Disney + revolts against the chronology of the media – Clubic

With the spectacular withdrawal of its Christmas film from French cinemas, Disney intends to protest against the chronology of the media. As a reminder, this device regulates the output windows of an audiovisual work on the various viewing media. A Disney film released in theaters cannot therefore be available on Disney+ for 17 months. For Hélène Etzi, the president of the French branch of Disney, this decision is “the consequence of the chronology of the media as practiced in France unfair, restrictive and unsuited to the expectations of our audiences”. “Although we have supported French cinema – and have done so for decades – the new media chronology, very heavy, is anti-consumer, ignores the evolution of behavior over the last years and exposes us to an increased risk of piracy”, adds Disney to justify the cancellation of the theatrical release of Strange World. For the moment, the releases of Buzz Lightyear on June 22 or Avatar: The Voie de l’Eau in December will remain in place, but the studio will now study each new film “on a case-by-case basis” before deciding whether to distribute it in theaters or on its platform. This decision is also a blow for cinema operators, while Disney represents a significant share of admissions made throughout the year, in particular thanks to Marvel Studios films. The National Federation of French Cinemas reacted immediately, citing a “losing choice for everyone and a decision that will “seriously compromise the economy of cinemas and the sector as a whole”.