Arrow Player

[OneQuestionMan]

Arrow have launched a streaming service.

Only for U.K., Canada and the US, it seems.

[Schlockmeister]

And that's why god created VPNs.

BTW, the address is:

https://www.arrow-player.com/

I subcribed today for a year. To think that for 5 meager bucks a month you get access to such a treasure trove, and a free month trial to boot. I've been waiting my whole life for this golden age of cheap home access to tons of movies.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Schlockmeister

And that's why god created VPNs.

BTW, the address is:

https://www.arrow-player.com/

I subcribed today for a year. To think that for 5 meager bucks a month you get access to such a treasure trove, and a free month trial to boot. I've been waiting my whole life for this golden age of cheap home access to tons of movies.

I actually considered this today.....I decided against it.
I already have "Shudder", which is a AMC-provided service of ad-free horror movies for $6 a month (cheaper per-month yearly if you choose). I've had Shudder for the past couple of years and looking at the lists, Arrow has many of the SAME titles Shudder had/has. Both have "exclusives" presumably tied to each service. So my "choice" came down to two principals.
1) Am I happy with "Shudder" enough to continue? (YES)
2) Does Arrow offer Joe Bob Briggs "The Last Drive-In" series and or marathons? (NO)
Arrow's exclusives are "their own" titles from what I saw, well iTunes sell those sometimes at great sales of $2.99/$3.99 (I got Bloodsucking Freaks through iTunes) so I'll keep Shudder and buy any Arrow titles that peak my interest.

[Schlockmeister]

I really wish Kino Lorber (https://kinonow.com/) would go this route instead of rental/purchase.

SVOD over TVOD all the way.

[Bourne1886]

Originally Posted by Schlockmeister

I really wish Kino Lorber (https://kinonow.com/) would go this route instead of rental/purchase.

SVOD over TVOD all the way.

No, have the best of both worlds, not one exclusively over the other in my book. Let’s keep physical releases going. I’d rather be able to pick something off my shelf to watch than rely on streaming. That way it can’t be taken away from you etc.

[Schlockmeister]

Who said anything about exclusively? ARROW is keeping their physical releases going, AND starting this SVOD at the same time.

And so could Kino if they chose to.

[Bourne1886]

Originally Posted by Schlockmeister

Who said anything about exclusively? ARROW is keeping their physical releases going, AND starting this SVOD at the same time.

And so could Kino if they chose to.

The way you worded it sounded like you wanted it like that.

[Schlockmeister]

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear.

By "rental/purchase", I was refering to the digital copies you can get at https://kinonow.com, Kino Lorber's digital service, which is a totally different model to https://www.arrow-player.com/

With Arrow, for a monthly flat fee, you can see all the movies you want.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Bourne1886

The way you worded it sounded like you wanted it like that.

I'd prefer "choices" as opposed to "this is how it's delivered, take it or leave it!".
The reason the streaming industry is SO MUCH better than the cable industry is the amount of choices the viewer has. Cable is run by territorially mandated monopolies, this may have been necessary to get the masses connected in the 60's and 70's, but today its both archaic and too expensive to maintain. If a cable company HAS to upgrade its reception equipment to get stations going from VHF/UHF to digital (as they did in 2009) its a major infrastructure upgrade. Go from SD to HD, another major upgrade. Expand channel capacity, major upgrade. These cost millions of dollars and every head-end on the local level has to comply or be left out. The BIG companies like "C" & "C" may subsidize the locals ability to comply, but most of the U.S. cable companies are smaller entities and don't have the convenience of being owned by large telecoms, networks, movie studios, etc.

Streaming, the infrastructure for the most part is already in-place and maintained by "others" (Cisco, AWS, Sun, Veritas, etc.) so the responsibility for delivery is "get it on the 'net" as opposed to making sure the connection stays stable/constant from origin to the residence. There is no limitation of a "vendor" and if you decide to change vendors you can do that month-to-month as opposed to a "multi-year agreement".

[Bourne1886]

Originally Posted by Schlockmeister

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear.

