Disney has launched its new subscription VoD service Disney+ already in the Netherlands. The company is offering a free trial period until the official launch date on 12 November. After that, the service will cost EUR 6.99 per month.
Disney+ offers a wide range of content from the Disney stable, including titles from van Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. During the trial period, customers can access a limited number of titles, such as Avengers: Infinity War, The Lion King, Black Panther, Beauty & The Beast, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Incredibles 2 and Frozen.
The trial period is expected to help the company optimise the technical aspects of the service before the official launch in November. Disney announced last month the Netherlands as its first European market for Disney+, alongside the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Reports earlier this year suggested the company sees the Netherlands as a good test market before the full launch.
One in ten Dutch consumers to subscribe to Disney+
Research by Telecompaper found that one in ten Dutch households want to subscribe to Disney+ and another 29 percent are interested in the service. While Disney+ offers a cheaper alternative to Netflix, the new service will not necessarily eat into Netflix's base. Of the 9 percent of Dutch consumers who plan to subscribe to the Disney service, around half said this would be in addition to an existing VoD subscription, according to the Telecompaper Consumer Insights panel.
Disney+ allows users to download programmes for viewing offline and supports up to four devices streaming simultaneously in HD. Up to seven profiles can be created to save favourites, and a separate children's profile is also possible. The service works across multiple platforms, including Android and iOS devices, Apple TV, Chromecast, XBox One and PlayStation 4, with more options to be added at launch.
Originals to come later
From the official launch, Disney will also add original content, exclusive to Disney+. The comapny promises over 25 series and 10 films in the first year, including the series 'The Mandalorian' developed and written by Jon Favreau and a new version of 'Lady and the Tramp'.
Trial participants will be switched to a paid subscription automatically from 12 November, with an option to cancel when they want.
