Rediscovering Hidden Gems: The Struggle with Streaming Services
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Chapter 1: The Search for Quality Cinema
Finding the time or motivation to enjoy a movie can be a rare occasion for me—about once a month. My enthusiasm for films has notably diminished. When I log into Netflix, I'm often met with disappointment, and my attempt to browse Disney+ is futile since I canceled my subscription. I might try searching through Max, only to grow weary and revert to rewatching an old favorite episode of Doctor Who. Eventually, real-life distractions pull me away, and I find myself never returning to the search for something new.
In the midst of this, there's a growing frustration with streaming platforms, and there's a valid reason for it.
The Underlying Issue
During my time working for an organization that delivered food to those in need, I learned a valuable lesson. We didn’t purchase food; rather, we gathered what was about to be discarded by supermarkets. Many people think that leaving food outside a grocery store in a donation bin is enough, but in reality, that small contribution hardly covers the needs of those who are hungry.
The bulk of our supplies came from supermarkets that were on the verge of throwing food away. Most of it was perfectly edible but deemed unworthy for sale, like bruised fruits or vegetables. Cleaning through these items was often unpleasant, yet it allowed us to provide meals to many. Ultimately, what we considered "bad" food was still good enough to nourish someone. The main issue was not the quality of the food but its marketability.
Similarly, the problem with streaming services lies in distribution. Many films are just decent enough to watch but fail to attract significant financial return. Classics from my childhood, like "The Secret of Roan Inish," are nowhere to be found on these platforms. They are often overlooked because they didn’t perform well at the box office and are now relegated to obscurity.
The Dilemma of Streaming Fatigue
We often complain about monopolies forming within the streaming industry. While having a single provider can streamline access, it comes at a cost—higher fees for a limited selection. This issue is not exclusive to streaming services. Consider an antique shop: high import costs can lead to cautious purchasing decisions, limiting the inventory available for customers.
In the film industry, studios face a similar dilemma. The costs associated with licensing movies can be exorbitant, yet the revenue generated from less popular films is often insufficient. The money you spend on a movie doesn’t flow directly to the creators. Instead, it passes through various intermediaries, each taking a cut, which inflates prices along the way.
Netflix's Shift from DVDs
In the past, Netflix enjoyed significant profit margins on DVD rentals, which averaged around 52%. However, as the platform transitioned to streaming, the margins dropped to about 10%. This shift allowed for a faster turnover of films. Although streaming offered lower margins, the sheer volume of consumption made it more profitable overall.
My Experience with Movie Selection
At times, choosing what to watch feels like a chore. Netflix rarely excites me, and Max has become a rarity in my viewing habits. I canceled Disney+ due to rising costs, and now I find myself purchasing movies outright from Google for a more satisfying experience.
Once, when indecisive about what to watch, I decided to visit a cinema and ask for a random ticket. This spontaneous approach turned out to be thrilling; it felt like unwrapping a gift without knowing what was inside. I’ve since abandoned trailers altogether, preferring the surprise of watching whatever I encounter.
Seeking the Middle Ground
The films I choose for this kind of experience often fall into the “fair-to-middling” category. They might be poor quality, but I relish the unpredictability. Still, I would much rather have access to a platform specializing in films that didn’t quite make it in theaters. If such a service existed, I would be thrilled to dive into a treasure trove of hidden gems.
Discover why there are countless excellent films you may have never heard of and why they deserve your attention.
Learn effective tips for finding the best films to watch, ensuring you never miss out on cinematic treasures again.
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