Does anyone actually use Google for movies? - Blu-ray Forum

Krizzle1 · 01-21-2016, 02:30 PM

I was just wondering this...

I looked on the Google Store and there are loads of movies that cost half of what they'd cost on the iTunes Store.

For example:
Shutter Island - GP - £2.49 / iTunes - £4.99
Big Hero 6 - GP - £9.99 / iTunes - £13.99
Walking Dead S1 - GP - £6.99 / iTunes - £13.99
Game of Thrones S1 - GP - £17.49 / iTunes - £19.99

There are loads more

I don't see much people talking about Google Movies, I mean it doesn't even have its own section here on the forum. Is it just because it's kinda 'new'? That people have already started their collections on other services, they don't want another one?

So, does anyone on this forum use Google for movies?

steve_dave · 01-21-2016, 04:27 PM

Google Play is a bit of a different animal that some find difficult to use...

Some things about Google Play:

1. Cost - Google Play always lists the lowest price on the product page. However, when you click on the button to buy or rent, it'll tell you the price for both SD and HD. Also, because of this, rental pricing is the first listed. Actually SD rental pricing is the first thing you see.

2. Device Playback - This is where Google dropped the ball, in my opinion. Yes, the Chromecast is amazing for a $35 stick/puck dongle. It's pretty simple to use and that's its problem. It is a simplified solution using your phone/iPod Touch/tablet/computer to start the playback on the Chromecast then the Chromecast takes over. However, you only have basic controls through the device you started playback on. Unless your TV remote has controls for the streaming services (I.E. Play, Pause, Rewind, etc). Even then you can't tell Chromecast which audio stream you want. Some receivers are not capable of 5.1 output from a Chromecast even it's plugged directly into it.

You can use the YouTube app on gaming consoles for playback after signing in. However, again, limited controls and without 5.1 audio sound.

3. Purchase Playback - This is where Google does beat UV and iTunes (to some extent): anywhere Google Play is available and the movie/show itself, you can stream it without issues. Like iTunes, you can download an offline copy for when internet isn't available. The caveat is you have to use the Play Movies & TV apps, not YouTube.

4. Library Control - This is where Google absolutely crushes the competition. When you remove content from your Google Play account, not remove the download. It is deleted from your cloud library completely. Got a free TV episode from a cancelled show? No problem, remove it from your library. Got a free movie from Google Play you don't want or didn't like? Again, remove it from your library. You don't have to call, request a refund, or hide it. It is just gone.

Personally?

I do have a lot of movies on Google Play because the prices were fantastic: from free to under $10. Google Play has also been kind enough to have a freebie at least once a year. Disney Movies Anywhere also is Google Play compatible so as long as you link the GP account to DMA, any code redemption will give you a GP copy too.

I also have a lot more television shows because Google Play does offer free TV episodes like iTunes, Amazon, and Vudu. Since I can delete these completely, I have no problem getting nearly every freebie available. Now, because I have a Chromecast and had an Android phone... I bought The Librarians Season 1 on GP followed by Season 2.

Another thing... although Warner Television is pushing for it on all their digital TV products, GP is a tad slow at offering extras with TV show purchases. Some come with extras others don't. On the movie side, it is actually worse. While Amazon has begun added extras while Vudu and iTunes already offer them; very few GP movies have extras.

Evil · 01-21-2016, 05:35 PM

The main issues with Google Play are that they're not part of the UV system, don't offer D2D, and don't have cheap credits. That likely places them way behind Vudu in most folks' eyes. The 'new' aspect likely also plays a factor. A lot of folks already had sizable UV/iTunes collections before GP became a player. And the few studios that offer GP redeem options (HBO/Disney/Fox) have only offered them relatively recently.

Where Google Play really shines in my opinion is music. Lots of freebies, easy uploading of your music from other sources to their system, and a decent radio. I use them to listen to music regularly.

bigjim25 · 01-22-2016, 03:45 AM

I'll buy cheap Google Play copies of HBO shows from the forum and watch them on smart tv though my youtube account!

vanton619 · 01-22-2016, 05:20 AM

It was a nice alternative to Vudu before they did the Android app overhaul. I really liked the info card feature that applied to most movies/shows. If they'd go UV I'd probably use it more than Vudu.

