Summary
Marvel's TV series on Disney+ have demonstrated a range of quality and viewership, with certain shows such as WandaVision and Loki garnering acclaim, while others experienced a decline in viewership.A contentious matter arose among fans due to an unofficial discless WandaVision steelbook, which caused controversy because it lacked a physical disc for viewing the series. This incident highlights the existing demand for physical releases of MCU content.
Disney has the potential to profit from creating collector's editions of their MCU shows on Disney+. However, this could negatively impact the number of viewers who choose to stream the content. An unusual controversy regarding unofficial releases of Marvel Cinematic Universe content has highlighted the need for physical releases of the MCU's TV series. In Phase 4 of the MCU, which has been the most divisive so far, Marvel Studios has increased the amount of content it produces. While the Infinity Saga only included movies, the Multiverse Saga has allowed Marvel to explore different formats on Disney+. The MCU now consists of movies, TV shows, Special Presentations, animated series, and shorts.
While Marvel delved wholeheartedly into creating content for Disney+ through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the consistency of quality and viewership varied. Certain shows, such as WandaVision and Loki, garnered critical acclaim and attracted large audiences. However, other series like Ms. Marvel and Secret Invasion experienced significant drops in viewership. As a response to these challenges, the MCU has devised a new release plan for Phase 5 shows to rectify the mistakes that arose during the initial stages of Marvel's expansion on Disney+. While Marvel is actively addressing issues with its TV shows, a new predicament has emerged in the form of an unusual unofficial controversy surrounding the release of an MCU series.
WandaVision's Unofficial Discless Steelbook Shows A Huge MCU Market
According to IGN, the discless WandaVision steelbook, which gained popularity online, is not an official Marvel product. Instead, it is being produced by Manta Lab. The Disney home video team has confirmed that the discless WandaVision steelbook is currently "pending licensor approval". The announcement of this unofficial MCU product received mixed reactions from MCU fans. While some were excited about adding a steelbook of the MCU's first Disney+ TV series to their collection, others were confused and disappointed to learn that it does not include a disc.
Manta Lab's WandaVision steelbook set is anticipated to contain an assortment of exciting collectibles such as a slipcase, character cards, postcards, an envelope, and a folder. While fans initially expressed their enthusiasm for these unique additions, they were taken aback by the absence of an actual disc or even a digital code to enjoy the series. This unexpected revelation left those individuals eager to expand their MCU physical release collection feeling perplexed. Despite potentially frustrating fans, the discless nature of the WandaVision steelbook ultimately shed light on the massive market surrounding the MCU.
Making MCU TV Show Collector's Editions Would Be Good For Merchandise (But Not For Streaming)
Manta Lab's discless WandaVision steelbook was likely designed to take advantage of the untapped segment in the market that the MCU should ideally dominate. Marvel could profit from producing limited edition collections of Disney+ MCU shows, providing fans with sought-after merchandise and generating additional revenue streams from unexplored territory.
Marvel's entry into the market would address a gap, but it is also likely to negatively impact streaming. If Marvel enthusiasts opt for collector's editions of Disney+ MCU shows and delay watching until a physical release is available, Disney+ would witness a decline in viewership numbers, ultimately affecting the performance of the MCU. Disney must conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine the feasibility of introducing physical releases for the MCU, but it is evident that there is a potential market for it.