The Criterion Channel is a streaming app that focuses on art house films and world cinema. Launched in April 2019, the app is a product of The Criterion Collection, a renowned home video distribution company that specializes in releasing classic and contemporary films in high-quality editions. In this article, we’ll explore the features of the Criterion Channel, how to use the app, and what sets it apart from other streaming services.
Features of the Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel offers a range of features that make it stand out from other streaming services. These include:
1. Focus on art house films and world cinema
The Criterion Channel is dedicated to showcasing art house films and world cinema, with a particular emphasis on classic and contemporary films that have had a significant impact on the medium.
2. Curated collections and series
The app features curated collections and series that are designed to help users discover new films and explore different themes and genres.
3. Rare and hard-to-find films
The Criterion Channel also offers a range of rare and hard-to-find films that are not available on other streaming services.
4. Behind-the-scenes content
The app includes behind-the-scenes content, such as interviews with filmmakers, production stills, and archival footage, that provide a deeper understanding of the films on the app.
5. Ad-free streaming
The Criterion Channel is completely ad-free, which means users can enjoy uninterrupted viewing of their favorite films.
6. Multi-device access
With the Criterion Channel, users can access their account on multiple devices, including their smartphone, tablet, laptop, and smart TV.
How to Use the Criterion Channel
Using the Criterion Channel is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Creating an account
To use the Criterion Channel, you’ll need to create an account. You can do this by visiting the Criterion Channel website and signing up for a subscription.
Subscription options
The Criterion Channel offers a variety of subscription options, including monthly and annual plans. Prices vary depending on your location and the plan you choose.
Finding content
Once you’ve created an account and subscribed to the Criterion Channel, you can start browsing the app’s extensive library of films. You can search for specific titles or browse by collection or series.
Customizing your viewing experience
The Criterion Channel also allows users to customize their viewing experience by creating watchlists and adding films to their favorites list.
Downloading content for offline viewing If you want to download content for offline viewing, simply select the film you want to download and click the download button. The app will automatically download the content to your device, and you can access it even when you’re offline.
Curated Collections and Series on the Criterion Channel
One of the biggest draws of the Criterion Channel is its curated collections and series. These are designed to help users discover new films and explore different themes and genres. Some of the most popular collections and series on the app include “Essential Art House,” “Directed by Agnès Varda,” and “Black Lives.”
What sets the Criterion Channel’s curation apart from other streaming services is the depth and breadth of their collections. The Criterion Collection has been curating films for over 30 years, and their expertise and passion for cinema is evident in every collection and series on the app.
The Criterion Channel vs. Other Streaming Services
While there are many streaming services available today, the Criterion Channel is unique in its focus on art house films and world cinema. Here’s how it compares to some of the most popular services:
1. Netflix
Netflix is the most popular streaming service in the world, with over 200 million subscribers. While it offers a wide range of films and TV shows, it doesn’t have the same focus on art house and world cinema as the Criterion Channel.
2. Hulu
Hulu is known for its extensive library of TV shows, including current and past seasons of popular series. While it does offer a range of films, it doesn’t have the same focus on art house and world cinema as the Criterion Channel.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers a range of films and TV shows, as well as original content. While it does offer some art house and world cinema titles, it doesn’t have the same depth and breadth of the Criterion Channel’s library.
4. Disney+
Disney+ is a family-friendly streaming service that offers a range of films and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. While it does offer some classic and art house films, it doesn’t have the same focus on world cinema as the Criterion Channel.
5. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a relatively new streaming service that offers a range of original content. While it does offer some films, it doesn’t have the same focus on art house and world cinema as the Criterion Channel.
The Future of the Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel has big plans for the future. The app has already announced several upcoming collections and series, including a collection of films directed by women and a series on the films of the Czech New Wave. In addition, the Criterion Channel has partnered with film festivals and other cultural institutions to bring their expertise and curation to a wider audience.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Criterion Channel:
- How much does the Criterion Channel cost? The Criterion Channel offers several subscription options, including a monthly plan for $10.99 and an annual plan for $99.99.
- Is the Criterion Channel available internationally? The Criterion Channel is currently only available in the United States and Canada. However, there are plans to expand the app to international markets in the future.
- Can I share my Criterion Channel account with others? The Criterion Channel allows users to create up to three profiles per account, but it doesn’t allow account sharing outside of the household.
- How do I troubleshoot common issues with the Criterion Channel? If you’re experiencing issues with the Criterion Channel, you can visit the app’s Help Center for troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion
The Criterion Channel is a unique streaming app that offers a range of art house films and world cinema, as well as curated collections and series that help users discover new films and explore different themes and genres. With its ad-free streaming, multi-device access, and rare and hard-to-find films, the Criterion Channel is a great choice for cinephiles and anyone looking for a deeper dive into the world of cinema. While there are many streaming services available today, the Criterion Channel’s focus on art house and world cinema sets it apart from the rest. With big plans for the future, including expansion to international markets and partnerships with film festivals and cultural institutions, the Criterion Channel is poised to become a major player in the streaming world.