Disney is reportedly suspending production of physical 4K Blu-ray discs for most live-action films in its extensive library. With the exception of high-profile new releases, animated films, and new entries in the Star Wars or Marvel franchises, the house of mouse has no plans to release non-digital versions in the highest resolution available to consumers.
The report, which has not been confirmed by Disney, comes just after the studio reported a drop in revenue in its home entertainment business for Q3 2020 when compared to the same time period the previous year. Meanwhile, its digital business is doing gangbusters, with streaming service Disney+ acquiring over 60 million subscribers in just eight months.
According to The Digital Bits, there may be several factors contributing to this decision, not least of which is the incredible success of Disney+. In addition to focusing on its digital efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn has led Disney to enforce cost-cutting measures like furloughs, while the 20th Century Fox studio has been hit by major layoffs. With so many executives in shifting roles at Disney, including recently promoted CEO Bob Chapek, there just might not be enough people left at the company who appreciate its live-action efforts beyond the biggest blockbusters. Right now, there are only two live-action films slated for release on 4K Blu-ray in the foreseeable future: Home Alone and Hocus Pocus, both due out next month.
Ironically, Chapek got his start in Disney’s Home Entertainment division, but that doesn’t appear to have instilled in him an appreciation for physical media. Instead, Chapek is said to be focusing on premium VOD experiences like the forthcoming Mulan, which will launch on Disney+ on September 4 for an extra $30. Given that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on Disney’s theatrical release schedule (and profits, by extension), it’s not surprising that the company would shift its strategy to fill that void while also driving more people to subscribe to Disney+. However, that still doesn’t explain the need to stop producing high-quality physical media entirely outside of animation and a few selected live-action hits.
The debate between physical and digital media has been raging for a good ten years or so now, and both have their advantages. When entertainment is owned digitally or available to stream, it’s easy to access and store. On the other hand, being able to watch a film on Disney+ isn’t the same as owning it; consumers have no control over which movies and TV shows appear on these services or how long they last there. With Ultra HDTVs finally becoming more affordable after years on the market, Disney’s lack of interest in 4K Blu-ray feels short-sighted — especially considering that Sony, Paramount, Universal, and Lionsgate reported increases in their own Home Entertainment divisions last quarter.
Again, this hasn’t been officially confirmed, and there’s no telling if this is a temporary or permanent policy on behalf of The Walt Disney Company. However, for those who prefer to collect physical media, now might be a good time to stock up on any previously released 4K Blu-rays from Disney and its subsidiaries.
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Source: The Digital Bits
