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Disney on Demand launches on Amazon's Lovefilm today, adds more titles
As promised a while ago, Amazon's Lovefilm service is now streaming even more Disney titles through the film studio's own Movies on Demand section. Additions include Wall-E, Lady and the Tramp and live-action flicks like the Chronicles of Narnia. And yep, even Bedknobs and Broomsticks has finally made the digital transition. The streamable back-catalogue now includes the likes of Dumbo and Ratatouille -- check the full press release after the break for more.
Amazon, Viacom deal keeps many TV shows on Prime and Kindle, some exclusively
In May Netflix let a broad content deal with Viacom (parent company of Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV and more) expire and saw many of the network's shows disappear from its streaming service, but Amazon will not follow its lead. Today the company announced an extension in its own agreement with Viacom that not only keeps the TV shows (over 250 seasons including more than 3,900 episodes) but includes a provision for a "selection" of exclusives. That means Amazon will stream Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. kids shows like Dora the Explorer, The Backyardigans, Blues Clues and Victorious, with some available as part of the Kindle FreeTime Unlimited package on its tablets and some heading to Lovefilm in Germany and the UK later this summer. Other shows affected by the deal include current and upcoming ones from MTV and Comedy Central like Workaholics, Key and Peele and Awkward. For its part, Netflix has also expanded a deal with Disney and is even producing an original kids show of its own to follow up on projects like House of Cards and Arrested Development, but so is Amazon. As competition in the subscription streaming market intensifies expect to see more exclusives as studios play the services against each others to drive prices up -- as seen here, if one decides to invest more in original content and deals for specific content there will likely be a cost in other areas.
Five Amazon pilots get the green light
Well, it seems that you, the web video watching public, has spoken. Amazon announced today that it has whittled its robust list of pilots down to five titles, thanks to viewers like you. Winners will be turned into series available to users of Amazon Prime Instant Video and Lovefilm later this year and in early 2014. That list includes the John Goodman political comedy Alpha House, the startup-centric Betas and the kids series Annebots, Creative Galaxy and Tumbleleaf. For the full press release and quotes from the folks behind the series being various states of "thrilled," click on through the break.
The Vikings head to the UK exclusively via Lovefilm
Yearning to watch Norsemen amass loot while raiding foreign lands? If you're in the UK, you can now watch US cable show The Vikings exclusively via Lovefilm Instant. The Amazon-owned service has made all nine episodes of the historical drama -- shown in the US and in Canada on History Channel -- available for streaming. The service's subscribers in Germany won't be left out, but as the show isn't slated to go live for them until June 15th, they have a bit of waiting to do. This new addition to Lovefilm's roster is a clear effort by the service to bolster its TV show offerings, seeing as it's struggling to catch up to Netflix UK in that area. Lovefilm also inked a deal with Warner Bros in April to air popular TV titles One Tree Hill, The West Wing and Nip Tuck, although Netflix will have its own exclusive when Arrested Development season four launches tomorrow.
Amazon updates Lovefilm Instant with PS3 HD streaming, improved search
Amazon has started rolling out a new version of Lovefilm Instant on the Playstation 3 in the UK and Germany, with new countries and platforms to follow. The update brings a better search engine and recommendations, along with a new Watchlist feature and revised UI that lets you track content currently being watched via the homepage. Viewers in the launch countries will also notice another welcome change: they can finally watch TV and movies in HD on the PS3. There's no word on exactly when other Instant platforms will see the upgrade, but we're assured it will get to everyone "in the future."
Lovefilm users get One Tree Hill, The West Wing and other Warner Bros TV serials
LoveFilm just chalked up another rights deal, this time with Warner Bros International TV Distribution. As of today, subscribers to the Amazon-owned UK streaming service will get access to serials like One Tree Hill, all seven seasons of The West Wing as well as Nip Tuck, which should at least go some way to narrowing Netflix's advantage in TV content.
BBC Kids TV comes to Lovefilm
If you need something to keep the shorties quiet while you're emptying the drinks cabinet, then Lovefilm is where you need to be. The Amazon-owned streaming service has nabbed a big chunk of the BBC's kids TV output, including The Sarah Jane Adventures, Tracey Beaker, Balamory and, yes, even Teletubbies. The episodes haven't found their way into the instant service just yet, but we can't imagine it'll keep you waiting too long. If, like Laa-Laa and Po, you prefer everything to be said twice, you can check out the press release below.
