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[Inferno313]

EDIT:
Pricing and Launch Details announced!

-$6.99/Month for Filmstruck
-$10.99/Month for Filmstruck + Criterion
-$99/Year for Filmstruck + Criterion
-14-Day Trial
-Launches October 19th
-Initially on Fire TV, Web, iOS, Android; Apple TV in the coming months.

Source
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Fellow cinephiles, you can soon cancel the only reason you had a Hulu account. While they’ve had The Criterion Collection’s streaming library for some time, starting this fall, that will no longer be the case. Turner announced today that they are launching FilmStruck, a collaborative streaming service between Turner Classic Movies and Criterion Collection, as well as films from Janus Films, Flicker Alley, Icarus, Kino, Milestone, Zeitgeist, Warners Bros. and more.

While so far only Seven Samurai, A Hard Day’s Night, A Room With A View, Blood Simple, My Life As A Dog, Mad Max, Breaker Morant and The Player have been named as titles, more than a 1,000 features just from Janus’ extensive library will be part of the ad-free service, which will also include bonus features that have been missing on Hulu.

Source

Teaser Video

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I know, I know. Another streaming service. But, personally, this one sounds pretty promising with a focus on classic, overlooked, or important films. If they priced it reasonably, I could definitely see myself biting. Having the bonus features for Criterion films included is a huge improvement over what they were doing with Hulu.

 

[shortsFortallPeople]

I get why Criterion is in the streaming game but anecdotally no one that i know who is into what Criterion is doing gives a shit about their streaming efforts. It's all about collecting classics and having them in the best quality possible which are two things streaming doesn't allow

 

[JTripper]

This is cool but I only ever stream Criterion on Hulu if it's free or if I really want to watch a specific movie on there. Otherwise I'd rather just wait for a sale to add to my Blu-Ray collection.

Edit: ^ what they said

 

[Inferno313]

I get why Criterion is in the streaming game but anecdotally no one that i know who is into what Criterion is doing gives a shit about their streaming efforts. It's all about collecting classics and having them in the best quality possible which are two things streaming doesn't really do.

That's fair. Although I wonder if that's a symptom of the fact that people largely don't give a shit about Hulu's film library? That service is so focused on TV.

I think there's definitely an audience, if a small one, for having a huge library of Criterion films without having to spend $30 per Blu-ray.

 

[Sibersk Esto]

I hope they're tempering their expectations.

 

[Blader]

Depending on how much the service costs, this might make me way less likely to stream Criterion titles now. :\

 

[bjork]

I think there's definitely an audience, if a small one, for having a huge library of Criterion films without having to spend $30 per Blu-ray.

I'm in this camp. I only own Down by Law and La Jetee on disc, and I'm not into paying secondary prices for stuff I missed.

 

[BlueTsunami]

I would be down. A lot of streaming services have a couple of gem films with a ridiculous amount of bottom barrel stuff. A curated streaming service that actually has worthwhile films, yes.

Ultimately what they want monthly will determine whether I find this worth it. I have a feeling they'll be wanting $20/m which is steep.

 

[Forkball]

Well, it appeals to me. I haven't bought a DVD or BluRay in 10 years, but there are dozens of criterion a I want to check out still.

 

[Busty]

Turner?

Hmmm.

Interesting that Time Warner will now have the likes of this HBO Now, Dreamfever (whatever this will morph into) and possibly a chunk of Hulu too.

I know that Turner is a separate corporate 'silo' alongside Warner Bros but it's still interesting to see how the larger media corporations are diversifying their streaming offerings.

 

[dreamcastmaster]

I get why Criterion is in the streaming game but anecdotally no one that i know who is into what Criterion is doing gives a shit about their streaming efforts. It's all about collecting classics and having them in the best quality possible which are two things streaming doesn't allow

Movie snobs? You need to know better people.

 

[Valhelm]

Whoa this could change everything

Sorry Putlocker, but I might have found your replacement

 

[SpaceHorror]

I couldn't be more excited. Turner Classic Movies and Criterion teaming up is pretty much the holy grail of movie streaming.

And I think seeing Criterion Collection is confusing people, as it's clear from the press release it won't be JUST Criterion movies. They even mention films from WB's catalog will be offered. Yes, it's clearly being marketed to so called cinephiles, but that's fine by me.

