Disney to Scrap "Direct to DVD" Sequels

[elphaba]

Disney to scrap direct-to-DVD sequels
Gary Gentile | the Associated Press
June 23, 2007

LOS ANGELES - In a major strategy shift, the Walt Disney Co. said it will stop making direct-to-DVD sequels of such classic animated films as Cinderella, a move that reflects the growing influence of former Pixar Animation executives John Lasseter and Steve Jobs, who once called the films "embarrassing."

The change comes with a shake-up at the company's DisneyToon Studios, including the removal of longtime President Sharon Morrill, who will continue with the company in another capacity, Disney said Friday.

DisneyToon Studios will become part of Walt Disney Feature Animation and report directly to Animation President Ed Catmull and Lasseter, who assumed roles there after Disney bought Pixar Animation Studio last year for $7.4 billion in stock.

DisneyToon will now only produce original DVD films, including the upcoming film starring the fairy Tinkerbell. Little Mermaid III, currently in production, will be the last DVD sequel released.

Disney has been a leader in the direct-to-DVD category, selling millions of copies of such films as Lion King 1 1/2 and Bambi II.

[Veritas]

That's actually good news. Frankly the quality of some of the direct to DVDs was pretty poor.

[nicks10]

Good.

[Stitch]

That is great news!

[disneycrazy1956]

Definitely the right move.

[wdwfan1313]

I think this speaks volumes about Iger and his way of managing the company. These direct to video sequels were hugely profitable. To see them walk away from that easy money gets me very excited about the way the company might be moving. Putting quality over profit is a huge step in regaining all of the hallmarks that the Disney brand once meant. As a share holder and a fan I am begining to think that we may be heading into another "golden age" for Disney, and personally I can't wait to see what happens next.

[MayBWeRMnt2B]

Sweet! I think there are some great movies that DO come out of this, but why not make them TV movies? instead of straight to DVD.

[Chrissy&Tayen]

i like the idea of tv movie... i seen the tower or terror one on tv first and i loved it

[bucknut20]

Finally

[dznyfreak42]

praise the lord!

[Disney05]

Yeah, they're just never as good as the first movie.

[EpcotCenter1]

Yeah, they're just never as good as the first movie.

So true,So true.(But lion king 1/2 was pretty good)

[tawnilai]

i thot pixar bought out disney for some reaso n

[echoscot]

That is fantastic news. I thought the concept cheapened the value of the originals!

[HiddenMick]

So true,So true.(But lion king 1/2 was pretty good)

In my opinion, Lion King 1 1/2 was better than Lion King 2.

Although that may be because I've always liked Original movies better than their sequels. Take the Peter Pan 2 for example. HORRIBLE movie!!!

I shudder when I hear that name! Peter Pan 2! OOOh! Do it again! Peter Pan 2! Peter Pan 2, Peter Pan 2!!!! AAAAAH, It tingles me!