Amazon to spice up Lovefilm with BBC and original content, serve it to Bravias in HD
Amazon just announced a trio of Lovefilm deals, including new programming from BBC Worldwide, TV pilots from its own Amazon Studios and Lovefilm Instant HD on Sony Bravia Smart TVs. While the streaming service is already entangled with the Beeb, the deal announced today will include new shows like The Office (UK version), potboiler Jonathan Creek, sci-fi drama Primeval and others. Eleven comedy and kids pilot shows recently announced by Amazon Studios will also come to Instant Video, with execs even saying that viewer response on the platform will determine which shows stay. Finally, Lovefilm announced that it'll come to internet-connected Sony Bravia TVs in 720P (it's been in standard def on the platform since 2010), joining the likes of Xbox 360 and other Smart TVs in HD. You should see the extra pixels on your Bravia imminently, but there's no word on exact arrival dates for BBC or Amazon Studios programming. Check the PR below the fold for a full breakdown.
Netflix UK bests Lovefilm Instant on TV shows, but lacks Amazon's movie clout
Netflix or Lovefilm Instant? Perhaps it's only the most content-hungry viewers that decide to sign up with both services, but for the rest of us, we'll only choose one -- but which one? Now Oric, a service that collates legal streaming services in the UK, has surveyed both catalogs and deemed that... it depends. For TV shows and series, Netflix can stream 412 TV titles (with 925 total series), while Lovefilm Instant can only offer up 300 titles and 589 seasons. However, If you're wanting to pile on the movies, Amazon's UK streaming service then comes out on top, with 3,284 movies almost doubling Netflix's 1,668 titles. There's not much crossover here, either, with 3,015 flicks a Lovefilm exclusive and 1,399 movies that are Netflix-only. Oric also tapped into the catalogs' release dates, with Lovefilm housing substantially more (777) pre-80's films. Netflix, with a smaller number of titles in total, has more recent titles, with 41 coming from last year, compared to 18 on Lovefilm Instant. However, bigger than the discrepancies between each service is the fact that the UK offerings remain tiny in comparison to their Atlantic cousins. Amazon Prime subscribers in the US get 13,185 movies and 2,204 TV seasons, compared to 3,284 and 589, respectively. So much for the special relationship.
Lovefilm signs TV deal with NBC Universal, brings the Office, 30 Rock to British homes
Following Lovefilm's deal with NBC Universal to bring the latter's movie catalogue to the streaming service, the pair have hooked up again to do the same job for the studio's TV productions. Shows such as The Office (US), 30 Rock and Knight Rider will all be available for viewing, whenever your desire for some Corporate Hijinks / Alec Baldwin / talking cars takes hold. We've just checked and the shows are already filtering through -- although you can only catch the first three years of Liz Lemon's adventures so far.
Amazon Studios orders six original comedy pilots for its Prime Instant Video service
After putting out an open call for original content last May, Amazon Studios is ready to begin production on six comedy pilots. Culled from a writer base consisting of industry vets (some award winning, some from the minds of Big Bang Theory stars, some backed by the adorably creepy Kristen Schaal) and unknowns, these scripted entries will be hosted for free on the company's Instant Video platform once completed. And since there's no better focus group than an existing customer base, Amazon intends take user feedback into account when selecting which of these pilots goes into full production. Series that do make it past that final greenlight will end up on the mega e-retailer's Instant Video and Lovefilm portals as exclusive content for Prime subscribers. Head past the break to check out the full list of eligible shows.
Lovefilm now on Wii U in the UK
Just days after its debut on the Wii, Amazon's video streaming service Lovefilm is now available on the Wii U. All Wii U consoles in the UK come with Lovefilm pre-installed on the dashboard.The Lovefilm Instant application lets you stream movies and television programs, either through your television or directly to the WiiPad. Users may also access information about any particular program while browsing or streaming content through the WiiPad. Unlimited streaming subscriptions for Lovefilm start at £4.99 a month.
Lovefilm now available for UK Wii U owners
Nintendo recently committed to bringing Lovefilm to Wii U consoles soon in the UK and the company has made good on its word. Pictured above is a dimly lit shot of the new app in action, which features HD content and optional video playback via the system's GamePad. If you'd like to give it a spin, head on over to Nintendo's eShop to claim your prize. [Thanks, Chris]
Lovefilm arrives on Wii in the UK, coming to Wii U 'shortly'
Amazon subsidiary Lovefilm, a European competitor to Netflix, is now available on Wii in the UK. We've confirmed the Lovefilm app is on the Wii Shop Channel and downloadable for free from the Channels menu. The online video provider also announced its service is coming to UK Wii U systems, with the time-frame for its arrival only detailed as "shortly."Being on Wii completes the UK home console collection for Lovefilm, although it does feel a bit like an afterthought of its impending arrival on Wii U. Still, added functionality is not to sniffed at, although that functionality isn't free beyond a download. A Lovefilm subscription is still required to watch any of the service's 5000+ TV episodes and films.We reached out to Nintendo to clarify when Lovefilm is coming to Wii U, but a representative said the company could not add to the information provided by Lovefilm.
