Netflix signs UK Disney deal

Netflix has signed a deal with Disney that will see it offer films such as Ratatouille, Wall-E and The Chronicles of Narnia to viewers in the UK and Ireland. 

The deal, which covers new and classic Disney content, as well as titles form Disney-owned studio Pixar, also includes films like Dumbo, The Aristocats and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.

In the coming months, the firm also promised exclusive selected titles from Disney’s other subsidiaries, Marvel and Dreamworks, including The Help, War Horse and People Like Us. Films like Marvel’s Avengers Assemble and John Carter are due to follow next year.

“We always look to offer families Disney movies when, where and how they want them. Working with Netflix in the UK and Ireland, we’re providing its members with a superb range of movie entertainment, through a high-quality and convenient viewing experience,” said Catherine Powell, senior VP and general manager, Disney Media Distribution, EMEA.

The news comes after Netflix and Disney/ABC Television Group announced a new multi-year licensing deal in the US that gives the streaming service exclusive US subscription rights to Disney five children’s series.

This comprises Disney Junior’s animated series Jake and the Nether Land Pirates, Disney XD’s Tron: Uprising, plus Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and JoJo’s Circus. All five will be available on Netflix US later this month.

Netflix also last week updated its iPad app, adding the ‘post play’ feature that automatically cues and up and runs the next episode of a show once one ends. This is already available on the browser version of the service.