Why Disney Plus may mean you can't watch The Sound of Music in theaters this Christmas
Indie theater companies say timeless classics have entered Disney's 'vault'
If your Christmas tradition includes heading to your local theatre to watch your favourite classic for what feels like the millionth time, things might be a bit different for you this year.
That's because since acquiring 20th Century Fox, Disney is making timeless Fox titles like The Sound of Music and Home Alone unavailable for screening at most theatres, according to Canadian cinema owners.
"I can't do a Planet of the Apes festival anymore because Walt Disney wants you to watch movies at home on Disney Plus, not in the movie theater," said Lee DeMarbre, a programmer at Mayfair Theatre in Ottawa, speaking with Day 6 guest host Saroja Coelho.
Disney launched its Disney Plus streaming service on Tuesday, offering subscribers a massive catalogue of films from its own vault, and titles from the companies it owns, including Pixar, 20th Century Fox and Marvel.
It's a bonanza for movie lovers, but DeMarbre is concerned about what it will mean for indie theatres and their fans.
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