Now I just hope they launch on a wide variety of platforms, preferably consoles.

 

[shortsFortallPeople]

Movie snobs? You need to know better people.

well, not even. Just people who enjoy collecting films. And streaming right now means that you're compromising in both bitrate and in accessibility. I want to be able to pop in Mulholland Dr. whenever i like regardless of internet connection or speed and have it look amazing and play perfectly fine while also not needing to worry that the content provider might only have the license to the film for a month or two and then it's gone.

though we should all be aspiring to know better people at all times right?

 

[Sorcerer]

I think Criterion is just future proofing itself. Have they even talked about moving to UHD for their disks? This is the future whether we like it or not. I know they master in 4k currently at least.

Finally they make good on the promise of including bonus features with their digital movies.

I always thought a Criterion movie without the extras is not really Criterion, its just the movie with a Criterion label slapped on it.

I have Criterion Eraserhead on Itunes, but it has nothing extra. David's Lynch's orginal 2000 dvd release exceeds it because of the wonderful extras. Although the actual Criterion Blu Ray is the best version currently.

Edit:

Interesting, Criterion is doing thier own separate channel under the Filmstruck Banner. You have to pay separately for the Criterion Channel.

http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/26/media/turner-streaming-service-filmstruck/index.html

"Some of Criterion's titles will be available through the basic service, but the rest of them will only be available on a "premium service" called the Criterion Channel."

"So in essence FilmStruck will include a second, more expensive streaming service within the first one."

 

[bengraven]

I fucking love Criterion, but I also have been hungering for classic movies you can't find on most streaming sites. Like massive classic movies of the Hitchcock or John Ford or classic musicals school and I'd be streaming with the quickness.

 

[kinoki]

With MUBI being very hit and miss, I'm in need of a good classic movie streaming service. I'm keeping my eyes open.

 

[daveo42]

For films that you may have missed or are on the fence about buying from Criterion or will never be available for a reasonable or sane amount, streaming seems like a good option, even for the collector. How big that audience is, I'm not so sure as other have stated, having the best quality of each movie and having them available at any time is part of collecting these remasters.

How well received it will be will come down to cost and library outside of just Criterion.

 

[J-Roderton]

Interesting. I've enjoyed a lot of what they have on Hulu.

 

[SpaceHorror]

I think Criterion is just future proofing itself. Have they even talked about moving to UHD for their disks? This is the future whether we like it or not. I know they master in 4k currently at least.

Finally they make good on the promise of including bonus features with their digital movies.

I always thought a Criterion movie without the extras is not really Criterion, its just the movie with a Criterion label slapped on it.

I have Criterion Eraserhead on Itunes, but it has nothing extra. David's Lynch's orginal 2000 dvd release exceeds it because of the wonderful extras. Although the actual Criterion Blu Ray is the best version currently.

Edit:

Interesting, Criterion is doing thier own separate channel under the Filmstruck Banner. You have to pay separately for the Criterion Channel.

http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/26/media/turner-streaming-service-filmstruck/index.html

"Some of Criterion's titles will be available through the basic service, but the rest of them will only be available on a "premium service" called the Criterion Channel."

"So in essence FilmStruck will include a second, more expensive streaming service within the first one."

Wow, that's...interesting. And potentially off-putting.

It really will depend on how much of their catalog the Criterion Channel offers. Hulu has always had a fantastic selection, but also there are some films that were never offered. I don't think I've ever seen any of the Douglas Sirk films Criterion offers on disc on Hulu, for example.

If we have more access to their available catalog, then I'm all for paying a premium. If it's about as good as Hulu's with mostly the same films? Eh...

 

[old manatee]

I would love a service that spent their money on good films that are cheap because they are old, rather than new films that are cheap because they are not good.

 

[Foggy]

Also, Criterion has a ton of movies that don't have proper releases but are available to stream. That and satisfying a curiosity without having to wait for the next B&N sale makes this very valuable.

 

[Sorcerer]

Wow, that's...interesting. And potentially off-putting.

It really will depend on how much of their catalog the Criterion Channel offers. Hulu has always had a fantastic selection, but also there are some films that were never offered. I don't think I've ever seen any of the Douglas Sirk films Criterion offers on disc on Hulu, for example.

