“Disney+ Original” is the New “Straight-to-Video”

They say every generation has its own word or phrase for the same thing. In the case of Disney movies, what was once known as “straight-to-video” movies are now known as “Disney+ Originals.”

The connotation means the exact same thing: that whatever movie we are about to watch was not deemed good enough for producers to risk spending the money for a proper theatrical run. And so far, the comparison has held out.

Consider the feature-length movies that have been released straight to Disney’s flagship streaming service. Originally, subscribers had to pay for premier access because there was legitimate concern that theaters were not attracting enough people to see a movie. Still, the extra cost showed Disney’s confidence in each movie’s theatrical run. We saw this with movies like Jungle Cruise, Mulan, and Cruella.  

But that is not the case anymore. Pixar’s feature Turning Red was stripped of its theatrical run almost at the last minute and was posted on Disney+ without any extra cost. Turns out Kareem Daniel was right in that decision because fans hated it.

The next one that stands out was Disney’s live-action remake of Pinocchio. Directed by Robert Zemeckis with an all-star cast spearheaded by Tom Hanks, the film went straight to Disney+ and was considered one of the worst movies of 2022.

Now, Disney is planning two more straight-to-Disney+ features: Peter Pan & Wendy and Lilo & Stitch. I expect the same result with these movies as well. Terrible, poorly-received flicks that would have bombed worse than Lightyear and Strange World combined. The Little Mermaid, on the other hand, I am holding out hope for something good, considering that Disney still wants this one to go to theaters.

The only context where straight-to-Disney+ is a good thing, though, is concerning TV. Disney+ Original streaming shows from Star Wars: The Mandalorian to Marvel’s Loki has shown the truly cinematic quality that surpasses any network series and rivals the cinematic shows on HBO and Cinemax. Disney+ originals also stand above any Disney Channel Original Movie in matters of quality.

One can only hope the same begins to turn true for standalone movies.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiments of Disney Fanatic as a whole.