The hottest streaming platform right now
Disney+ is the latest mainstream streaming platform. Released by the Walt Disney Company to US consumers last November, the platform is due to launch in the UK and Europe this March. An estimated $2.6 billion was poured into this direct-to-consumer streaming service and the results are impressive. Disney has teamed up with Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic, and Star Wars to bring some never-before seen footage to your screen. Is it time to end your Netflix subscription?
Disney+ brings you family favorites, all-time classics and brand new titles
4K streaming and offline downloads
Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV+ – move aside, Disney+ is in town. This latest video streaming platform has not marginalized its competitors, but it offers an impressive package. Disney+ is much more than Disney. Partners including Pixar, Marvel, and National Geographic have joined forces to create a varied library of content, offering everything from children’s shorts to feature-length adult documentaries.
Like Netflix, Disney+ offers offline downloads, 4K streaming, and personalized playlists. You can also filter content to be age appropriate for young viewers. Stream your movies on-the-go or download your favorite content to watch offline.
The sheer volume of content in the package is staggering. Disney+ owns the rights to 21st Century Fox and has years of franchises under its belt. Do you remember Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Who Framed Rodger Rabbit? Old-school classics are right up there with the latest Disney series like Phineas and Ferb, That’s So Raven and new episodes of High School Musical.
For all its star-studded library however Disney+ is still missing some big titles from its own franchise. Enchanted the pre-Frozen princess classic, The Bridge to Terabithia and Futurama are just a few notable exceptions. Also, signing up to the Disney+ subscription does not mean you get to cut the line to the latest Disney offerings. New movies like the recently released The Lion King remake and Toy Story 4 are not (yet) available on the platform.
Where can you run this program?
Disney+ is truly multiplatform – you can stream most devices and gaming consoles and on up to 10 devices per membership. The browser version is available for Windows and Mac.
There is also a mobile version for Android and iOS smartphones. Devices like the Chromecast and Fire TV are compatible. You can also stream Disney+ through your Sony Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
Is there a better alternative?
Disney+ versus Netflix, Amazon or Apple TV+ - this is the ultimate question in streaming right now. As content goes, Disney+ has launched with a bang and will only continue to improve. An impressive 1000+ titles and counting, and new releases only to be accessed through the subscription.
The subscription rates are competitive and there are special offers as Disney+ launches around the world. Also, you can bundle your package with ESPN+ and Hulu for an all-in-one deal.
Our take
Disney+ is impressive – but not perfect. It has neither the cutting-edge original content released by Netflix and HBO (think Stranger Things and Game of Thrones). The app version still has many improvements to make in speed and usability before it can compete with the Netflix and Amazon Prime Video apps.
Should you download it?
If you are a huge fan of Disney or the content it has rights to (Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic) then Disney+ would be a smart move. For a more rounded experience however, don’t download it just yet and stick with Netflix.
