If Dolby Vision suddenly disappeared from your Disney+ feed, you're not imagining things. The streaming service is intentionally killing HDR formats for users across Europe.
Key Points
- Disney+ disabling Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 3D formats for users in six European countries
- German court injunction related to patent dispute with InterDigital forcing the removals
- InterDigital described as "patent troll" with history of suing Amazon, Samsung, and other tech companies
- Disney support pages removed Dolby Vision mentions including in US market, suggesting potential wider impact
- No timeline for resolution or user compensation announced by Disney
What's Being Disabled
Disney+ is pulling support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and even 3D content on Apple Vision Pro. The removals started quietly in Germany back in late 2025. Now they've spread to France, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland according to reports from FlatPanelsHD and Heise.
Here's the kicker: Disney's support page has scrubbed mentions of Dolby Vision entirely, including in the US market. That suggests more regions might lose access soon, though Americans still have HDR working for now.
Patent Trolls Strike Again
The culprit behind this mess is a German court injunction tied to a patent dispute. A company called InterDigital is going after Disney over HDR technology. FlatPanelsHD notes that InterDigital has a reputation as a "patent troll"—basically a firm that doesn't make products but sues everyone over patent infringement.
They've targeted Amazon, Samsung, and plenty of other tech companies with similar tactics. German courts sided with them on this one, forcing Disney to yank HDR support rather than deal with legal consequences.
What Users Are Experiencing
People who paid for 4K Disney+ subscriptions expecting premium picture quality are now watching standard dynamic range content instead. Shows and movies that previously displayed vibrant HDR colors and improved contrast now look noticeably duller.
The 3D removal only affects Apple Vision Pro owners, which is a much smaller user base. Still, paying premium prices for Disney+ and Vision Pro hardware only to lose advertised features stings.
How Long Will This Last?
Nobody knows. German court cases can drag on forever. Disney hasn't publicly commented on the situation beyond quietly updating support documentation. They're not offering refunds or subscription discounts to affected users either.
Patent disputes rarely resolve quickly, especially when "troll" companies are involved. These firms make money through licensing fees and settlements, not actual products. Dragging cases out works in their favor.
Other Streaming Services at Risk?
If InterDigital wins or forces settlements, other streaming platforms could face similar pressure. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+—they all use the same HDR formats Disney just disabled.
That's speculation for now. But patent trolls rarely stop at one target when they smell money.
For European Disney+ subscribers, the immediate future looks decidedly less colorful. Premium features vanished overnight because of legal maneuvering most users have never heard of and can't control.
Welcome to the wonderful world of patent litigation.
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