By "rental/purchase", I was refering to the digital copies you can get at https://kinonow.com, Kino Lorber's digital service, which is a totally different model to https://www.arrow-player.com/

With Arrow, for a monthly flat fee, you can see all the movies you want.

But never own them! Even if you buy on lone movies you never really own them. That’s why I like physical releases.

Although I’m all about choice, all about for the best of both worlds. Own the movies you want physically. Watch what you’ve never seen on line and decide if you want to own it. That’s me. Trouble is a lot of online movies aren’t ownable in the physical sense.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Bourne1886

But never own them! Even if you buy on lone movies you never really own them. That’s why I like physical releases.

Although I’m all about choice, all about for the best of both worlds. Own the movies you want physically. Watch what you’ve never seen on line and decide if you want to own it. That’s me. Trouble is a lot of online movies aren’t ownable in the physical sense.

...and I think for the MOST part, that's by design. When it gets down to it, as long as the movie is easily available "at will" is there really a difference between owning a physical copy, watching it digitally on iTunes/Prime/Vudu or any similar source, or viewing it via a monthly subscription?

I get the point that "holding it in your hand" implies ownership, but does it really? Maybe as long as whatever device that is compatible with exists, sure. DVD's are still around, they're still the media of choice right? Although BD's are better quality.

The few times I DO go to stores for electronics and related, I don't see cassette tape decks anymore, I don't see 8-tracks for decades, the only turntables I see are USB? Digital music is so much more convenient and easily obtainable, its obsoleted the need for such devices. Yes, you can get these online, but their cost and the lack of quality of what's available is lacking. You pay too much for too little. In the last decade the music industry as a whole has frowned the consumer away from physical media....and that's a damn shame. In time, the rest of media will follow music's lead, it's inevitable.

Even today, there are some movies that have had a physical release, and not yet released on digital (A LOT of Vincent Price movies I'm finding) and like you mentioned there are titles available digitally (either to buy or SVOD) that DON'T have physical releases (or DID, and are now OOP).

Your solution is the best at present....embrace both to your ability and convenience. That's what I have done. I'll keep my discs that don't have digital releases, or titles exceptionally wanted by me. The industry as with everything else is in flux, we'll continue to see additional streaming services and don't be surprised if we see additional consolidation by companies to maximize their assets. That means companies who have been titans in the industry may be in play: Arrow, Kino, Criterion, MGM, Lionsgate, Shout!, and others may be merged or acquired. The landscape of entertainment will be vastly different in 5 years then it is today.

[Bourne1886]

Originally Posted by tjritter79

...and I think for the MOST part, that's by design. When it gets down to it, as long as the movie is easily available "at will" is there really a difference between owning a physical copy, watching it digitally on iTunes/Prime/Vudu or any similar source, or viewing it via a monthly subscription?

I get the point that "holding it in your hand" implies ownership, but does it really? Maybe as long as whatever device that is compatible with exists, sure. DVD's are still around, they're still the media of choice right? Although BD's are better quality.

The few times I DO go to stores for electronics and related, I don't see cassette tape decks anymore, I don't see 8-tracks for decades, the only turntables I see are USB? Digital music is so much more convenient and easily obtainable, its obsoleted the need for such devices. Yes, you can get these online, but their cost and the lack of quality of what's available is lacking. You pay too much for too little. In the last decade the music industry as a whole has frowned the consumer away from physical media....and that's a damn shame. In time, the rest of media will follow music's lead, it's inevitable.

Even today, there are some movies that have had a physical release, and not yet released on digital (A LOT of Vincent Price movies I'm finding) and like you mentioned there are titles available digitally (either to buy or SVOD) that DON'T have physical releases (or DID, and are now OOP).

Your solution is the best at present....embrace both to your ability and convenience. That's what I have done. I'll keep my discs that don't have digital releases, or titles exceptionally wanted by me. The industry as with everything else is in flux, we'll continue to see additional streaming services and don't be surprised if we see additional consolidation by companies to maximize their assets. That means companies who have been titans in the industry may be in play: Arrow, Kino, Criterion, MGM, Lionsgate, Shout!, and others may be merged or acquired. The landscape of entertainment will be vastly different in 5 years then it is today.

