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New Amazon Instant Video Service Allows Prime Members Free Access to Movies They'd Never Pay to See

By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under Trade News | Comments (16)

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Amazon.com announced this morning that it was kicking off its Netflix Instant competitor, Amazon Video, which is now available free to Amazon Prime members. The bad news for Amazon Prime members? The selection of 5000 movies and television shows is anemic. The good news? You still get 2-day shipping for free, and one-day shipping for $3.99. Unfortunately, after browsing through a couple thousand of the Amazon Video titles, these ten — based on recency, relevancy, and quality — were the best Amazon Video currently has to offer.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy
Half Nelson
Old Boy
Let the Right One In
Bronson
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
Go
Best in Show
Mysterious Skin
Man on a Wire

As for big blockbuster movies from the last five years? Forget about it. Essentially, Amazon’s Video Service gives you 4,980 titles that you’d probably never pay to see, anyway. Like City of Angels or Short Circuit or My Fellow Americans or New Jack City. Ninety-five percent of the titles are probably already playing on cable somewhere, so it’s like having TBS On Demand. But if you’re looking for all of Jeff Dunham’s stand-up performances, Amazon Video has got you covered.

Still, as more people sign up, Amazon Video will obviously add more titles, but it’s going to need something more than The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy to anchor its selection and recruit new members. Still, if you’re a frequent user of Amazon, the free two-day shipping is probably worth the annual $75 membership, anyway. But it’s certainly not worth the expense if Amazon Video is why you’re signing up.









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Comments

My Fellow Americans is funny!

What?

Posted by: TWoP Fan at February 22, 2011 2:03 PM

Earlier, I went looking through what titles they have. Most are the dregs of what's already available on Netflix Instant.

Posted by: jM at February 22, 2011 2:11 PM

I'm already a member so I'm excited, but i would never pay for this. Honestly, I'm tired of Netflix's offerings. Though being bored of the Instant Queue will force me to finally watch Exit Through the Gift Shop. At some point. When I'm done with Spartacus: Blood and Boobs.

Posted by: Julie at February 22, 2011 2:16 PM

It has Home Movies! HOME MOVIES!! Coach McGuirk! Gawl, YOU'RE SO HARD TO PLEASE, ROWLES!

Plus I have the free trial membership for a month so FREE! FREE! FREE!

Posted by: Pinky McLadybits at February 22, 2011 2:18 PM

HALF NELSON! (That is all)

Posted by: coveredinbees at February 22, 2011 2:19 PM

That's a good list. I'd watch almost all of this again. The exception would be the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. I enjoyed the books, but the films all put me to sleep.

Posted by: sars at February 22, 2011 2:22 PM

BUT they have Doctor Who! And A Little Bit of Fry and Laurie! In terms of nerdy British TV shows, it's a solid investment.

Posted by: esme at February 22, 2011 2:47 PM

I get Prime free with my university email. Suck it, suckas.

Posted by: sailboat at February 22, 2011 3:21 PM

Speaking as a proud Amazon Prime member (free shopping throughout the year more than makes up for the annual fee), I will likely not use this feature...

Though, with all of Home Movies on there, the cost of those seasons on DVD would total close to $75 for all of them. So, yeah.

Posted by: RobP at February 22, 2011 3:35 PM

I think it's great! I'm already a Prime user and have been loving that. This to me is just an added bonus. I'm sure they will increase their library.

Posted by: Hal (GT) at February 22, 2011 3:44 PM

Is that free expedited shipping? If so, that would be totally worth it. I probably only pay up to $50 a year in shipping as is using standard. If the Kindle is any indication Amazon will at the very least have an equal selection as Netflix before too long.

Posted by: Paultera at February 22, 2011 4:34 PM

The shipping is the only reason I'd sign up for Amazon prime. Now, Hulu Plus might win me over...they just added the Criterion Collection to their movies, and who can resist the siren song of all the NBC comedies? If only we could combine Hulu with Netflix. Why is life never perfect?! Dammit.

Posted by: katyv at February 22, 2011 5:07 PM

well I wish I had checked here before Amazon. I found this on my own this morning and went scrolling through. While I love Amazon, their search format drives me nuts and I only made it through about 8 pages of movies before giving up. Thanks for summarizing it for me.

Posted by: Even Stevens at February 22, 2011 5:16 PM

First of all I would pay to see NEW JACK CITY!!

Secondly, even Netflix streaming sucks! They have a few good selections but 90% of their streaming is made up old movies that you've never heard of. I don't know why everyone is jazzed about it. Oh yeah god forbid you want to see a new release. I haven't tried HULU PLUS.

Lastly, the best service by is BLOCKBUSTER ONLINE. They don't have streaming but you can order on demand if you absolutely must see something right away. I love it because I can trade in a movie at a store for a new release. But I know it's days are numbered. I'll enjoy it while I can.

Posted by: junierizzle at February 22, 2011 5:49 PM

@Paultera: That is indeed for expedited shipping. Yesterday, I ordered Patton Oswalt's new book (on audio CD so I can giggle to it at work), and I will be receiving it tomorrow. For $4 I could've gotten it today, but I'm a patient man.

@juniornizzle: Your blasphemy of Netflix Instant shall not stand! It's got tons of amazing stuff on there, especially TV shows. I don't even bother with the discs, anymore.

Posted by: RobP at February 22, 2011 6:09 PM

Sounds like the same dreck on Netflix insty-watch.

Posted by: Snuggiepants at February 22, 2011 8:48 PM