NJ_RAMS_FAN · 02-03-2016, 05:16 PM

I been using google play more lately. specially for disney movie.. vudu buffers so much for me. even on 5ghz network with top speeds. i dont get it... google play doesnt buffer at all..

AZBrowncoat · 02-03-2016, 08:03 PM

I have a few Google Play movies and tv seasons in my account, mostly freebies from Google, cheap codes from the forum and Disney from DMA.

However, Google Play does not seem to offer the breadth of Disney titles available on competing services.

jasonvoigt · 02-14-2016, 01:54 AM

I agree that Google Play mostly shines with Music. I've uploaded more than 5,000 songs to my account, and its convenient with my laptop and my Android phone. As far as movies and TV shows, I'm like the others. I mostly have Disney movies (through DMA), plus freebies like 'Transformers'. I wish they would let us upload our digital movies from the hard drive and add them to my account, just like they do to Music. Obviously movies are much valuable than music, but you never know. Google may be a muiti-billion dollar company, but if they don't experience much sales growth in the Play division, they may join the UltraViolet world. But I'm not gonna get my hopes up on that anytime soon...

madmod20061 · 02-14-2016, 03:49 AM

They were giving away a ton of music recently. Other than that I mostly use it if I have credit and then only Disney Movie Anywhere movies.

Kochore · 02-14-2016, 12:35 PM

I use it for some movie rentals and music. I feel like they're one of the few services out there that offer discounts and such on rentals rentals.

NycRaZe · 04-18-2016, 04:13 AM

Definitely my preferred digital movie provider.

sleepydumbdude · 04-18-2016, 04:19 PM

Yes. Use android with play store and watch it on Google app on Roku. I have some movies on there but mainly use it for TV shows. VUDU takes too long to update with new episodes and Google play has a much better selection of shows.

I have some movies on there. Usually old stuff that isn't available on UV providers like Disney made for TV movies.

imortals · 04-18-2016, 04:44 PM

Google Play seems pretty decent. But my problem is their app on Roku. I am using the Roku SE, which is basically a Roku 1. But it doesn't play in HD. I've tried using the YouTube app to play some suff from them, but it will never play any purchased items. Not sure if I have some setting wrong, it's just me, or just the limitations of the Roku I have. But if it wasn't for those factors, I would probably use it a little more. But I still like Vudu the best hands down.

Jdipper · 04-21-2016, 02:54 AM

Disney movies got me started on Google Play Movies.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

AZBrowncoat · 04-21-2016, 03:15 AM

Anyone know if Canadian GPlay codes will redeem in the US?

ginjaninja88 · 04-21-2016, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZBrowncoat

Anyone know if Canadian GPlay codes will redeem in the US?

Nope , only in Canada . No proxy works either .

jeffreymakela · 06-05-2016, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ_RAMS_FAN

I been using google play more lately. specially for disney movie.. vudu buffers so much for me. even on 5ghz network with top speeds. i dont get it... google play doesnt buffer at all..

I think you need to use eathernet cable and not WiFi

Sent from my LG-H631 using Tapatalk

Me-Hostage · 07-02-2016, 11:52 AM

I never have used Google Play for movies. I tried using GP for their music service, but hated it. I have one movie in GP, only because it was free.

GuyIncognito · 07-03-2016, 02:15 PM

I use Google Play for HBO series like Boardwalk Empire, Sopranos, Deadwood, etc. I don't watch movies on it though

05-15-2019, 04:33 PM

Some things about Google Play:

1. Cost - Google Play always lists the lowest price on the product page. However, when you click on the button to buy or rent, it'll tell you the price for both SD and HD. Also, because of this, rental pricing is the first listed. Actually SD rental pricing is the first thing you see.

