Disney deal for Netflix NZ

Netflix announced a content deal with Disney for Netflix Australia and Netflix NZ, both scheduled to launch in March.

Expect a drumbeat of content releases from the US-based streaming service as it gears up for its local launch.

The blunt fact remains, however, that Netflix has already acknowledged its NZ service will only be a subset of that available to its North American viewers (and those who sneak in through the back door). Similarly, Aussies will get a better selection of recent release Disney content because of NZ rights to some movies and series being already under exclusive contract.

Netflix declined to provide any extra info today, such as the exact launch date or cost. The company has also declined comment on whether it will stomp on those using VPNs to access Netflix US to bolster its weaker NZ service.

Netflix does say it will build its NZ content over time as part of its long term aim to create one global channel that offers more-or-less the same content everywhere.

In other recent on demand video news, Spark is offering Lightbox free to its 600,000 or so broadband customers for a year, while Sky TV's Neon is still on the runway, awaiting its delayed takeoff. When it does launch, it will have a co-promotion with Vodafone.

RAW DATA: Netflix statement, Feb 2, 2014

NETFLIX BRINGS DISNEY’S MAGIC TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Members Will Be Able To Enjoy Film and Television Favourites from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm Included in Netflix Low Monthly Price

BEVERLY HILLS and SYDNEY, Feb. 2, 2015  -- Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), the world’s leading Internet television network, today announced it will bring a wide range of live-action and animated films and TV programmes from The Walt Disney Company to Australia and New Zealand when it launches in March.

At launch, Australian and New Zealand members can enjoy a catalogue of Disney and Disney.Pixar film favourites, including Cars, Monsters, Inc. and UP, as well as popular TV programmes, such as Lost from ABC Studios, Jake and the Never Land Pirates from Disney Junior and Good Luck Charlie from Disney Channel.

Australian members also will see an expanded Disney catalogue that includes select Disney, Disney.Pixar and Marvel blockbusters, including Frozen, Planes, Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Saving Mr. Banks and Muppets Most Wanted.  In the months following launch, Netflix also will have streaming rights to Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Maleficent and Big Hero 6.

"As part of our long-standing global relationship with Disney, we're thrilled to bring fan favourites like Tangled and Star Wars: The Clone Wars to Netflix members in Australia and New Zealand," said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix. "We believe it is a great representation of the calibre of television and movies that our members will be able to enjoy in March and beyond."

“Disney is excited to join with Netflix to provide consumers in Australia and New Zealand with even more options when it comes to how and when they enjoy our fantastic entertainment content,” said Catherine Powell, managing director, The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand.  “In today’s world, subscription over-the-top services play a critical role in media consumption, and we’re delighted to bring our top-quality films and television series to these fans.”

Disney films and TV programmes join a slate of Netflix originals such as Bloodline, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Marvel’s Daredevil along with other licensed content for viewing on over 1,000 Internet-connected devices, including smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, game consoles and other set-top boxes, all for a low monthly price. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 57 million members in nearly 50 countries enjoying more than two billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series, documentaries, and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause, and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

About The Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a diversified international family entertainment enterprise with five business segments and is a Dow 30 company with revenues of more than $48 billion in its most recently reported fiscal year. The Walt Disney Company has been active in Australia since 1988, and in 1992, the first office officially opened. There are now two offices in the region – in Melbourne and Sydney – that employ more than 200 permanent staff. Today, The Walt Disney Company is one of the most active entertainment companies in Australia with diversified business in consumer products, publishing, digital and mobile content, theatrical productions, and television and family entertainment content. For more information about The Walt Disney Company please visit: http://corporate.disney.go.com/