Starz to Pull Disney Content from Netflix Streaming
Disney movie fans who utilize Netflix streaming service to enjoy their flicks might have to look elsewhere come February. It looks like talks and negotiations between Netflix and Starz Entertainment have ceased with no agreement.
What does this mean for Disney movies? Turns out, Starz owns exclusive licensing rights for many Disney movies, including "Tangled" and "Toy Story 3" as well as many movies in the Sony catalog. When the current agreement between Starz and Netflix ends in February 2012, the movies included in Starz's lbrary will no longer be available in the Netflix streaming mode.
Sources are reporting a large offer of some $300 million was made by Netflix and turned down by Starz. It seems as if Starz could not hammer out a deal that satisfied their requirements and desires for tiered streaming prices.
A statement from Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht had this to say about the decision to cease offering their content on Netflix streaming:
This decision is a result of our strategy to protect the premium nature of our brand by preserving the appropriate pricing and packaging of our exclusive and highly valuable content. With our current studio rights and growing original programming presence, the network is in an excellent position to evaluate new opportunities and expand its overall business.
Despite the loss of the Starz catalog to their streaming service, Netflix doesn't appear overly concerned. The Starz content reportedly made up around 8 percent of Netflix domestic viewing, and Netflix has been busy making deals with other studios to increase their movie offerings.
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Mase wrote on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 16:42:
At first I was pretty mad about this... but when I got down to it... we dont watch many Disney movies on Netflix. Now some of the TV Shows like Good Luck Charlie... and Shake It Up we watch will be highly missed, but our kids watch Nick as well... I just wish Starz and Netflix will get on the same page about this. This is the future of watching stuff.
Trueblue63 wrote on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 19:00:
It's not surprising. The companies that licensed a lot of the streaming content severely undervalued them the last time around. Now they want to get paid.
Melinda Gregory wrote on Wed, 09/07/2011 - 13:59:
The contract doesn't expire til February... who knows, maybe they'll reach some kind of an agreement before then.
JoeW wrote on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 21:35:
Any way of getting a list of the titles that will cease to be offered in February, so I can make sure to watch those before they're gone?
Does this include the Disney Channel TV shows my kids watch?
Amanda wrote on Mon, 04/16/2012 - 04:53:
I am very upset about this. I just purchased Netflix so my 3 years old son could watch his favorite Disney shows. It's sad, I understand everyone wants to get paid but I do believe it is a selfish move on Chris Albrecht part to take it away completely. Isn't Disney about the children?? I guess they make more "money" if we go out and purchase each Disney movie individually which are priced at ridiculous prices now days. I tip my hat to you sir you have made a wise business decision, but you are also the scum on the bottom of my shoe!!
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