When Disney+ UK launched in March 2020, it was the home of hundreds of classic Disney movies from across the decades. One such title was 1959’s The Shaggy Dog, which has now been unexpectedly removed from the service.
What is The Shaggy Dog
Based on the book The Hound of Florence by Felix Salten, The Shaggy Dog was directed by Charles Barton and starred Fred MacMurray, Tommy Kirk, and Annette Funicello. In the film, a teenager, played by Kirk, transforms into a sheepdog with the power of an enchanted ring. The 1976 sequel, entitled The Shaggy D.A, has also been removed.
The Shaggy Dog is a significant title in the history of Disney. It was the first of the company’s gimmick comedies, which the company continued to make for decades afterwards. It was also the first role for Funicello, who had previously been a member of The Mickey Mouse Club.
The Reason for Removals?
Numerous unexplained removals have occurred on Disney+ UK since the start of February, with around 50 older titles disappearing from the platform. Films like Swiss Family Robinson (1960), That Darn Cat (1965), Emil and the Detectives (1964), and The Ugly Dachshund (1966) are among those no longer available to stream. The rationale behind these removals remains unclear, whether it’s a cost-cutting measure to eliminate less-viewed titles, a temporary adjustment paving the way for undisclosed alterations, or possibly a technical glitch.
Numerous withdrawn titles, including these, are now accessible for purchase or rental through the Amazon Video digital store. In certain instances, this might be the sole legal avenue to access some of these titles, especially those lacking physical media releases in the UK. Those wishing to voice their suggestions for titles or express dissatisfaction with the removals may consider submitting a form on the Disney+ website.
Many streaming platforms typically offer a feature to alert their users about titles scheduled to depart the platform. However, as of the present writing, Disney+ does not provide such functionality.
Are you disappointed The Shaggy Dog has departed from Disney+?
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