Disney+ has been continuing its “purge” of its newer content. Trying to cut back on costs, they have changed from the archive it was promised to be back when it launched in November 2019.
Instead of being a facility for all Disney-owned products, it is now just like every other streaming service – and it shows.
Many have accused Disney+ of aiming to imitate programs like Netflix and HBO Max. It resembles Max in its format style, though Disney’s looks more professional; it is precisely like both in the fact that it removes “less popular” content, though for Netflix it is for licensing reasons.
Disney+’s removal of content is supposedly an attempt to bring costs down and profits up, but why remove the newer content? Fan-favorite films and shows such as “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and “Clouds” are just some of the beauties that Disney has removed over the years.
It is important to note that Disney+ still offers a wide variety of content, including classic Disney pictures and shows, as well as more recent releases. However, instead of saving money by getting rid of newer things, they could either remove older titles or hold off on making content in order to save up more money.
Not only was the ongoing purge unexpected, but it was also inevitable. There was nothing users could do about it, which was a disappointment of great proportions.
After its launch, Disney+ initially stood out from other streaming platforms because it releases episodes of shows weekly, rather than dropping an entire season at once. This prolongs the excitement for viewers, as they cannot binge-watch the show until all of the episodes are available. However, many users are now turning away from Disney+ due to the removal of newer content.
Additionally, Disney+ has taken a big step forward by introducing advertisements to its streaming service. This move has enabled the service to offer a wider range of subscription options to cater to different budgets and entertainment needs.
The monthly cost of Disney+ Basic is $7.99 and includes infrequent ads, whereas Disney+ Premium is $13.99 per month – or $139.99 per year – and does not have any ads.
The ads themselves are relatively short; according to Disney, the ads total about four minutes every hour and cannot be skipped. In my experience, I have noticed only a couple of ads in the past few months; ultimately, I don’t see any real benefit to Disney+ Premium.
The shift in approach has left many viewers feeling disillusioned and betrayed. Disney+ seems to have alienated its fans with its contradictory actions. While the streaming service continues to offer quality content, the loss of newer content and changes in deals have been a significant blow to its overall reputation.
Abby Dreistadt, Editor in Chief