The History of Walt Disney Home Video and the Disney Vault

📼Walt Disney Studios prioritized wartime training films during World War II, delaying the release of their animated films on home video.

💰Initial attempts at home video entertainment, like CartaVision and DiscoVision, were commercial failures due to limited functionality and high prices.

🔒The Disney Vault gimmick was introduced to create urgency and exclusivity around the release of Disney classics on home video.

💸The Disney Classics collection launched in 1984, strategically pricing the films high to encourage video rentals rather than purchases.

🚫Disney's reliance on theatrical re-releases and limited home video availability disappointed fans of new animated feature films.

Why did Disney delay the release of their animated films on home video during World War II?

—Walt Disney Studios shifted their focus to creating wartime training films and educational shorts during World War II, leading to delayed releases of their animated films on home video.

What were some early attempts at home video entertainment?

—Early attempts at home video entertainment included CartaVision and DiscoVision, but these were commercial failures due to limited functionality and high prices.

What was the purpose of the Disney Vault?

—The Disney Vault was introduced as a marketing gimmick to create urgency and exclusivity around the release of Disney classics on home video.

Why did Disney price their home video releases high in the 1980s?

—Disney priced their home video releases high to encourage video rentals rather than purchases, aligning with their belief in the importance of theatrical re-releases for longevity and profitability.

Why were fans disappointed with Disney's release strategy for new animated feature films?

—Fans of Disney's new animated feature films were disappointed because these films would only be released on home video after several years and theatrical re-releases, limiting their availability for purchase.

00:00Introduction to the history and evolution of Walt Disney home video and the Disney Vault.

03:30Discussion of early attempts at home video entertainment, including CartaVision and DiscoVision.

09:25Introduction of the Disney Vault gimmick and the pricing strategy for Disney classics on home video.

13:40Overview of the Disney Classics collection and the limited availability of new animated feature films on home video.