HBO Max in Canada? Here is what I gleaned from a recent Google search...

As I was trying to find information about HBO Max which launched in the USA a few days ago, I wanted to know whether it was also officially available in Canada. The answer is, it is. Well, sort of. Here is what I gleaned from recent googling...

HBO Max, per se, is not available in Canada, but much of the original content from the U.S. paid service will be available through Bell's Crave service. Read more about it here:
https://mobilesyrup.com/2020/05/26/bell-hbo-max-content-crave-canada-first-wave/.

So, HBO Max is not really an official standalone service in Canada, but it's parent company in the States, AT&T, who also owns the DirecTV satellite TV service, is doubling down on its expectations for success despite DirecTV bleeding customers during the Coronavirus Pandemic. AT&T is really hoping that customers ditching the high cost of cable (and satellite) TV will downgrade over to its new streaming service instead of abandoning them altogether. HBO Max is but one of hundreds of streaming services competing for the attention of the ever-growing crowd of cable cord-cutters, and it needs to win big. Read CBC News' recent report about this: https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/hbo-max-launch-1.5586641.

Will HBO Max succeed? I would be interested to read your comments and predictions. -GB.

The Sinful Side of Cinema Returns! The Film Detective Dedicates the Month of May to Pre-Code Hollywood

Cinema's suggestive side returns on The Film Detective with an entire month celebrating the Pre-Code era and marathons to honor Mother's Day and John Wayne's birthday.

Original Press Release: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-sinful-side-of-cinema-returns-the-film-detective-dedicates-the-month-of-may-to-pre-code-hollywood-301050364.html

NEWS PROVIDED BY
The Film Detective
Apr 30, 2020, 12:31 ET

ROCKPORT, Mass., April 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Film Detective (TFD), a classic media streaming network and film archive that restores and distributes classic films for today's cord-cutters, is embracing the freedom of expression from the Pre-Code era. The perfect destination to enjoy classic film, television, serials, and shorts, The Film Detective is proud to promote such a sensational period of Hollywood's history this month.



Rugged crime and playful innuendo will find their way onto The Film Detective, every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. EST. Celebrating the years preceding the enforcement of the Hays Code, the Pre-Code era also made superstars out of icons like Barbara Stanwyck and James Cagney. Silent star Buster Keaton stepped into the talkies with Speak Easily (1932), the Pre-Code comedy also starring Thelma Todd and Jimmy Durante. Speak Easily (1932) will be joined by such Pre-Code mainstays as Joan Blondell in Three Broadway Girls (1932) and Claudette Colbert in I Cover the Waterfront (1933).

With many Pre-Code films joining The Film Detective's extensive library of over 1,500 titles, viewers may find a surprising standout in John Wayne's His Private Secretary (1933). Departing from his usual roles in the Old West, the Duke stars as an incorrigible playboy trying to settle his wild ways in this delightful romantic comedy. His Private Secretary (1933) will be one of many John Wayne films featured this month. Western fans can celebrate the anniversary of The Duke's birthday on May 26 with a John Wayne marathon featuring Wayne's early years with Lone Star Productions through his 1963 western comedy McLintock!

The Film Detective will also celebrate Mother's Day with a marathon, starting at noon on Sunday, May 10. The Mother of the Movies, Mary Carr, will appear as mother to Joel McCrea in Kept Husbands (1931), followed by Cicely Tyson in the Oscar-nominated drama Sounder (1972). Mother-daughter duo Lucille Ball and Lucie Arnaz will also appear together in episodes of The Lucy Show (1962-1968). The Film Detective app will showcase Sophia Loren in Two Women (1960) and Gertrude Berg in The Goldbergs (1949-1957).

While many continue safe social distancing from home, The Film Detective is bringing the comfort of the classics all month long! For more information, visit https://www.thefilmdetective.com/.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Ryan
kerry@thefilmdetective.com


About The Film Detective:
The Film Detective is a leading distributor of restored classic programming, including feature films, television, foreign imports, and documentaries. Launched in 2014, TFD has distributed its library of 3,000+ hours of film on DVD and Blu-ray and through leading platforms including TCM, NBC, EPIX, Amazon, PBS, and more. The Film Detective has released its app on web, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV and is available live on Sling, STIRR, and DistroTV.


