DC unveils streaming service offering original, classic TV and movies along with a comics library
DC Entertainment has revealed the details of its upcoming subscription-based streaming service DC Universe which, according to the company, will be much more than another Netflix alternative. It will not only include some of DC's most well-known films and TV series but will also feature new shows and and an archive of superhero comics.
According to Digital Spy, the subscription service includes thousands of DC Comics ranging from the 1938 Action Comics to 2011's Justice League and 2013's Harley Quinn. It will also give access to a range of collectibles such as the new six-inch Justice League animated action figures, as well as connect with other members to share playlists and contribute to several forums. Members will get the chance to win premium awards and receive a first-chance access to events and can also contribute to the expansive DC encyclopedia.
The article quotes Jim Lee, chief creative officer, and publisher at DC Entertainment saying, "DC Universe is so much more than a streaming service... It's a welcoming place for everyone to immerse themselves in their own level of DC fandom, with the epic characters, stories, and experiences they have come to expect from DC...We are investing in and creating original, high-quality shows including the new Titans series, and curating the most beloved nostalgic content, while at the same time elevating the comic reading experience to new heights. Nothing this robust has ever been offered to fans before."
Polygon reported that subscribers will gain access to movies like 'Batman Begins', 'The Dark Knight', Richard Donner's 'Superman' — including all three sequels — and television series like 'Batman: The Animated Series', 'Static Shock', 'Young Justice', 'Teen Titans', 'Lois & Clark', and 'Wonder Woman '77' (which will be remastered in HD). DC will offer a "rotating, curated selection" of "thousands of DC Comics', as the publishers have been trying to get on to the subscription-based comics game.
Marvel has already launched its own subscription-based digital back issue library in 2007 and several American comic publishers offer their books on the digital comics retailer Comixology Unlimited.
According to the article, DC Comics co-publisher Dan DiDio said that the purpose of the selection was to allow users to “watch exclusive video content on a big screen followed by the comic that inspired it.” DC Universe will launch on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and in web and mobile web versions this fall. Beta access to the service will open in August, and fans can sign up to potentially gain early access. DC Entertainment has not announced pricing for the service.
Some of the previously announced exclusive shows such as 'Titans', the live action series of the 'Teen Titans', other live-action shows such as 'Doom Patrol' and 'Swamp Thing', and an animated series on 'Harley Quinn' are included. It will also include the third season of the animated 'Young Justice: Outsiders'.
The direct-to-consumer digital service is being launched by the collaboration between Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, and it will be kicking off with the live-action drama series of 'Titans' which is being produced by Greg Berlanti.