If we have more access to their available catalog, then I'm all for paying a premium. If it's about as good as Hulu's with mostly the same films? Eh...

http://www.wsj.com/articles/turner-to-launch-its-first-direct-to-consumer-service-this-fall-1461664860

"FilmStruck will also feature a dedicated Criterion Collection channel, which will feature more than, 1,000 films and other pieces of original content – a “huge plus” for the collection, according to its president, Peter Becker."

Holy Fuck, if they launch with 1000 movies, I am so in. Supposedly the service will not exceed single digits. So for 10 bucks a month, this is worth it.

3 Criterion Blu Rays will cost you a 100 bucks anyway.

Hopefully The Criterion Channel can be subscribed to independently of the other channel.

 

[shortsFortallPeople]

Also, Criterion has a ton of movies that don't have proper releases but are available to stream. That and satisfying a curiosity without having to wait for the next B&N sale makes this very valuable.

yeah, i didn't want to come off as saying this is a useless service just that most criterion diehards are fully bought into getting blu rays for reasons i got into earlier. but if youre just getting into these films or simply would like to see some classics and feel like Netflix or other services are lacking in that regard then it's good to see that someone is trying to make this happen for you

 

[Red]

Sounds like mubi.

 

[EdibleKnife]

TCM? Hopefully it gets the Harryhausen collection

 

[Max Armstrong]

US only? I'd really like a service like that in Canada. The entire Janus library? Sign me up right now.

 

[Makonero]

10 bucks a month for over 1000 classic movies I haven't seen? Sign me up.

 

[Net_Wrecker]

3 Criterion Blu Rays will cost you a 100 bucks anyway.

People pls. Unless you're buying box sets, never pay more than 20 bucks for a computer game Criterion blu-ray. There are a bunch of sales year round. You make a list and splurge only during the sales.


and WHOA if this service is going to have 1,000 movies anywhere near launch.

 

[Blader]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/turner-to-launch-its-first-direct-to-consumer-service-this-fall-1461664860

"FilmStruck will also feature a dedicated Criterion Collection channel, which will feature more than, 1,000 films and other pieces of original content – a “huge plus” for the collection, according to its president, Peter Becker."

Holy Fuck, if they launch with 1000 movies, I am so in. Supposedly the service will not exceed single digits. So for 10 bucks a month, this is worth it.

3 Criterion Blu Rays will cost you a 100 bucks anyway.

Hopefully The Criterion Channel can be subscribed to independently of the other channel.

It sounds like you need Filmstruck + Criterion. A little like how you need Hulu to use its Showtime streaming too.

 

[Ridley327]

Having Criterion streaming is nothing new, but combining that with the TCM library is something that interests me a great deal, along with the other companies. A real one-stop shop for classic and foreign films really hasn't happened yet on the various streaming services, so this partnership is relevant to my interests.

Kinda makes me wonder if Criterion is starting to sunset their Hulu deal, though.

 

[Foggy]

yeah, i didn't want to come off as saying this is a useless service just that most criterion diehards are fully bought into getting blu rays for reasons i got into earlier. but if youre just getting into these films or simply would like to see some classics and feel like Netflix or other services are lacking in that regard then it's good to see that someone is trying to make this happen for you

Just like you're speaking anecdotally, I'm only doing the same so you can take it for what it's worth. The true value for film fans that I'm friends with is the access to their unreleased properties. Presumably films designated for Eclipse sets that aren't complete yet, at least that's my guess. It also has real value to the people with families. Also the prospect of including TCM and what I'm guessing is the Warner Archives is enticing as well.

 

[Blader]

Having Criterion streaming is nothing new, but combining that with the TCM library is something that interests me a great deal, along with the other companies. A real one-stop shop for classic and foreign films really hasn't happened yet on the various streaming services, so this partnership is relevant to my interests.

Kinda makes me wonder if Criterion is starting to sunset their Hulu deal, though.

It's a little buried in the release I guess, but this is the end of Criterion on Hulu. It'll be exclusive to FilmStruck now.

 

[Fletcher]

I know licensing rights and all that, but if they could put up the entire CC collection...