2. Device Playback - This is where Google dropped the ball, in my opinion. Yes, the Chromecast is amazing for a $35 stick/puck dongle. It's pretty simple to use and that's its problem. It is a simplified solution using your phone/iPod Touch/tablet/computer to start the playback on the Chromecast then the Chromecast takes over. However, you only have basic controls through the device you started playback on. Unless your TV remote has controls for the streaming services (I.E. Play, Pause, Rewind, etc). Even then you can't tell Chromecast which audio stream you want. Some receivers are not capable of 5.1 output from a Chromecast even it's plugged directly into it.

You can use the YouTube app on gaming consoles for playback after signing in. However, again, limited controls and without 5.1 audio sound.

3. Purchase Playback - This is where Google does beat UV and iTunes (to some extent): anywhere Google Play is available and the movie/show itself, you can stream it without issues. Like iTunes, you can download an offline copy for when internet isn't available. The caveat is you have to use the Play Movies & TV apps, not YouTube.

4. Library Control - This is where Google absolutely crushes the competition. When you remove content from your Google Play account, not remove the download. It is deleted from your cloud library completely. Got a free TV episode from a cancelled show? No problem, remove it from your library. Got a free movie from Google Play you don't want or didn't like? Again, remove it from your library. You don't have to call, request a refund, or hide it. It is just gone.

View Poll Results: Do you use Google Play for movies?
Yeah, its pretty cool	44	39.29%
No, I use another service	63	56.25%
WTF is a Google Play?	5	4.46%
Voters: 112. You may not vote on this poll

01-21-2016, 02:30 PM	#1
Krizzle1 Power Member Member since:Jan 2015 Location:the island Trading Score:14	Does anyone actually use Google for movies? I was just wondering this... I looked on the Google Store and there are loads of movies that cost half of what they'd cost on the iTunes Store. For example: Shutter Island - GP - £2.49 / iTunes - £4.99 Big Hero 6 - GP - £9.99 / iTunes - £13.99 Walking Dead S1 - GP - £6.99 / iTunes - £13.99 Game of Thrones S1 - GP - £17.49 / iTunes - £19.99 There are loads more I don't see much people talking about Google Movies, I mean it doesn't even have its own section here on the forum. Is it just because it's kinda 'new'? That people have already started their collections on other services, they don't want another one? So, does anyone on this forum use Google for movies?

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01-21-2016, 04:27 PM	#2
steve_dave Blu-ray Count Member since:Nov 2008 Trading Score:20	Google Play is a bit of a different animal that some find difficult to use... Some things about Google Play: 1. Cost - Google Play always lists the lowest price on the product page. However, when you click on the button to buy or rent, it'll tell you the price for both SD and HD. Also, because of this, rental pricing is the first listed. Actually SD rental pricing is the first thing you see. 2. Device Playback - This is where Google dropped the ball, in my opinion. Yes, the Chromecast is amazing for a $35 stick/puck dongle. It's pretty simple to use and that's its problem. It is a simplified solution using your phone/iPod Touch/tablet/computer to start the playback on the Chromecast then the Chromecast takes over. However, you only have basic controls through the device you started playback on. Unless your TV remote has controls for the streaming services (I.E. Play, Pause, Rewind, etc). Even then you can't tell Chromecast which audio stream you want. Some receivers are not capable of 5.1 output from a Chromecast even it's plugged directly into it. You can use the YouTube app on gaming consoles for playback after signing in. However, again, limited controls and without 5.1 audio sound. 3. Purchase Playback - This is where Google does beat UV and iTunes (to some extent): anywhere Google Play is available and the movie/show itself, you can stream it without issues. Like iTunes, you can download an offline copy for when internet isn't available. The caveat is you have to use the Play Movies & TV apps, not YouTube. 4. Library Control - This is where Google absolutely crushes the competition. When you remove content from your Google Play account, not remove the download. It is deleted from your cloud library completely. Got a free TV episode from a cancelled show? No problem, remove it from your library. Got a free movie from Google Play you don't want or didn't like? Again, remove it from your library. You don't have to call, request a refund, or hide it. It is just gone. Personally? I do have a lot of movies on Google Play because the prices were fantastic: from free to under $10. Google Play has also been kind enough to have a freebie at least once a year. Disney Movies Anywhere also is Google Play compatible so as long as you link the GP account to DMA, any code redemption will give you a GP copy too. I also have a lot more television shows because Google Play does offer free TV episodes like iTunes, Amazon, and Vudu. Since I can delete these completely, I have no problem getting nearly every freebie available. Now, because I have a Chromecast and had an Android phone... I bought The Librarians Season 1 on GP followed by Season 2. Another thing... although Warner Television is pushing for it on all their digital TV products, GP is a tad slow at offering extras with TV show purchases. Some come with extras others don't. On the movie side, it is actually worse. While Amazon has begun added extras while Vudu and iTunes already offer them; very few GP movies have extras.

