Disney brings back ‘The Wonderful World of Disney’ movie night. Which movie is first?

Moana watches the demigod Maui in Disney’s animated feature “Moana,” now on Blu-ray and DVD. | Disney

‘Moana’ will be the first film in the series

Disney is bringing back “The Wonderful World of Disney” movie night for the next four weeks.

What’s the news:

• Beginning on May 20, ABC will broadcast a Disney-owned film on national television during prime time hours. The films will air on four consecutive Wednesday nights.
• “Moana” will be the first film, which will air from 6 to 8 p.m. MT.
• Upcoming titles for the campaign include, Marvel Studios’ “Thor: The Dark World,” Academy “Up,” and “Big Hero 6.”

Some context:

“The Wonderful World of Disney” originally aired on Sundays. It was a staple for Walt Disney Company that eventually became a rare event within the last decade, according to Deadline. For example, Disney and ABC would collaborate for special programs like “The Little Mermaid Live!”

Disney’s decision to bring back the movie nights aligns with CBS’ decision to air films on Sunday nights. The network broadcasted “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on May 3. CBS will continue to air Paramount Pictures films over the next four weeks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Movie nights were popular for a long time before they were axed in the 1990s and 2000s because “premium cable became the primary outlet for TV premieres of theatrical films,” THR explained.

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/2WBKo9n