Netflix makes deal with Disney

Netflix has made an agreement with Disney that will grant it exclusive rights to distribute Disney movies online beginning in 2016. Disney has also agreed to give Netflix immediate non-exclusive streaming rights to some of its older films such as “Dumbo” and “Alice in Wonderland.” This will put the Internet video-on-demand service into more direct competition with TV epicenters like HBO. This does not come as good news to pay-per-view channel Starz, which previously had the rights to Disney movies, including Pixar animated and Marvel superhero films, especially since its contract with its now-sole movie provider, Sony Pictures, ends in 2016. Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos called the deal a “a bold leap forward for Internet television and we are incredibly pleased and proud this iconic family brand is teaming with Netflix to make it happen.”