The Disney Streaming Service is coming in the second half of 2019. While we know a bit about what will be included, we can’t help but get excited about what might be in store for us. More information is promised after the new year, but before we find out too much, we thought it would be fun to brainstorm about what we hope will be featured in the service.
What We Know So Far
The streaming service will get all of the new Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm movies after they are released on home video. In addition, the studios will make about four movies a year while Disney Channel will make “DCOM” type films as well. There will also be a wide selection of library content. Finally, four tv shows have been announced as being in development with more to be announced. The first four are a Monsters Inc.-based show, a High School Musical series, a live-action Star Wars series, and a new show from Marvel. There will also be a selection of short-form content as well.
What We Want
Here is a sample of what the staff at Laughing Place hopes will pop up on the service:
Library Content
When it comes to library content, we expect the big titles to be there, but what about those hidden gems that haven’t seen the light of day for some time? For example, Alex hopes that The Torkelsons/Almost Home will finally be available on a streaming service, while those seeking the nostalgia of after-school cartoons might want to see the Disney TV Animation of their youth from Gummi Bears to Pepper Ann.
For those wanting a bit of Disney history, we hope that episodes of the Walt Disney Anthology series will be available — particularly episodes that go behind-the-scenes of animation and the theme parks. We also hope that the show will feature the original versions and not the syndicated cuts of Disney TV programs of yesteryear, like The Golden Girls.
Original Programing
The benefit of streaming is that films and brands that might not be able to carry a theatrical release are able to be showcased without sacrificing scope. That being said, it will be important to not get the “cheapquel” stigma that deservingly plagued the direct-to-video products. How about the long-gestating Roger Rabbit project? TRON 3? An actual Hocus Pocus sequel instead of the Disney Channel remake? These projects could help gain instant attention to the service. Each of these projects may be pricey, but if they serve as a great way for the service to get attention then it’s worth Disney’s investment.
TV Programming
We already know four of the series coming. But what else would we like to see? How about a proper revival of The Muppet Show, which would be free from the confines of network television. Maybe reality TV could come to the service in the form of an Undercover Boss/Wife Swap show where two people involved with Disney switch roles for a week —think bigwigs doing Studio Lot security or celebrities taking Disney Dining reservations.
Short-Form Content
Remember Marvel One-Shots? They were short films that filled out the Marvel Cinematic Universe and appeared on Marvel DVDs. Some of these brief moments would answer unanswered questions of the MCU while others helped expand the supporting cast of the films. After the DVD market dried up, so did the budget for these films. Perhaps the Disney streaming service can be a new home for that type of product. They could even expand the idea to the Star Wars Universe.
The Disney and Pixar short program is known for showcasing new talent. The service could allow for more shorts from emerging talents and established directors in both live-action and animation. Let’s just hope they don’t use this as the opportunity to revive the Disney Rap series…
Live Programming
While much of this is posted on YouTube, it would be neat to have a certain amount of live programming on the service. That way subscribers could enjoy panels from the D23 Expo from their own home. The service could also feature live streams from attraction openings and red carpet movie premieres. Additionally, perhaps interactive conversations with Disney luminaries where fans can submit questions could be a fixture of the service.
Theme Park Programming
The ultimate in synergy, we would love to see Disney devote some of the app-space to celebrating its theme parks. At the very least, we’d like to see “Company Clips” and “The Must-Do’s,” two of the TV channels viewable from your room at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel, live streaming to your tablet. But retro episodes of Disney Inside Out or better yet, a 2019 revival, would be the whole can of whipped cream on our kitchen sink (A whole can!?!?).
Technology
We want this service to succeed. For that to happen, it has to work and it has to be easy to use. While the recent Disney NOW app brought us a one-stop-shop for Disney TV content, it has been plagued with UI issues and annoying bugs. They say you only have one chance to make a good impression. Let’s hope that through beta testing and the expertise of the team at BAM Tech, the service launches ready to use and not disappoint subscribers.