Securing the rights to first-run Walt Disney movies starting in 2016 is a big deal for Netflix — it sent Netflix shares soaring. It's the first time the streaming video service has acquired the rights to a major studio films in the 'premium TV' window, beating HBO, Showtime and Starz.
Analysts say it will help Netflix add domestic streaming subscribers. Now Netflix is really distinguished by its exclusive kids' content — it has a similar deal with Dreamworks Animation. And it certainly bolsters Netflix in the face of growing competition from Amazon.com's streaming service.
But at what cost? Sources tell me Disney will definitely bring in more from the Netflix deal than it did from Starz, a deal estimated at around $225 million in annual revenue.