Netflix, Disney + and others will have a new competitor in France with Universal +, an American streaming platform which should offer an original offer at low prices, with a large catalog and a DreamWorks channel.
The video-on-demand (SVOD) services sector is definitely welcoming more and more players. Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, OCS/HBO, Apple TV+, and soon Paramount+ and Discovery+, not to mention the French platforms Canal+ and Salto… Long gone are the days when Netflix reigned supreme over subscription streaming! And it’s not over, because NBCUniverral – an American media giant, owned by the Comcast empire – is preparing to launch in France with Universal +, its SVOD service already established in 43 regions of the world, and which will benefit of a partnership with Canal+. Soon available, the new streaming platform is intended to be quite versatile, offering series and programs of all kinds, but also programs for families and young people. In a Press releasethe firm announces a “vast choice of on-demand content, in one easy-to-access place.” Will it have something to seduce in the face of a now plethoric offer?
Universal+: the cinema giant arrives in France
Universal+ is a somewhat special streaming platform, since it revolves around four live channels – SYFY, 13 Rue, E! and DreamWorks – and on-demand content. As a reminder, 13e Rue made his name in crime series and SYFY in science fiction – Stargate, Battlestar Galactica. DreamWorks is a new channel created especially for the occasion. In its press release, the firm mentions the presence of 13 original seriese Street – Marion, Internal Kitchen –, the complete hit shows – keeping up with the Kardashians –, series for youth – The Adventures of Puss in Boots – and original content – Resident Alien, New York: Organized Crime. On the other hand, no film is cited, which is surprising given that it is the favorite field of Universal, an emblematic pioneer in cinema – especially since DreamWorks has a fairly rich catalog, with licenses like Shrek, Dragons and kung fu panda. The question of broadcast rights inevitably arises, with some of the Universal films being available from the competition. But there is no doubt that, when the agreements come to an end, Netflix and others will lose some serious arguments, and the Universal + catalog will increase considerably.
The launch of Universal+ in France is planned for the “end of 2022”, and more information should be coming soon. Pricing for the subscription packages has also not been revealed, but should be on the lower end of the streaming subscription spectrum, as the basic plan is listed at $4.99 per month in the United States. With this surge of players on the SVOD market, the content will be more and more scattered, and it will be necessary to pay more and more to access the desired programs. To unless it weakens the sector, and users go back to good old piracy…