 

[Sir_Crocodile]

Why would you want criterion releases with a lower bitrate.

No thanks.

 

[Ridley327]

It's a little buried in the release I guess, but this is the end of Criterion on Hulu. It'll be exclusive to FilmStruck now.

Ah, that's good to know.

My family will be keeping on Hulu just for all the anime my brothers watch, but it does sound like I shall be migrating to this service before long.

 

[berzeli]

I think this is a pretty interesting proposition, MUBI wasn't really what I wanted. Shame that this will be US only probably.

Kinda makes me wonder if Criterion is starting to sunset their Hulu deal, though.

They are, from the press release

FilmStruck will also be the new exclusive streaming home for the critically acclaimed and award-winning Criterion Collection

 

[Sorcerer]

Having Criterion streaming is nothing new, but combining that with the TCM library is something that interests me a great deal, along with the other companies. A real one-stop shop for classic and foreign films really hasn't happened yet on the various streaming services, so this partnership is relevant to my interests.

Kinda makes me wonder if Criterion is starting to sunset their Hulu deal, though.

Yup, Criterion is leaving Hulu for this.

 

[Ran rp]

A real one-stop shop for classic and foreign films really hasn't happened yet on the various streaming services, so this partnership is relevant to my interests.

i'd drop netflix with the quickness

 

[Sorcerer]

People pls. Unless you're buying box sets, never pay more than 20 bucks for a computer game Criterion blu-ray. There are a bunch of sales year round. You make a list and splurge only during the sales.


and WHOA if this service is going to have 1,000 movies anywhere near launch.

Sure, a bit of exaggeration on my part, you can always hunt for sales. I am just talking strictly the price straight from Criterion themselves.

Also Criterion blogged in 2011 about their streaming movies including all extras in the near future. Then went silent about it for 5 years.

If this has been in the works for 5 years, 1000 movies is not impossible. Launching strong like that will definitely win people over.

 

[VistraNorrez]

It's a little buried in the release I guess, but this is the end of Criterion on Hulu. It'll be exclusive to FilmStruck now.

That's a bit of a bummer. I already have Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu. It becomes a bit much to subscribe to yet another service. The great thing about Criterion streaming is they do include films that aren't available on physical media.

 

[teepo]

luckily mubi's fanbase is predominantly europans because this is going to destroy their us presence. i do love their community though, for the most part

and while the criterion collection is great and all, TCM has a deep vault with a lot of unreleased movies. this is going to be amazing

 

[Ridley327]

I will say that I figured this was eventually going to happen for CC. The amount of muscle they have now with being able to secure deals with every one of the major studios (on top of having Sony in their corner as their now worldwide distributor) did point to them trying to mount their own venture before too long.

 

[Red]

Why would you want criterion releases with a lower bitrate.

No thanks.

Why would you want any movie with a lower bitrate? Convenience. Accessibility. Most people don't know what bitrate is, let alone care about it.

 

[berzeli]

Why would you want music releases with a lower bitrate.

No thanks.

Which is why the CD market is booming.

(As have already been pointed out, there is a significant chunk of the audience that do not care about bitrate)

 

[BlueTsunami]

Why would you want criterion releases with a lower bitrate.

No thanks.

A better quality image isn't what makes a film great. Yes it helps with the viewing experience but an emotional engagement with a film isn't determined by its bitrate.

 

[teepo]

Why would you want criterion releases with a lower bitrate.

No thanks.

there are plenty of movies from the criterion hulu collection that have never seen a physical release and most likely never will.

and it's not like a good majority of their films need to be seen at an absurdly high bitrate. i wouldn't give a shit about seeing Eric Rohmer films at a high bitrate for example and neither should you

 

[Ridley327]

On top of the convenience aspect, Criterion/Janus have so many films that have been streaming that aren't and likely won't ever be available on disc, which makes it all the more desirable for film fans.

 

[JTripper]

If this means a streaming service full of more classics and rare films not readily available on any other service than this is great. The only concerning point is the price but the severely embarrassing lack of classics on other services will probably make the price (hopefully) justifiable.

 

[Expendable.]

If it's like Hulu and Showtime, FilmStruck and the Criterion addition will work out to $17.

Seems more than worth it if you think about all the other libraries also be added.