Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

[MoWeb]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

The biggest problem with DMA is the exclusion of BVHE content. I emailed them about it but don't expect a reply. It would be nice to have Enemy of the State, The Rock, Armageddon, Con Air, etc. at DMA or even Vudu. Oh well, I'll stick to ripping BVHE and MGM content, your loss Disney and MGM.

[Speedaddict81]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

That is cool. Thx for sharing. I agree that bonus content missing from UV titles across vendors is a gap which should be filled. I did not know the DMR/iTunes had that figured out and am impressed.

Haven't cross-referenced with the physical media (I am one of those lazy Americans), but the bonus material listed with Avengers through DMA looks to be almost everything they would have included on the BD release, outtakes, deleted scenes, alternate begining/ending, and a couple of 'shorts'.

VUDU, please don't let iTunes corner this market!

[Walter-S_North_Carolina]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

I was very pleased and impressed with the titles that were there in that they had (all?) the extra content nicely presented and accessible. The current method of how studios and digital retailers add extra content (which most titles don't have) to the end of the movie or as a few extra files is a very poor experience. I'd love to see how UV providers and studios to figure out how to offer something even close to this.

That is cool. Thx for sharing. I agree that bonus content missing from UV titles across vendors is a gap which should be filled. I did not know the DMR/iTunes had that figured out and am impressed.

[terpfan1980]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

3. There is a bit of possible good here to push other studios: Disney is actually doing something better than UV allows (or UV providers choose/can offer) - Extras. Surprisingly I hadn't thrown out the digital copies and codes from most of my Disney movies that had them (I did for others as a local-only low-rez DRM copy is worthless to me) so I was able to try out signing up for an iTunes account and linking with the Disney service. I was very pleased and impressed with the titles that were there in that they had (all?) the extra content nicely presented and accessible. The current method of how studios and digital retailers add extra content (which most titles don't have) to the end of the movie or as a few extra files is a very poor experience. I'd love to see how UV providers and studios to figure out how to offer something even close to this. (Random gripe: still displeased that neither service redeems the 3D copy)

iTunes has had extras for a good while now. I've really enjoyed knowing that was there (by a while, I know it was since the 2009 Star Trek (reboot) release, if not before) as it meant not missing out on stuff I would normally have paid for the disc-based copies for.

I appreciate that Vudu offers the extras, but like you, I hate the way they currently include them as it just isn't convenient at all and doesn't fit with my desired usage.

Otherwise, you raise some interesting points, though I'm not sure I agree with the thought that it wouldn't be 'good enough' to just have Vudu (or others) tied into DMA. It would certainly be a good start and would lessen fears and concerns that any of us would be absolutely locked into iTunes for anything. Not that I expect iTunes to go anywhere, but since they are Apple only (or primarily so -- you can see the content on Windows PC's, but not so easily on other non-Apple devices) I still very much want non-iOS alternatives for accessing DMA content.

[rdodolak]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

For those who are wondering why Disney would pursue the Apple partnership as an exclusive on their app or support them first-->
---For those who don't know Disney's CEO and Chairman, Robert Iger, sits on Apple's Board of Directors.
https://www.apple.com/pr/bios/

And that page speaks volumes considering Albert Gore Jr. is also on the board of directors.

[prometheus242]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

For those who are wondering why Disney would pursue the Apple partnership as an exclusive on their app or support them first-->
---For those who don't know Disney's CEO and Chairman, Robert Iger, sits on Apple's Board of Directors.
https://www.apple.com/pr/bios/

[Grey Ghost]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

I agree these things can take time but IMHO Disney should have supported UV long ago. No reason why the DMA app couldn't have already supported UV and/or other service providers out of the gate rather than be exclusive to one proprietary format.

I think it was a business decision, not a technology decision. There clearly is some deal with iTunes/Apple, maybe the money was too great to pass up, maybe it was the offer of free HD upgrades. Also the things we like about UV may not be liked by Disney, specially the library sharing.

[rdodolak]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

DMA just launched, lets see what develops especially after the iTunes launch exclusivity runs out. If they integrate with Vudu and other providers and put out Android, Roku and smart TV apps they would be similar to UV, just not with the family sharing, which they probably don't want. ( D2D is not a requirement of UV.)

These things take time, UV is a couple years old now and they still are working on their website.

I agree these things can take time but IMHO Disney should have supported UV long ago. No reason why the DMA app couldn't have already supported UV and/or other service providers out of the gate rather than be exclusive to one proprietary format.

[Grey Ghost]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

I respectfully disagree, Disney hasn't learned a thing especially from it's failed attempts at KeyChest and Disney Movies Online. UV is actually quite flexible where as DMA is quite rigid as it limits you to iTunes and Apple's proprietary hardware or Windows apps. I find it laughable that Disney even calls it Disney Movies Anywhere when it's not in the slightest; there's not even Android, Roku, TV, or Blu-ray support. IMHO, I don't want a more fragmented digital copy streaming service and Disney's attempt at DMA is doing just that. How many times does Disney have to try and reinvent the wheel? This is why people have and will continue to find alternative solutions to stream the movies they already own.