Related Images
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Related Links
https://thefilmdetective.tv/


SOURCE The Film Detective

May the 4th Be With You... and LISTEN to the Original Trilogy for Free...

Happy Star Wars Day, everybody!

Did you know that the original 'Star Wars' Trilogy was made into a series of spectacular radio dramas by NPR starring the original movie cast?

I am a big fan of radio plays from the golden age of radio (also known as Old Time Radio) and although radio dramas had faded by the time NPR released their new tie-in to the blockbuster movie series, radio drama was relegated as a novelty product of the medium. The Star Wars Radio Dramas may have been considered as mere novelty at the time, but to me they are still a wonderful, yet very familiar escape to the 'galaxy far, far away.'

You can always binge the original trilogy on the paid Disney+ streaming service, but if you want to fire up your imagination by binge-listening to the original radio series, you can listen for free on the Internet Archive.

There is an excellent WikiPedia article about the Radio Dramas where you can get the links to the Internet Archive repository for the radio dramas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(radio_series)

Read also, from NPR: 'Star Wars,' The Trilogy That NPR Turned Into Radio Drama

May the 4th Be With You All!

-GB.

AMC NETWORKS BRINGS ITS POPULAR AND CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PROGRAMMING TO PLUTO TV

Four Dedicated Channels: Stories By AMC, Slightly Off By IFC, All Reality WE tv, And The Walking Dead en Español All Available on Pluto TV Beginning Friday, May 1

Seasons of The Walking Dead and Other Award-Winning AMC Networks Series Stream For Free Exclusively on Pluto TV

Original Press Release: https://www.amcnetworks.com/press-releases/amc-networks-brings-its-popular-and-critically-acclaimed-programming-to-pluto-tv/

New York, NY – April 30, 2020 – AMC Networks announced today that Pluto TV, the leading free streaming television service in the US, will launch a suite of original AMC Networks channels on May 1, including Stories by AMC, Slightly Off by IFC, All Reality WE tv, and The Walking Dead en Español. The launch of these dedicated channels will give Pluto TV customers access to a wide variety of popular and critically acclaimed AMC Networks content, including AMC’s The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Halt and Catch Fire, and Into the Badlands; IFC’s Portlandia, Documentary Now! and Brockmire; and WE tv’s Kendra on Top and Mary Mary, and more favorites from across AMC Networks’ cable channels. Select programming will also be available on demand as part of Pluto TV’s platform.

“We are excited to partner with Pluto TV to bring AMC Networks’ acclaimed originals to our fans in new ways, as viewers continue to seek greater flexibility and choice,” said Joshua Reader, president of distribution and development for AMC Networks. “Free ad-supported streaming is an emerging category that gives us the ability to complement the content offerings of our linear networks and other new platforms in ways that serve viewers and advertising partners – all part of our strategy to make our content available to as many people as possible in a rapidly evolving media environment. As always, compelling, distinctive and premium content is at the heart of our appeal and that of these new AMCN-Pluto channels.”

“As we continue to see incredible growth and adoption of Pluto TV worldwide, we are thrilled to join forces with an esteemed and award-winning partner like AMC Networks,” states Amy Kuessner, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Global Partnerships. “Pluto TV is the exclusive launch partner of these new channels from AMC Networks, that offer the perfect escape for viewers in search of the very best television programming that’s easy to access and free to stream.”

AMC Networks channels on Pluto TV information:

Stories By AMC: Stories By AMC will include past seasons of The Walking Dead. In addition, Stories By AMC includes full series of award-winning shows including, Halt and Catch Fire, Hap and Leonard, and Into the Badlands, as well as select seasons of Ride with Norman Reedus and Making of the Mob and also the gritty police drama Low Winter Sun. More series joining the channel in the upcoming months include, Fear the Walking Dead, Preacher, TURN: Washington’s Spies, Comic Book Men, and more.

Slightly Off By IFC: With an acclaimed slate of award-winning comedies, Slightly Off By IFC includes Documentary Now!, brilliant cult favorite Portlandia, Sherman’s Showcase, Brockmire, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and more. More IFC favorites joining the channel in the coming months include Baroness Von Sketch Show, Stan Against Evil and more.

