Star Review
Star is an extension of Disney+ that provides the service with an extra listing of shows and movies, tacking on more general entertainment programming. The exception is in Latin America, where Star is its own entity, Star+.
One of the downsides to Disney+ is its narrowly focused family-friendly collection. With the addition of content from Star, however, audiences will be able to enjoy the service with a newly broadened scope.
It isn’t available in the U.S., since much of the content can be stream on Hulu, which has a 30-Day Free Trial.
Just like Disney+, with Star you also get unlimited downloads, four simultaneous streamers, up to 7 profiles, 4K streaming, and includes hundreds of avatars.
This includes content outside their own intellectual property, along with programming for more mature audiences, such as “Prison Break” or “Commando.” Since in most countries this is effectively a new extra channel for Disney+, there is a resulting slight increase to the price of the service. Current Disney+ users will not need to pay the extra fee until later in 2021.
Review
We tested Star and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. Star is compatible with web browsers, phones and tablets for both iPhone and Android, Amazon Fire, Android, Samsung, Apple, Amazon Fire, and LG TV, Roku, Sony PlayStation, Xbox, Vizio Smartcast TV, along with Chromebook and Chromecast.
Content
Originals
Star will host a small handful of original shows and movies to their international platforms. In Spain this will include the romantic comedy miniseries “Besos al Aire,” and “Summer of Soul,” a film about the untelevised Harlem music festival that took place the same year as the 1969 Woodstock.
TV Shows
Joining the TV shows already included with a Disney+, Star includes dozens of additional shows. This includes “Desperate Housewives,” “American Dad,” “Scrubs,” “Prison Break,” “Ugly Betty,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” with more to come.
Movies
In addition to the TV shows already included with a Disney+, Star adds hundreds of new movies to their listing. Joining the roster are “Commando,” “Deadpool 2,” “Hitchcock,” “Idiocracy,” “Independence Day,” and many, many more.
Kids
Unlike the base Disney+, Star includes 18+ programming. Users can set limits for profiles in the app based on content ratings, using a password PIN to prevent access to the adult accounts. You can also create profile set for to Kids Mode which automatically locks the account to just kid-friendly content, using a new interface of shows and movies recommended for your kids.
Features
Up to 7 Profiles
Star allows you to create up to 7 user profiles.
Parental Controls
Star will include additional parental controls to help incorporate its new 18+ content. Set limits for profiles in the app based on content ratings, using a password PIN to prevent access to adult accounts.
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ also have parental control features.
Up to 4 Devices
Star allows you to stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
Offline Downloads
Star subscribers have the same access to unlimited downloads of shows and movies as Disney+. Download content for offline viewing on up to 10 mobile or tablet devices. The only limit to how many downloads available at any given time is the storage space available on your device.
International Access
Star is an additional channel offered on Disney+ to select countries listed below. The exception is Latin America, where a separate Star+ streaming service will be launched instead. Star will not be made available in the United States.
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Eastern Europe (later in 2021)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong (later in 2021)
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan (later in 2021)
- Latin America (see above)
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- Singapore
- South Korea (later in 2021)
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Compatible Devices
Star is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad
- Android Phone/Tablet
- Mac
- Windows
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- LG Smart TV
- Samsung Smart TV
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV
Star is not compatible with Nintendo devices.
Tech Specs
1080p HD
(Up to 4K UHD)
Most video streams are in 1080p HD. Some video streams are available in 4K UHD.
Some Surround
Stereo/Surround Sound
Most content has stereo audio, with some content available in surround sound.