Excelling at a fascinating position during a time of tremendous change in the home entertainment industry, Lori MacPherson is the Executive Vice President, Global Product Management for The Walt Disney Studios. In short, she is responsible for the product lifecycle of all studio content, developing new products and business models to capitalize on the latest trends and technologies. Put another way, her decisions affect when and how we see all Disney, Pixar, Marvel and DreamWorks Studios filmed entertainment, in every format.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides exclusively on Blu-ray four weeks before DVD? That was Lori. The Lion King 3D on disc right on the heels of the theatrical release, and Beauty and the Beast on Blu-ray 3D before it hit theaters? Lori again. And with Disney Studio All Access about to change the game, you can bet Lori's presence will be felt.
She was gracious enough to look back on where the studio has been, and share a glimpse of where they are headed, and Big Picture Big Sound was among the roundtable of journalists at the event.
Question: Lori, while some studios are going heavy on catalog titles but just releasing old DVD masters on Blu-ray, Disney seems to be more selective and putting greater care into each--which is awesome, by the way. Does that approach reflect a Disney policy on catalog reissues on Blu-ray?
Question: How important have combo packs proven for Blu-ray, especially when crossing the DVD/Blu-ray bridge for consumers?
LMacP: It's been a very successful initiative for us and extremely popular with consumers. It offers incredible value and utility and enables purchasers to future-proof their collections as well as introduce them to Blu-ray.
Question: Many of the studios appear to be joining in on the UltraViolet digital locker. From the trailers on recent titles, it appears that Disney is working on a similar program...? When is that expected to launch?
LMacP: We expect to launch Disney Studio All Access later this year.
Question: What will Disney Studio All Access consist of?
LMacP: Disney Studio All Access will be a Disney-branded experience that allows users to access, manage and experience their Disney movie collection and get rewarded for doing so. It will provide the utility of a storage locker in the Cloud, access through multiple platforms and devices and unique content and incentives.
Question: How long does Disney plan on focusing on Blu-ray as a viable revenue stream, especially with the popularity of streaming video so prevalent?
LMacP: The consistent growth in software sales and household penetration proves that Blu-ray is on an upswing. In-home is the primary point of consumption for most and Blu-ray delivers the highest quality movie-watching experience available outside of theaters. Add to that the ultimate in functionality of Blu-ray offerings such as combo packs as well as the immersive experience of captivating extras and technologies like Disney's Second Screen--developed here at the studio--and Blu-ray remains compelling and a great consumer value and proposition. It will co-exist nicely with the various digital platforms for many years to come.
Question: Second Screen has been a very cool enhancement. Are there any new or upcoming developments on the Blu-ray horizon that you're particularly excited about?
LMacP: Thanks. Glad you're enjoying it. The feedback on it has been really positive. Thus far we've offered it on Bambi, TRON: Legacy, The Lion King and Real Steel. As for new developments and apps, yes, there are many. Unfortunately, it is a bit premature to discuss them.
Question: Disney was an early adopter of BD-Live but has done less with it recently. Was BD-Live before its time? Is Second Screen the better alternative?
LMacP: BD-Live to us was really about the marriage of physical and digital experiences. This is a concept that permeates much of what we're doing in this area and will continue to be a focus for us in the future.
Question: Does Disney have more plans to release classics such as Aladdin, Little Mermaid etc. in 3D like they did with Beauty and the Beast?
LMacP: Absolutely. Look for Finding Nemo later this year and Monsters, Inc. and The Little Mermaid in 3D in 2013.
Question: Are we going to continue to see a strong commitment to 3D on Blu-ray from Disney?
LMacP: We are committed to 3D as a platform as it brings new and exciting opportunities for programming. The consumer appetite for quality 3D content continues to grow. The top four films of 2011 at the worldwide box office were all released in 3D, an industry first. Additionally, one 20-year-old film in particular was revitalized by the technology and roared into theaters at Number One for two weeks! Of course, that film is The Lion King. Though 3D in the home is still a nascent business, as an industry, we've seen the release of more than 150 titles and Disney continues its leadership in capturing a 45% share of Blu-ray 3D content sales.
Question: How do Disney's recent 3D reissues in theaters affect your Blu-ray 3D plans? Is there a preference for the disc to precede (like Beauty and the Beast 3D) or follow (Lion King 3D) the theatrical release?
LMacP: In the future you'll likely see a Blu-ray 3D release following a 3D theatrical re-release. We were happy with the results of The Lion King.
Question: I noticed that Disney has been releasing several recent theatrical titles on Blu-ray editions both with and without Digital Copy. Does this release strategy reflect what Disney has already learned about consumer interest in Digital Copy, or is that option intended to help further determine what the public wants?
LMacP: It's a result of consumer learning. Some are focused on increased utility while others simply want just the disc.
Question: What percentage of Disney business is Blu-ray?
LMacP: Depending upon the titles, anywhere from 20 to 60%, and this has grown consistently every year.
Question: Disney has done a great job releasing their classic animated titles on Blu-ray. When will we see some of the classic live-action movies from the Disney vaults like Swiss Family Robinson, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Old Yeller, etc. on Blu-ray?
LMacP: Many of our classic and beloved live-action titles are currently being considered for the Blu-ray release treatment.
Question: What are Disney's plans--if any--for releasing older television series like Wonderful World of Color?
LMacP: We continue to look at various technologies that will allow us to release this type of niche programming to consumers who want it. So stay tuned.
Our thanks to Lori MacPherson and The Walt Disney Studios, and to the Blu-ray Disc Association.