I personally think there is a difference over owning a physical copy of a movie as you have control over that. Plus some releases look so damn nice on display. It feels special to have a physical collection to me. Maybe to others it won’t and that’s fine. Each to their own and what makes them happy.

Streaming is good for renting but not so much for owning in my book as the studio has the control over what you can and can’t watch in that respect all though there are some movies that have never had a physical release either on vhs,laserdisc,dvd or blu-ray let alone 4KUHD which is a shame and then in that case you have no choice but to stream. As you say the industry is in flux and until the internet gets better (as some can’t stream for technical reasons) I think we’ll have physical for a while which makes me happy. Like I said before I’m all for the best of both worlds. Hopefully the industry will be able to do both for many years to come. I’ll collect physical copies for as long as I can on the best physical formats to expand my collection so I can always watch what I want if streaming doesn’t have the kind of back catalogue I would want to watch. Plus once you’ve bought it you don’t have to shell out a subscription every month for all the different platform providers which could get expensive. Besides I wouldn’t necessarily want to watch every film on ‘Arrow’ for example as not all the films they do are to my taste. Some are and those are the ones I’d want to physically own like The Robocop (1987) release with all the fluff! Bloody marvellous in my book. Lol.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Bourne1886

I personally think there is a difference over owning a physical copy of a movie as you have control over that. Plus some releases look so damn nice on display. It feels special to have a physical collection to me. Maybe to others it won’t and that’s fine. Each to their own and what makes them happy.

Streaming is good for renting but not so much for owning in my book as the studio has the control over what you can and can’t watch in that respect all though there are some movies that have never had a physical release either on vhs,laserdisc,dvd or blu-ray let alone 4KUHD which is a shame and then in that case you have no choice but to stream. As you say the industry is in flux and until the internet gets better (as some can’t stream for technical reasons) I think we’ll have physical for a while which makes me happy. Like I said before I’m all for the best of both worlds. Hopefully the industry will be able to do both for many years to come. I’ll collect physical copies for as long as I can on the best physical formats to expand my collection so I can always watch what I want if streaming doesn’t have the kind of back catalogue I would want to watch. Plus once you’ve bought it you don’t have to shell out a subscription every month for all the different platform providers which could get expensive. Besides I wouldn’t necessarily want to watch every film on ‘Arrow’ for example as not all the films they do are to my taste. Some are and those are the ones I’d want to physically own like The Robocop (1987) release with all the fluff! Bloody marvellous in my book. Lol.

You only have "control" for the device/format that particular title fits for, right? Say it's a DVD. Well when DVD players go away, then what?
This is where I say its going to follow the music industry.....because over the course of my youth to ancient adult-hood, I've had to buy the ENTIRE Beatles catalog.....about 9 times!

Bought the 45's, did that!
Got all the LP's, yup!
Bought every album on 8-track! Uh-huh!
Bought every album on cassette ! Oh yeah!
When they came finally on CD, bought those too!
Bought the catalog again in the shape of an Apple with a USB drive! Yeppers!
yada, yada,yada....
Now, I have a monthly sub to Apple music. I can play the entire Beatles catalog through my Apple TV and listen through my stereo system...which has Dolby Atmos.....this is the ONLY way I can listen to these now!

small record player, GONE!
Technic turntable with Audio Technica cartridge, GONE!
8-track players (various) GONE!
Nakamichi dual-cassette, GONE!
CD player, DVD player, BD Player....I still have my Oppo 203! But the CD's are long gone!
USB drive ....ex-wife got it in divorce.

In my area you cannot buy record players, turntables or tape decks anymore. So its digital or nothing.

[Bourne1886]

Times and tech change do change fast that’s for sure but luckily I’ve still got a record player and CD player.

I’ve got an Apple account and upload my cd’s from my laptop onto my music account then transfer them onto my phone for the car, as weirdly my car doesn’t have a CD player! Which is annoying. It’s all Apple car play and Bluetooth!

I’ve got a a 4k player and two Blu ray players so I’ve got back ups for my physical collection of movies. I’m even thinking of investing in another couple of 4k players and putting them in the cupboard. Haven’t made my mind up yet though.