DMA just launched, lets see what develops especially after the iTunes launch exclusivity runs out. If they integrate with Vudu and other providers and put out Android, Roku and smart TV apps they would be similar to UV, just not with the family sharing, which they probably don't want. ( D2D is not a requirement of UV.)

These things take time, UV is a couple years old now and they still are working on their website.

[rdodolak]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

Disney has definitely learned from UV's mistakes.

I remember when UV launched, it was pretty convoluted. People had to create several different accounts across various sites just to redeem their films.

The sad part is, UV is still unnecessarily complex.
First and foremost, the UV website should be the hub. I should only have to go to that site to redeem my codes and manage my account. The site also needs to be stable, not perpetually in beta. Second, it does not make sense that some movies don't show at other providers. All UV movies should be available at all UV vendors, period. They have also yet to roll out the CFF, after several delays, which means downloads are locked to a device and cannot be moved around.

Thus far, the only Disney digital copy I've redeemed on Vudu was The Jungle Book, which I have never owned. I don't own any other Disney movies on Vudu, as it will be a cold day when I buy a brand new blu-ray release just to get a digital copy code for a movie I already own. With that said, I wouldn't worry a lot about them pulling their films from your account. Disney likes money just as much as they like control, so they wouldn't do anything that would harm the possibility of you buying more movies. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney and Vudu have already had talks about implementing the Keychest system.

As far as other studios, that's an interesting thought. However, I would assume that the other majors are pretty invested in UV and would not see a lot of benefit in moving to another system. Even in a worst case scenario, where the DECE decides to shut down UV and move to Keychest, all of your licenses would hopefully transfer to the new system. As long as Vudu (or your provider of choice) has access to said licensing system, nothing would really change in that regard.

I respectfully disagree, Disney hasn't learned a thing especially from it's failed attempts at KeyChest and Disney Movies Online. UV is actually quite flexible where as DMA is quite rigid as it limits you to iTunes and Apple's proprietary hardware or Windows apps. I find it laughable that Disney even calls it Disney Movies Anywhere when it's not in the slightest; there's not even Android, Roku, TV, or Blu-ray support. IMHO, I don't want a more fragmented digital copy streaming service and Disney's attempt at DMA is doing just that. How many times does Disney have to try and reinvent the wheel? This is why people have and will continue to find alternative solutions to stream the movies they already own.

[Walter-S_North_Carolina]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

I don't want it to link to VUDU and I refuse to use it and hope others do the same. I want it to fail, and fail miserably so they will hurry up and join Ultraviolet already. It's really obnoxious they are offering a nascent competing service 2.5 years later.

you put into words my thoughts exactly. I agree with you 100%.

[Walter-S_North_Carolina]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

IMHO, it is important to remember that UV / DECE is a member supported consortium. Their purpose is to provide the back end Nustar data store, facilitate digital distribution standards, and provide a forum for member companies to discuss relevant topics.

The organization is non-profit. This is the same as the BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association).

Back in the HD-DVD vs BRD days, no one was calling for the BDA to launch a multimillion dollar marketing campaign and I think it is outside of the scope of DECE as well.

I have re-read the artical provided by Mr. EP (http://kidscreen.com/2014/02/26/ultr...ywhere-launch/). The head of DECE seems awfully chipper in this interview. It makes me wonder if he knows something we don't. For instance there are a couple of imagineers hanging around his offices.

[BlakkMajik3000]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

I checked out the Disney app and got the free "Incredibles" copy and it just adds it to your iTunes account. I could have bought the move on iTunes and done the same thing. To me, it doesn't really provide any tangible benefit other than getting Movie Reward points or registering your copy with Disney when you buy something from iTunes.
I see a lot of reviews for how excited people are to watch these movies offline--which you could already do with iTunes. Makes me wonder if people know how to use their devices in the first place but nonetheless it enforces the point that consumers want and in many cases need simplicity.
I love the UV model but I do think Vudu, UV, other UV providers, as well as the participating studios need to take some stock in this Disney move. Many consumers are confused by the Vudu/Flixster/UV model and how it works. Many don't understand the benefits or even know you can go to the UV site to share your content or use other providers if you so chose. I think more marketing and education are needed on this front and in a hurry to show consumers how much more they are getting through the UV model. Disney is a juggernaut and its easy for them to compete head on because of their content library and how easy it is for them to get in front of consumers. The only way they'll ever sway on how their content is distributed is if consumers demand it and vote with their wallets.
Likewise, the Vudu iOS app needs a lot of improvement and pales in comparison to the look and feel of the Disney one. It needs parental controls and other enhancements to make it appealing- a 2 star ratings with scorching reviews isn't doing any favors for the Vudu/UV camp.
It will be interesting to see if Disney expands to other providers for the content because it appears at the moment they aren't hosting the streaming/storage, just leveraging Apple's. The entire thing is an interesting move because it does raise lots of questions about the direction they are going in the long term. This move now gives me pause when I buy a Disney movie on Vudu (which frustrates me now without the UV link anyway) but those questions about could it be pulled at some point get raised. If Disney were able to introduce a model that consumers liked more and found easier what would that mean for the significant investment I have made in Vudu/UV?