01-21-2016, 05:35 PM	#3
Evil Contributor Top contributor Member since:Jun 2012 Location:USA 🦅 Home Theater Gallery:5 Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Digital collection:- iTunes collection:- Prime collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 101 Trading Score:107	The main issues with Google Play are that they're not part of the UV system, don't offer D2D, and don't have cheap credits. That likely places them way behind Vudu in most folks' eyes. The 'new' aspect likely also plays a factor. A lot of folks already had sizable UV/iTunes collections before GP became a player. And the few studios that offer GP redeem options (HBO/Disney/Fox) have only offered them relatively recently. Where Google Play really shines in my opinion is music. Lots of freebies, easy uploading of your music from other sources to their system, and a decent radio. I use them to listen to music regularly.

01-22-2016, 03:45 AM	#4
bigjim25 Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Jun 2011 Location:WV 4K collection:102 Blu-ray collection:3868 DVD collection:2484 MA collection:22 Digital collection:847 iTunes collection:15 Prime collection:4 Trading Score:572	I'll buy cheap Google Play copies of HBO shows from the forum and watch them on smart tv though my youtube account!

01-22-2016, 05:20 AM	#5
vanton619 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Dec 2008 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:305 Digital collection:1317 Trading Score:305	It was a nice alternative to Vudu before they did the Android app overhaul. I really liked the info card feature that applied to most movies/shows. If they'd go UV I'd probably use it more than Vudu.

02-03-2016, 05:16 PM	#6
NJ_RAMS_FAN Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2008 Location:North Jersey Home Theater Gallery:7 Blu-ray collection:369 DVD collection:21 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:103	I been using google play more lately. specially for disney movie.. vudu buffers so much for me. even on 5ghz network with top speeds. i dont get it... google play doesnt buffer at all..

02-03-2016, 08:03 PM	#7
AZBrowncoat Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2013 Location:Sahuarita, AZ Blu-ray collection:126 DVD collection:8 MA collection:5 Digital collection:8 iTunes collection:7 Prime collection:10 Trading Score:1053	I have a few Google Play movies and tv seasons in my account, mostly freebies from Google, cheap codes from the forum and Disney from DMA. However, Google Play does not seem to offer the breadth of Disney titles available on competing services.

02-14-2016, 01:54 AM	#8
jasonvoigt Member Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Glen Carbon, IL Blu-ray collection:29 MA collection:510 Digital collection:181 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:4	I agree that Google Play mostly shines with Music. I've uploaded more than 5,000 songs to my account, and its convenient with my laptop and my Android phone. As far as movies and TV shows, I'm like the others. I mostly have Disney movies (through DMA), plus freebies like 'Transformers'. I wish they would let us upload our digital movies from the hard drive and add them to my account, just like they do to Music. Obviously movies are much valuable than music, but you never know. Google may be a muiti-billion dollar company, but if they don't experience much sales growth in the Play division, they may join the UltraViolet world. But I'm not gonna get my hopes up on that anytime soon...

02-14-2016, 03:49 AM	#9
madmod20061 Special Member Member since:Jan 2012 Blu-ray collection:1814 DVD collection:641 Trading Score:273	They were giving away a ton of music recently. Other than that I mostly use it if I have credit and then only Disney Movie Anywhere movies.

02-14-2016, 12:35 PM	#10
Kochore Active Member Member since:Oct 2015 Blu-ray collection:53 DVD collection:10 Trading Score:3	I use it for some movie rentals and music. I feel like they're one of the few services out there that offer discounts and such on rentals rentals.