All Reality WE tv: All Reality WE tv boasts a deep library of additive, relationship-focused content. Series at launch include: Kendra On Top, L.A. Hair, Mary Mary, and John Edward Cross Country. Other WE tv series available on the channel includes WE tv classics such as My Fair Wedding, Hustle & Soul, Tamar & Vince and more. Additional WE tv series joining the channel include in the coming months include, Bridezillas, Million Dollar Matchmaker, Cutting It In The ATL, Cyndi Lauper: Still So Unusual, and more.

The Walking Dead en Español: TV’s biggest series and #1 cable drama for 10 consecutive years has a new, go-to destination for The Walking Dead in Spanish, where fans will be able to watch their favorite series 24/7. The channel includes The Walking Dead and hit series Fear the Walking Dead.

###

About AMC Networks

Known for its groundbreaking and celebrated original content, AMC Networks (NASDAQ:AMCX) is the company behind the award-winning brands AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films. Its diverse line-up of popular and critically-acclaimed series and independent films include Killing Eve, Better Call Saul and The Walking Dead, which has been the #1 show on basic cable television for ten consecutive years, as well as Documentary Now!, Brockmire, Love After Lockup, and the films Boyhood, Death of Stalin, and many more. Its original series Mad Men and Breaking Bad are widely recognized as being among the most influential and acclaimed shows in the history of TV. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its production business; AMC Networks International, its international programming business; the subscription streaming services Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now; and UMC (Urban Movie Channel); RLJE Films; and Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business. For more information, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com.

About Pluto TV

Pluto TV, a ViacomCBS Company, is the leading free streaming television service in America, delivering 250+ live and original channels and thousands of on-demand movies in partnership with major TV networks, movie studios, publishers, and digital media companies. Named by Fast Company as one of 2020’s Most Innovative Companies, with over 22 million monthly active users in the US, Pluto TV has a global footprint across three continents and 22 countries throughout the US, Europe and Latin America.  Pluto TV is available on all mobile, web and connected TV streaming devices where millions tune in each month to watch premium news, TV shows, movies, sports, lifestyle, and trending digital series. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Pluto TV has offices in New York, Silicon Valley, Chicago and Berlin.

###

PRESS CONTACTS

Jim Maiella
646-273-7911
jim.maiella@​amcnetworks.com

Sarah Chaikin
917-328-4459
sarah.chaikin@​amcnetworks.com

Jodi Lederman
310-775-5424
Jodi@​pluto.tv

Free Internet TV Service DistroTV quietly launches additional channels

I am really starting to love DistroTV as 'the' streaming service for Canadian cord-cutters looking to stretch their entertainment budget amidst the Coronavirus lockdown and job layoffs. I have long since quit cable TV, but struggled for a long time to find free, quality channels to stream on a tight budget. In recent months, DistroTV has launched quality A-level channels that fit very nicely among my go-to TV channels I can stream legally.

I have practically been glued to The Film Detective channel since it was added some time ago, a great escape to the old classics when I want to keep my mind off this virus craziness. Recent acquisitions from Cinedigm include the family-friendly Dove Channel, and the genre-fandom of CONtv. DistroTV is also slowly adding new News and Sports channels (though nothing mainstream in Canada or the UK yet-- while DistroTV added the Stadium sports channel and NewsMax TV, both available over-the-air in the US, they are still not officially available in Canada or the UK yet).

Along with recent additions, several additional channels have been added to Distro TV within the last few weeks:

Young Hollywood - Discover the hottest new trends and watch exclusive interviews and awesome videos with all your favorite Young Hollywood celebrities. 2020-03-27 · TV-G · Live

Unidentified - Unidentified features controversial, suspenseful and thought provoking films covering topics like UFO’s and alien abductions, ghost stories, paranormal phenomena, government conspiracies, Bigfoot encounters and more. 2020-04-08 · TV-G · Live

bspoketv - Premier lifestyle channel, driven by the cultural conversations of global influencers, focused on beauty, fashion, food, travel, interviews, and more. 2020-04-10 · TV-G · Live

alee+
Serving Generation Prime (50+) through relevant lifestyle series and nostalgic programming that feature both entertainment and personal navigation for your Retirement Years.
2020-04-10 · TV-G · Live

