The rumors turned out to be true - Pixar was bought by Disney yesterday for $7.4 billion - in stock, not cash. What that does is make Steve Jobs the single largest shareholder of Disney with about 7% equity. Now the link to Apple is obvious, and then some. First because Disney has a huge motion picture archive, this is a boon for iTunes video and the iPod, but don’t forget, Apple WILL soon put a Mac (mini) in your living room that will show off a revamped iTunes movie service and Front Row app.
Because Disney is a major player, it will definitely hold sway with other media giants, many of whom will follow the lead of others in their industry, everyone wants to go with the best thing going. Thats not to say we can’t expect some to flow to other services exclusively like Microsoft and Sony, but the fact that you can expect all of Disney’s archives through iTunes exclusively means there a bit of momentum for Apple - quite a bit.
Next, consider what Disney owns: ABS, Mirimax, Buena Vista, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, The Anaheim Ducks (yes the hockey team), 80% of ESPN, Lyric Street Records, Buena Vista Records, Mammoth Records and a lot, lot more. Get the picture? There is a lot of good content that Disney owns including movies, music and video games. Now bring it all together, does this mean you’ll the suddenly see it all on Macs? No. But you will definitely see it.