Lovefilm movie streaming arrives on UK Wii consoles, Wii U compatibility coming 'shortly'
Good news for Wii owners in the UK who just can't wait to stream a bit of the old Twilight Saga on their console: Nintendo's last-gen gaming rig is getting access to Amazon-owned Lovefilm today, by way of a free app downloadable through the Wii Shop Channel. The console joins the PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360 (not to mention the Kindle Fire HD and iPad) in offering up the service's streamable movies and TV shows. Lovefilm's also promised that Wii U functionality will "follow shortly." (Wii Mini functionality, on the other hand -- well, we're not holding our breath for that one.) In the meantime, please amuse yourself by checking out the press release after the break.
Lovefilm signs deal with DHX Media to stream 2,000 children's TV shows
Lovefilm has already had a streaming video selection for kids, but a new deal could patch up what few content holes are left. Amazon's UK service has signed a pact with DHX Media that gives it access to about 2,000 shows spread across the decades, including well-known back catalog titles like Dennis the Menace and more recent shows like Mona the Vampire. All of the expanded library is immediately available to watch for subscribers; that said, we'll admit to being more than a little predisposed towards Inspector Gadget as a first choice.
New Kindles start shipping today in Europe, Lovefilm launches on Kindle Fire
As promised, Amazon has started shipping its latest Kindles on the other side of the Atlantic, with the Kindle Paperwhite as well as the Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD making the trip. Amazon's branded video services did not make the trip, so Lovefilm is filling in, offering a free month to buyers of either Fire tablet. Despite the switch in names, the Kindle Fire / Fire HD Lovefilm app will support features owners have gotten used to in the US like Whispersync pause / resume across devices, watch list and X-Ray for Movies that brings in extra info about any actors or scenes that are being watched. The Kindle Fire 8GB is available for £129/€159, while the Fire HD in 16GB or 32GB editions costs £159/€199 and £199/€249, respectively. The Kindle Paperwhite isn't invited to the video party, but it starts at £109 for the basic model or £169 with 3G.
Lovefilm to start letting users log in with their Amazon info, Kindle owners are up first
Amazon purchased UK movie streaming site Lovefilm nearly two years ago and only now are the two showing some sign of integration. In order to make the app work on Kindle Fire and Kindle HD devices users have to link their Amazon and Lovefilm accounts, and from then on they can sign in with their Amazon credentials on the web or other devices. According to the FAQ posted to announce the switch, anyone that isn't rocking a Kindle but wants to login with their Amazon info anyway will be able to eventually, just not yet. Of course, this is all just a bit premature since the Amazon tablets are still a few days away from launching in Blighty, but if you're carrying around a US import you should see Lovefilm's service pop up in the next week. What this means for Lovefilm as a standalone brand in the future -- as the streaming wars continue to heat up -- remains to be seen, but one less password to remember is a a movement we can easily get behind.
Canal Plus chief: Amazon, Netflix will bring video-on-demand to France early next year
Amazon might be continuing its European HD streaming video invasion by arriving in France next March, according to Canal Plus' president, Bertrand Meheu. The executive is well-placed to have that info, as he says his company will be supplying Amazon with content for the service's launch on the Kindle Fire. If true, it's not known yet if it would be in the form of Lovefilm, which launched in Germany and the UK recently, or if it would be available on PCs, Macs, Xbox 360 consoles or Smart TVs as it is elsewhere. Canal Plus has been fighting to keep such competitors out of the notoriously protectionist country, but it was recently blocked by a state watchdog from hoarding VOD rights exclusively for its own networks. The company also said that Netflix would arrive in France by "early 2013" -- another credible claim, considering the huge amount of content it produces that the US streaming service would surely need.
Sky bags exclusive rights Warner Bros. movie catalog, makes LoveFilm and others wait
Sky has bested its broadcast and video-on-demand rivals by signing a deal with Warner Bros. for exclusive rights to its films in the UK and Ireland. Once the six-month cinema window has elapsed, each new flick (including Man of Steel and The Dark Knight Rises) will remain Murdoch-only for a full year before arriving on LoveFilm and its kind. Meanwhile, back-catalog titles like The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix will remain locked in the partnership's walled garden for an undisclosed period of time. Good news if you're a Sky customer, we suppose, and not if you're not.