04-18-2016, 04:13 AM	#11
NycRaZe Junior Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:New York City 4K collection:55 Blu-ray collection:424 DVD collection:92 Blu-ray reviews:2	Definitely my preferred digital movie provider.

04-18-2016, 04:19 PM	#12
sleepydumbdude Active Member Member since:Sep 2012 Blu-ray collection:117 DVD collection:7 Digital collection:4334 Trading Score:159	Yes. Use android with play store and watch it on Google app on Roku. I have some movies on there but mainly use it for TV shows. VUDU takes too long to update with new episodes and Google play has a much better selection of shows. I have some movies on there. Usually old stuff that isn't available on UV providers like Disney made for TV movies.

04-18-2016, 04:44 PM	#13
imortals Special Member Member since:Feb 2015 Location:South of Chicago Blu-ray collection:21 Digital collection:1519 Trading Score:123	Google Play seems pretty decent. But my problem is their app on Roku. I am using the Roku SE, which is basically a Roku 1. But it doesn't play in HD. I've tried using the YouTube app to play some suff from them, but it will never play any purchased items. Not sure if I have some setting wrong, it's just me, or just the limitations of the Roku I have. But if it wasn't for those factors, I would probably use it a little more. But I still like Vudu the best hands down.

04-21-2016, 02:54 AM	#14
Jdipper New Member Member since:Apr 2016 Location:PA Trading Score:35	Disney movies got me started on Google Play Movies. Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

04-21-2016, 03:15 AM	#15
AZBrowncoat Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2013 Location:Sahuarita, AZ Blu-ray collection:126 DVD collection:8 MA collection:5 Digital collection:8 iTunes collection:7 Prime collection:10 Trading Score:1053	Anyone know if Canadian GPlay codes will redeem in the US?

07-02-2016, 11:52 AM	#18
Me-Hostage Contributor Top contributor Member since:Aug 2011 Location:Missouri 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:11 DVD collection:68 Digital collection:2310 iTunes collection:4 Trading Score:222	I never have used Google Play for movies. I tried using GP for their music service, but hated it. I have one movie in GP, only because it was free.

07-03-2016, 02:15 PM	#19
GuyIncognito Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Jun 2012 4K collection:35 Blu-ray collection:439 DVD collection:102 MA collection:770 Digital collection:1082 iTunes collection:147 Prime collection:10 Trading Score:94	I use Google Play for HBO series like Boardwalk Empire, Sopranos, Deadwood, etc. I don't watch movies on it though

05-15-2019, 04:33 PM	#20
zonbin Guest	Some things about Google Play: 1. Cost - Google Play always lists the lowest price on the product page. However, when you click on the button to buy or rent, it'll tell you the price for both SD and HD. Also, because of this, rental pricing is the first listed. Actually SD rental pricing is the first thing you see. 2. Device Playback - This is where Google dropped the ball, in my opinion. Yes, the Chromecast is amazing for a $35 stick/puck dongle. It's pretty simple to use and that's its problem. It is a simplified solution using your phone/iPod Touch/tablet/computer to start the playback on the Chromecast then the Chromecast takes over. However, you only have basic controls through the device you started playback on. Unless your TV remote has controls for the streaming services (I.E. Play, Pause, Rewind, etc). Even then you can't tell Chromecast which audio stream you want. Some receivers are not capable of 5.1 output from a Chromecast even it's plugged directly into it. You can use the YouTube app on gaming consoles for playback after signing in. However, again, limited controls and without 5.1 audio sound. 3. Purchase Playback - This is where Google does beat UV and iTunes (to some extent): anywhere Google Play is available and the movie/show itself, you can stream it without issues. Like iTunes, you can download an offline copy for when internet isn't available. The caveat is you have to use the Play Movies & TV apps, not YouTube. 4. Library Control - This is where Google absolutely crushes the competition. When you remove content from your Google Play account, not remove the download. It is deleted from your cloud library completely. Got a free TV episode from a cancelled show? No problem, remove it from your library. Got a free movie from Google Play you don't want or didn't like? Again, remove it from your library. You don't have to call, request a refund, or hide it. It is just gone.

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