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With streaming services putting all their efforts into original series, we're due for a new service that takes a more serious approach towards feature movies. FilmStruck, which will launch on October 19, promises to do just that.
This venture is a collaboration between Turner Classic Moves and the Criterion Collection. It's a bit of an odd pairing, seeing as how TCM is more aligned with Frank Capra, and Criterion has titles like Salò and Sweet Movie, neither of which features an appearance by James Stewart.
At any rate, FilmStruck promises to have the "largest streaming library of contemporary and classic arthouse, indie, foreign and cult films as well as extensive bonus content, filmmaker interviews and rare footage," according to a release. Also, on November 11, FilmStruck will become the "exclusive streaming home" for the Criterion Collection catalog, which means that Hulu will be losing their catalog of Criterion movies by the end of November.
As for how many Criterion movies will be available on FilmStruck, the details are a little murky. But Criterion says that on FilmStruck "subscribers will have unlimited access to the largest selection of Criterion titles ever available on a streaming service." Meanwhile, a quick check on Hulu's site shows that they have 925 Criterion titles (when there are more than 1,100 in the Criterion library). Also of note, Criterion says that FilmStruck will allow them to "feature a steady stream of original content that runs across filmographies, genres, time periods, and themes." They go on to say:
We'll reach outside our library to include films from major studios and independent rights holders. We'll tap into our community of filmmakers and experts to act as guest curators and highlight archival discoveries not available on disc or anywhere else. It won't replace our Blu-rays, but it will definitely add a new dimension to the Criterion experience.
We've left a message for Criterion to ask about what, exactly, this original content might be like. We'll provide updates as they come.
FilmStruck will be available on desktop and mobile devices. It will be accessible on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, and Android. It's $6.99 a month for the regular subscription that gives access to "hundreds" of movies, as well as some select Criterion titles. If you want unlimited access to the Criterion library, however, that'll set you back $10.99 a month. And a $99 annual subscription will give you everything FilmStruck has to offer (that's a pretty swell deal, if you ask us).
