Posted Thu Jun 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM PDT by Steven Cohen
The DC streaming platform is set go live this fall.
Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have officially announced a Fall 2018 launch window and August beta trial for the upcoming DC Universe digital entertainment service. The subscription streaming platform will feature several exclusive original live-action and animated series based on DC Comics characters, along with classic TV series and films, a curated selection of digital comic books, breaking news, a DC-centric encyclopedia, and access to exclusive merchandise.
"Developing new ways for consumers to access some of our most popular and iconic brands and franchises as well as exclusive new content whenever they want, on the devices they choose, is one of our studio's top priorities," said Craig Hunegs, president, Warner Bros. Digital Networks. "The DC UNIVERSE platform gives fans a place to tailor their experience and build a direct relationship with DC in a way they never could before."
Exclusive shows set to debut on the platform will include a live-action Teen Titans series called Titans, a live-action show based on the Doom Patrol comic, a live-action series based on the Swamp Thing character, a continuation of the Young Justice animated series dubbed Young Justice: Outsiders, and a new animated Harley Quinn show. In addition, users will also be able to access various DC superhero films during exclusive streaming windows, including the four original Superman movies and several animated films like Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Green Lantern: First Flight. Likewise, classic TV shows will also be available to stream, including the first two seasons of Batman: The Animated Series and the original Wonder Woman series.
Here's a full rundown of the exclusive shows set to arrive on the service per DC:
Titans (Live Action, 2018) - Follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find belonging in a gritty take on the classic Teen Titans franchise. Dick Grayson and Rachel Roth, a special young girl possessed by a strange darkness, get embroiled in a conspiracy that could bring Hell on Earth. Joining them along the way are the hot-headed Starfire and loveable Beast Boy. Together they become a surrogate family and team of heroes.
Doom Patrol (Live Action, 2019) - A reimagining of one of DC’s strangest group of outcasts: Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Woman and Crazy Jane. Led by the mysterious Dr. Niles Caulder, they're called into action by the ultimate hero for the digital age, Cyborg. Banding together these rejects find themselves on a mission that will take them to the weirdest and most unexpected corners of the DC Universe.
Swamp Thing (Live Action, 2019) - Follows Abby Arcane as she investigates what seems to be a deadly swamp-born virus in a small town in Louisiana but soon discovers that the swamp holds mystical and terrifying secrets. When unexplainable and chilling horrors emerge from the murky marsh, no one is safe.
Young Justice: Outsiders (Animated, 2019) - Features the return of the fan favorite animated series with a huge cast of DC's most iconic young superheroes - plus brand-new characters, many of whom are just discovering their unique meta-powers and special abilities. Set against the backdrop of a rich, deep world that touches all corners of the DC Universe, the season focuses on meta–trafficking, and an intergalactic arms race for control of these super–powered youths.
Harley Quinn (Animated, 2019) - Follows Harley's adventures after she breaks up with the Joker and strikes out on her own in this new adult animated comedy. With the help of Poison Ivy and a ragtag crew of DC castoffs, Harley tries to earn a seat at the biggest table in villainy: the Legion of the Doom.
And beyond streaming shows and movies, DC Universe will also offer a Comics Reader with a curated library of DC comic book issues available to read across smartphones, tablets, and TV screens. Likewise, comics can be downloaded for offline reading on mobile devices. In addition, the service will provide the ability to create and share personalized playlists and create personalized user profiles, allowing subscribers to connect with other members. Meanwhile, daily video segments with short-form news, interviews, and previews will also be available, along with a DC encyclopedia full of character and location bios. Finally, subscribers will also have the chance to win premium rewards and will be able to shop for exclusive DC collectibles.
"DC UNIVERSE is so much more than a streaming service. It's a welcoming place for everyone to immerse themselves in their own level of DC fandom, with the epic characters, stories, and experiences they have come to expect from DC," said Jim Lee, chief creative officer and publisher, DC Entertainment. "We are investing in and creating original, high-quality shows including the new Titans series, and curating the most beloved nostalgic content, while at the same time elevating the comic reading experience to new heights. Nothing this robust has ever been offered to fans before."
Though pricing has not been announced yet, DC Universe is set to launch in the US this fall on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, web, and mobile web devices. In addition, a beta launch for the service is scheduled to go live in August. Fans can sign up for the beta here.
Sources: DC Universe, BusinessWire
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.