I get where you’re coming from but as long as I’ve got my players and my discs l’ll Be happy.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by Bourne1886

I get where you’re coming from but as long as I’ve got my players and my discs l’ll Be happy.

Here's to happiness,

[Reeniop5]

It's all good physical, streaming or both. Will give this a try for a month and may be continue for a year and screen some films I am on the fence of buying to save some physical space. Currently just limiting my Arrow purchases to Limited Editions and 4K. If there is a streaming gem, will consider purchasing the physical release. The Stylist trailer looks great and looking forward to see that one on or after 3/1! Any Arrow Player exclusives you have enjoyed so far?

[lgans316]

On my trial period. Very disappointed as the quality is average and worse than iTunes. Compression artifacts galore due to poor bit rates 4-6 Mbps.

Will cancel at the end of the trial period and stick to buying iTunes version of their films for £2.99 / $2.99 and buy the discs wherever digital version is not available

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by lgans316

On my trial period. Very disappointed as the quality is average and worse than iTunes. Compression artifacts galore due to poor bit rates 4-6 Mbps.

Will cancel at the end of the trial period and stick to buying iTunes version of their films for £2.99 / $2.99 and buy the discs wherever digital version is not available

That is the norm for MOST SVOD services, especially in the U.S. The lower bit rates are forced so even archaic DSL which is still what about 25% of the population think is "broadband" can still stream albeit poorer quality. These are the same people who cannot get HD in the mid-tier of Netflix. I feel sorry for those who by no fault of their own other than living in remote, rural areas of the country cannot take advantage of competition and higher speeds those of us who live in more metro areas have in abundance.

[lgans316]

Originally Posted by tjritter79

That is the norm for MOST SVOD services, especially in the U.S. The lower bit rates are forced so even archaic DSL which is still what about 25% of the population think is "broadband" can still stream albeit poorer quality. These are the same people who cannot get HD in the mid-tier of Netflix. I feel sorry for those who by no fault of their own other than living in remote, rural areas of the country cannot take advantage of competition and higher speeds those of us who live in more metro areas have in abundance.

Yeah. It is frustrating.

Maybe in 10 years time, vast majority will have super fast broadband speeds.

Such a shame as I was expecting excellent streaming quality from a boutique label like Arrow who have a great track record in the physical side.

Anyway I wrote to Arrow about the quality but haven't heard back.

I am normally don't buy digital HD films unless there is a chance it is upgraded to 4K or if there is no other decent alternative.

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by lgans316

Yeah. It is frustrating.

Maybe in 10 years time, vast majority will have super fast broadband speeds.

Such a shame as I was expecting excellent streaming quality from a boutique label like Arrow who have a great track record in the physical side.

Anyway I wrote to Arrow about the quality but haven't heard back.

I am normally don't buy digital HD films unless there is a chance it is upgraded to 4K or if there is no other decent alternative.

I don't think it will TAKE 10 years. Technology advances too fast, exponentially fast. I KNOW the ability exists today to provide every household super-fast broadband access. Those who control its access want to monetize it. Can't fault them for that, but I think in time humanity will win over profitability. The pandemic has swung that pendulum the other way. It's permanently changed the world...most just haven't seen the results of that yet. Competition helps, as more people leave cable the municipalities realize the error of granting franchised exclusivity. Quality of digital delivery is limited to the ability to distribute that to the masses! Once that is addressed, the sky's the limit.

Look at how the movie industry has addressed digital! It's not a mistake nor is it a fad....it's an investment in the future of an industry trying to advance and keep up in a technological world. Smaller niche companies like Kino, Arrow and Criterion have all taken digital steps to deliver their titles via digital. NOT to "replace" discs, but as complementary options for users to CHOOSE either or both as individuals see fit.

I see a world one day real soon where the SAME digital file, used to burn thousands of discs of unheralded quality, is delivered to consumers on dozens, perhaps hundreds of compatible devices, on-demand, either via subscription or purchased via storefronts...and the bandwidth available so EVERY household world-wide can partake!