The Missed Potential of DC's Cancelled Streaming Service

Summary

The video script fondly reminisces about DC Universe, a streaming service and ultimate membership program for DC fans that launched in 2018 but shut down in 2020. It provided access to a variety of DC content, including shows, movies, digital comics, and exclusive rewards. Despite its short life, the service was ahead of its time with 4K HDR support and a strong community focus. The video discusses the service's failure, attributing it to lack of a global launch, no PS4 app, and an inconsistent release schedule. The speaker passionately argues for a revival of DC Universe, emphasizing its potential to serve as a hub for James Gunn's communications and to bolster DC Universe Online.

Takeaways

• 📅 DC Universe, the ultimate DC membership, launched on September 15, 2018, and shut down around June 2020.
• 📱 At launch, DC Universe was available on various platforms including iPads, iPhones, Android devices, and later, Xbox One.
• 💰 The service offered a monthly subscription fee of $8 or an annual fee of $75.
• 🌟 DC Universe aimed to provide a direct relationship with fans, as stated by DC's Chief Creative Officer, Jim Lee.
• 🎉 The service was praised for making fans feel cared for and acknowledged, especially at the New York Comic-Con launch event.
• 📺 DC Universe featured original shows like 'Titans', 'Young Justice', 'Doom Patrol', and 'Harley Quinn', and even had 4K HDR support.
• 📉 Despite a strong start, DC Universe struggled with release cadence and user engagement, lacking a reason for daily app visits.
• 🔄 The service's original content was eventually migrated to HBO Max, signaling a shift in DC's digital strategy.
• 🌐 A significant drawback was the lack of a global app launch, limiting its audience and potential for growth.
• 🎁 DC Universe offered physical rewards and exclusive experiences for its members, enhancing fan engagement.
• 🔄 The service's closure left a void for a dedicated DC fan community and content hub, which some argue is still missing from current offerings.

Q & A

What was the primary reason the speaker misses DC Universe?

The speaker misses DC Universe because it was a comprehensive platform catering to all things DC, including shows, movies, digital comic books, forums, and a reward system, which provided an ultimate membership experience for DC fans.

When did DC Universe launch and what was its initial availability?

DC Universe launched on September 15, 2018, and was initially available on iPads, iPhones, Android phones, Android tablets, and later got an Xbox One release.

What was the subscription fee for DC Universe at launch?

At launch, DC Universe had a subscription fee of $8 a month or an annual fee of $75.

What significant event happened during the DC Universe launch at New York Comic-Con?

During the DC Universe launch at New York Comic-Con, they premiered DC's Titans and announced that Brandon Frasier would be playing Robot Man in Doom Patrol.

What did the speaker consider DC Universe to be ahead of its time with?

The speaker considered DC Universe to be ahead of its time with its 4K HDR support, which was a premium feature at the time for a streaming service priced at only $8 a month.

Why did the speaker believe the release cadence of DC Universe was problematic?

The speaker believed the release cadence of DC Universe was problematic because there was no real reason for users to come back to the app daily, despite having exclusive shows like 'DC Daily'.

What was 'DC Daily' and why did it get canceled?

'DC Daily' was a show offering DC fans news, interviews, and in-depth panel discussions about DC movies and TV shows. It was canceled, reportedly not due to budget reasons, but because of COVID-19, according to sources cited by Collider.

What was the role of 'DC Universe All-Star Games' in the platform?

'DC Universe All-Star Games' was a show featuring celebrities playing a tabletop RPG for DC fans. It was part of the platform's effort to engage the community with unique content, but it was not widely popular and is now considered 'lost media'.

According to Parrot Analytics, how popular was 'Titans' from DC Universe?

According to Parrot Analytics, 'Titans' was one of the most in-demand superhero TV shows of 2018, with demand increasing as the series continued.

Why did DC Universe ultimately shut down?

DC Universe shut down because its original content migrated to HBO Max, which was considered a better platform for the content due to the amount of content and better value proposition it offered.

What are some of the reasons the speaker suggests for a potential return of DC Universe?

The speaker suggests that DC Universe should return to provide a better home for DC fans with content preservation, to serve as a communication platform for filmmakers like James Gunn, to benefit DC Universe Online by offering rewards, and to give members exclusive rewards at conventions.