Disney Debuts Digital Movie Services With Apple; Brings 400 Plus Films To iOS With Disney Movies Anywhere App

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) launched its cloud-based digital movie service, Disney Movies Anywhere, with Apple Inc’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iTunes on Tuesday.

The new app will allow users to play movies on Apple’s iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices, as well as on other devices, Burbank, Calif.-based Disney said in a statement. It will also enable consumers to purchase, manage and watch movies from a collection of more than 400 active digital titles from Disney, Pixar and Marvel. The debut of the new services coincides with the digital release of the Oscar-nominated animated film “Frozen.”

Alan Bergman, president of The Walt Disney Studios, said: “Disney Movies Anywhere offers an exceptional consumer experience built around some of the most beloved and popular entertainment brands in the world.”

The studio also mentioned that Disney Movies Anywhere will function as a streaming movie service when users log in to the website on their desktop or laptop computers. Disney DVDs and Blu-rays have come with redeemable digital download codes since 2008. Now, those codes will be redeemable through Disney Movies Anywhere.

“Disney Movies Anywhere is an adaptable digital ecosystem designed to help consumers consolidate their Disney movie collections and enjoy them for years to come,” said Jamie Voris, Disney's chief technology officer.

“The beauty of this technology is that it enables us to work with iTunes and future provider partners to ensure movie lovers have streamlined access to all of their favorite Disney titles no matter which device they are on. The intuitive layout of the website and app creates an easy and enjoyable browsing environment for the whole family,” Voris added.

Drew Crum, an analyst with Stifel Nicolaus & Company (NYSE:SF) reportedly said: “Disney Movies Anywhere could stabilize Disney’s home-entertainment business, which has experienced lower results for five consecutive years.”