically now that it’s back on Saturdays, it’s also the type that will make the young and young at heart want to run around with sonic screwdrivers fighting monsters and ultimately save the world, and finally it’s the type that makes you believe in the magic of Doctor Who all over again!

However, “The Star Beast” is only the beginning of this 60th Anniversary adventure as we get Tennant and Tate back for two more hour-long specials. I’m very much looking forward to watching their reunion and adventures continue as we venture into the “Wild Blue Yonder”.

Doctor Who’s ‘The Star Beast’, the first of the 60th anniversary specials, arrives on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney Plus in the rest of the world on November 25

FILM RATING

Comic Book Movies

Marvel Studios’ Echo | Official Trailer — Disney + and Hulu

Maya Lopez must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.

Published

4 weeks ago

November 3, 2023

Staff

Genre:

TV Mini Series

Release Date:

January 2024

Streaming:

Disney +, Hulu

Cast:

Alaqua Cox, Zahn McClarnon, Vincent D’Onofrio

Plot Summary:

Maya Lopez must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.