DISNEY+ LAUNCHES IN SEVERAL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

BY GABRIELLE

The dedicated streaming app Disney+ has been launched throughout Europe, in the UK, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland and Spain.

The streaming service features TV shows and films from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, the National Geographic and more, including over 500 films, 26 original series and movies, as well as thousands of TV episodes.

Due to its huge catalogue of older Disney films and large supply of family favourites, Disney+ is becoming a rival to Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.

On launching in Europe, Kevin Mayer, chairman of Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International, said: “Launching in seven markets simultaneously marks a new milestone for Disney+.

“We humbly hope that this service can bring some much-needed moments of respite for families during these difficult times,” Mayer added.

The launch of the streaming app in Europe comes at a time when many theme parks are temporarily closed due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Disney has considered whether its current broadband infrastructure is sufficient to handle demand for the Disney+ app, which features a lower bandwidth utilisation by at least 25 per cent.

The Disney+ streaming service launched in Canada, the US, Australia, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico and New Zealand in November 2019.