.

Disney has definitely learned from UV's mistakes.

I remember when UV launched, it was pretty convoluted. People had to create several different accounts across various sites just to redeem their films.

The sad part is, UV is still unnecessarily complex.
First and foremost, the UV website should be the hub. I should only have to go to that site to redeem my codes and manage my account. The site also needs to be stable, not perpetually in beta. Second, it does not make sense that some movies don't show at other providers. All UV movies should be available at all UV vendors, period. They have also yet to roll out the CFF, after several delays, which means downloads are locked to a device and cannot be moved around.

Thus far, the only Disney digital copy I've redeemed on Vudu was The Jungle Book, which I have never owned. I don't own any other Disney movies on Vudu, as it will be a cold day when I buy a brand new blu-ray release just to get a digital copy code for a movie I already own. With that said, I wouldn't worry a lot about them pulling their films from your account. Disney likes money just as much as they like control, so they wouldn't do anything that would harm the possibility of you buying more movies. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney and Vudu have already had talks about implementing the Keychest system.

As far as other studios, that's an interesting thought. However, I would assume that the other majors are pretty invested in UV and would not see a lot of benefit in moving to another system. Even in a worst case scenario, where the DECE decides to shut down UV and move to Keychest, all of your licenses would hopefully transfer to the new system. As long as Vudu (or your provider of choice) has access to said licensing system, nothing would really change in that regard.

[prometheus242]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

I checked out the Disney app and got the free "Incredibles" copy and it just adds it to your iTunes account. I could have bought the move on iTunes and done the same thing. To me, it doesn't really provide any tangible benefit other than getting Movie Reward points or registering your copy with Disney when you buy something from iTunes.
I see a lot of reviews for how excited people are to watch these movies offline--which you could already do with iTunes. Makes me wonder if people know how to use their devices in the first place but nonetheless it enforces the point that consumers want and in many cases need simplicity.
I love the UV model but I do think Vudu, UV, other UV providers, as well as the participating studios need to take some stock in this Disney move. Many consumers are confused by the Vudu/Flixster/UV model and how it works. Many don't understand the benefits or even know you can go to the UV site to share your content or use other providers if you so chose. I think more marketing and education are needed on this front and in a hurry to show consumers how much more they are getting through the UV model. Disney is a juggernaut and its easy for them to compete head on because of their content library and how easy it is for them to get in front of consumers. The only way they'll ever sway on how their content is distributed is if consumers demand it and vote with their wallets.
Likewise, the Vudu iOS app needs a lot of improvement and pales in comparison to the look and feel of the Disney one. It needs parental controls and other enhancements to make it appealing- a 2 star ratings with scorching reviews isn't doing any favors for the Vudu/UV camp.
It will be interesting to see if Disney expands to other providers for the content because it appears at the moment they aren't hosting the streaming/storage, just leveraging Apple's. The entire thing is an interesting move because it does raise lots of questions about the direction they are going in the long term. This move now gives me pause when I buy a Disney movie on Vudu (which frustrates me now without the UV link anyway) but those questions about could it be pulled at some point get raised. If Disney were able to introduce a model that consumers liked more and found easier what would that mean for the significant investment I have made in Vudu/UV?

.

[MaxH]

Re: Plans for "Disney Movies Anywhere" to link to Vudu?

My take on Disney Movies Anywhere:

Disney has been, and always will be, hyper protective of their content. It's become clear with the launch of their new service, and how it works, exactly what things they didn't like about Ultraviolet; namely, D2D (and the notion that one disc could be used to get multiple copies for people when passed around), and multiple account users being able to view one digital copy. Disney clearly is only interested in one household having access to one digital copy, and no more. They want every household to pay for the privilege of viewing a Disney film. With their current model, they don't have to worry about that--they have more control over who's viewing their product.

Good post Jeff, I just wanted to say that I think you're on the right track with this part, but don't forget that Disney is always pulling that "vault" bull$#!+, so while I think you are right about them wanting "every household to pay for the privilege of viewing a Disney film", I think a majority of their concern lies in the fact that they have already sold so many DVDs that they don't want to offer a discounted path to digital streaming, as they think many DVD/Blu-ray owners will still pay full freight for EST. The passing around of copies is probably a concern, but IMO not as big as the fact that they already have significant digital market penetration via disc, and they want EST to not overlap that.