E-commerce giant Alibaba has sealed a multi-licensing agreement with Disney to bring its digital subscription service DisneyLife to China.
The over-the-top (OTT) service will offer viewers films from Disney and Pixar, as well as the Hollywood studio’s animated series, games, e-books and music, as well as options to book tickets for Disney’s Shanghai and Hong Kong theme parks and buy merchandise.
Available through Alibaba’s digital platform Tmall, the Mickey Mouse-shaped OTT system costs US$125 and operates through an Internet connection.
“DisneyLife provides Alibaba customers in China with an all-encompassing and immersive family friendly digital experience,” the companies said.
As a foreign company, Disney is not able to operate TV channels without a partner in China. Disney content in the country is currently provided via Wasu Media Network, in which Alibaba owns a stake.
“DisneyLife, launched by Ali Digital Entertainment Business Unit together with Disney, will provide the only holistic and trusted family friendly digital destination in China,” said Wei Ming, co-president of Youku Tudou Business Group and general manager of Alibaba digital entertainment business unit.