Hard Knocks
Hard Knocks is your go-to destination for MMA and Fighter action! With hundreds of live events, Hard Knocks packages the ultimate "must see" entertaining fight night content available! With a growing library of fight content and showcasing MMA action sports content, we feature the world’s elite and up and coming fight athletes! Our exciting fan thrilling fights are highly publicized, having been seen on ESPN, Dish, inDemand, Comcast, beIn Sport, The Fight Network and other channels around the world. Featuring athletes such as Ronda Rousey, Elias Theodorou, and Misha Cirkunov who've used Hard Knocks as a staging ground for their careers.
2020-04-14 · TV-G · Live

Stadium ​(USA only) - The ultimate destination for the modern day sports fan, providing world-class sports content every day of the year. 2020-03-31 · TV-G · Live

Newsmax TV ​(USA only) - Newsmax covers the latest developments in politics, national and world news, health, faith, personal finance, and technology with a unique American perspective and topics that the major media often ignore. 2020-03-23 · TV-G · Live

If you are a Cord-Cutter in Canada or the UK, check out the full list of channels that are available in your country here. DistroTV needs to be an app to install on your streaming device. While we can't get the complete availability of Pluto TV, and nothing at all from Xumo TV or Stirr from the USA, DistroTV is the next best thing, and if it continues to add quality channels as it has recently, it's bound to get a lot better until its competitors find their way into our borders.

-GB.

This Week's Amazon.ca Best Deals On Streaming Players!

Welcome back frugal streamers!

Here are some of the latest deals on streaming players from Amazon.ca!

While we are all hunkered down at home on a lockdown because of the Coronavirus, we all still have to find a way to keep the commerce going. If you're going to shop online anyway, I truly hope that you will help support @StreamOnABudget / The Frugal Streamer (Canada) / the Free2View TV project by shopping through our partnership with Amazon.ca. Click on any of the links in this post to start shopping and add items to your Amazon shopping cart. We earn from qualifying purchases you make and it helps keep the lights on here at the @StreamOnABudget blog! Thank you for your support! Here are this week's fantastic deals!

Crave is Now Available on Roku Streaming Devices, and I say it's about time.

The Crave TV app has been out for over 4 years on nearly every streaming platform except Roku, perhaps the most popular streaming devices in Canada. Why it took so long for Bell Media's streaming service to make it to the Roku platform is unknown. Crave TV is now available for your Roku device, and I say it's about time.

Here is the press release from PR Newswire:

Crave is Now Available on Roku Streaming Devices

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Crave 

Apr 08, 2020, 13:25 ET

– Consumers with a Roku player or Roku TV now have access to all Crave content and packages, including Movies + HBO, STARZ, and SUPER ÉCRAN –

TORONTO, April 8, 2020 /CNW/ - Bell Media announced today that Crave is now available on all Roku® streaming devices in Canada. On the heels of Crave announcing 30 days free for new direct-to-consumer subscribers, it's expanding the reach of its prestige entertainment offering to consumers with a Roku® streaming device. Roku users now have access to programming from HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Hollywood-hit movies, as well as French-language TV and films from SUPER ÉCRAN, directly from their Roku streaming player or Roku TV™.

Launching on the Roku streaming platform creates additional reach for Crave, which is also available to Canadians with access to the Internet at Crave.ca, via iOS and Android, and through platforms like Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and select Samsung Smart TVs.

"Our team has been working diligently with Roku to deliver Crave to Roku users, and we're absolutely thrilled to share this news with Canadians today," said Tracey Pearce, President, Distribution and Pay, Bell Media. "Roku streaming players and Roku TV models deliver a premium user experience that is simple to use, and truly elevates the Crave experience for subscribers."

"Welcoming Crave to the Roku platform is fantastic news for our Canadian customers," said Arthur van Rest, Vice President of International at Roku. "Crave helps us increase the volume of Canadian programming on our platform in both English and French, and provides our customers with access to popular services like HBO, Showtime and Starz."

With this launch, Roku users can now access Canada's largest collection of premium content including:

• Current HBO hits including the new season of WESTWORLD, as well as SUCCESSION, THE OUTSIDER, and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM;
• Hollywood movies such as X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX, YESTERDAY, and BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, plus upcoming blockbuster hits like FAST AND FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW and ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:@CraveCanada
@Crave_PR

Roku is a registered trademark and Roku TV is a trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries.

For the full release, click HERE.

SOURCE Crave

For further information: Nicolle Stranges, Nicolle.stranges@bellmedia.ca; Adam Slinn, adam.slinn@bellmedia.ca

Related Links

bellmedia.ca