
I was reading an article today on the Disney empire and was very interested to see the author’s opinions on the company (well, I suppose I should say “companies” really – since they act somewhat autonomously and disparately whether you’re talking about ESPN, TV, Movies, Mobile, Parks, or any of the others). I am not nearly as surprised that the empire of companies are actually very diverse and unique, and that there is a seeming lack of homogeneity from one to the next. The timing was really funny for me though as I have only recently started thinking about their empire again now that I have two nephews and a niece that are of the age where these forms of entertainment are enjoyable to them.
The one thing I do know? The brand still has staying power. I was trying to buy my girlfriend The Lion King for Christmas the other day. Guess how much it was? $40 box set. $40! Granted – it was two discs with numerous superlatives (BEST version ever, MASTERFULLY reproduced, PLATINUM edition, blah blah) but I challenge you to name one other mode of entertainment that has been so transcendent that, over 20 years after initial release – you can still charge so much. I was expecting to be able to rent on iTunes/Amazon for $3, $4, or maybe $5 in the worst case. Boy, was I wrong.
Are there any other empires that come close to rivaling Disney? I’m really starting to think the answer is “No”…
Til Next Time,
Michael