Buzz Defects To BBC

While you snuggle up in front of the box this Christmas, all ready for the umpteenth repeat of The Guns Of Navarone or that preposterously bad TV edit of Jumpin' Jack Flash, you may well be in for a pleasant surprise. In an unprecedented move, Disney has sold terrestrial rights for Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Mulan, A Bug's Life and The Hunchback of Notre Dame to the BBC. In days gone by, Disney has been adamantly against such deals, reserving its titles for play exclusively on the Disney channel and their highly successful video range. Maintaining that their products have a far longer shelf life than standard video fair, Disney has never seen the need to farm titles out, that is, until now. David Hulbert, president of Walt Disney Television International, insists that the move is evolutionary, not revolutionary: "Now that the Disney Channel is widely distributed, we're taking the next step." Cynics may be quick to point out that the decision has been made after a difficult year for Disney, which has seen share prices fall, but Hulbert denies any such connection, "We have been talking about this strategy for years and to the BBC specifically since early in the year." The films in question have gathered more than $2 billion at the box office and their acquisition has doubtless left more than a few senior bods at the BBC with very big smiles indeed. Airing dates for the films have yet to be decided, but Empire Online wouldn't be at all surprised if lucky viewers find the BBC slipping a few animated classics into their Christmas stocking this year.