My Netflix DVD queue has been hijacked by my 14 yr old daughter, so I have been exploring the streaming options from both Netflix and Amazon Prime.
I will open this by stating that the streaming experience has vastly improved over the past couple of years, but it has not reached the point where it is DVD quality (never mind Blu Ray). The picture quality is generally good, mostly HD, but there is lack of consistency that can sours my enthusiasm, after which I take an extended break from use. The reason for the lack of consistency is indeterminate; I have Vz FiOS as my internet provider, with 75/75 Mbps tier including the Quantum router. I watch Amazon Prime using the app on my Panasonic plasma (hardline) and Netflix from my Panasonic Blu Ray player (hardline).
Amazon Prime Streaming series
Bosch: I wasn’t familiar with the source material, so there weren’t any preconceived notions about how Harry Bosch should look / act. It started really strong, but seemed to fade as it progressed – the tight dark pacing of the first couple of episodes began to relax into a show that was less gritty than broadcast fare (like “The Shield”
. Even though all episodes were available for bingeing – it took me over 2 wks to finish the series because I didn’t get immersed. Although props to the repurposed cast alumni of “The Wire”
Alpha House: This is one that I do binge straight through the season’s release. Partially because the 25 min episodes are tightly paced and partially because it is a comedy, but mostly because the casting, acting and satirical / situational comedy is great fun. It is from Doonesbury creator Gary Trudeau, so you’ll know its political bent within a few viewings, but to me it doesn’t matter because it is so damn entertaining
Next in the queue: Mozart in the Jungle
Netflix Streaming series
Lilyhammer: The first original series I ever watched streaming (back in 2012) and still a favorite. Steven Van Zandt gets his “Silvio” groove back as “Frank the Fixer” – a mobster who chooses witness protection in Lillehammer, Norway because he had fond memories of watching the Olympics on TV. NYC wiseguy in rural Norway – how can it not be awesome?
Daredevil: I am a fan of comic book movies (although not comic books), so Daredevil is right in the wheelhouse. It is dark, gritty and violent with an exceptional performance by Vincent D’Onofrio as the villain Wilson Fisk. There is plenty of backstory and character development so those unfamiliar with Daredevil and Hell’s Kitchen section of NYC where he operates will quickly be caught up. This series was designed to be a single season gateway show for other Marvel/Netflix series, but was strong enough to be renewed for another season. Quality stuff
Next in the queue: Hemlock Grove, Marco Polo, Bloodline, House of Cards
I will open this by stating that the streaming experience has vastly improved over the past couple of years, but it has not reached the point where it is DVD quality (never mind Blu Ray). The picture quality is generally good, mostly HD, but there is lack of consistency that can sours my enthusiasm, after which I take an extended break from use. The reason for the lack of consistency is indeterminate; I have Vz FiOS as my internet provider, with 75/75 Mbps tier including the Quantum router. I watch Amazon Prime using the app on my Panasonic plasma (hardline) and Netflix from my Panasonic Blu Ray player (hardline).
Amazon Prime Streaming series
Bosch: I wasn’t familiar with the source material, so there weren’t any preconceived notions about how Harry Bosch should look / act. It started really strong, but seemed to fade as it progressed – the tight dark pacing of the first couple of episodes began to relax into a show that was less gritty than broadcast fare (like “The Shield”
. Even though all episodes were available for bingeing – it took me over 2 wks to finish the series because I didn’t get immersed. Although props to the repurposed cast alumni of “The Wire”Alpha House: This is one that I do binge straight through the season’s release. Partially because the 25 min episodes are tightly paced and partially because it is a comedy, but mostly because the casting, acting and satirical / situational comedy is great fun. It is from Doonesbury creator Gary Trudeau, so you’ll know its political bent within a few viewings, but to me it doesn’t matter because it is so damn entertaining
Next in the queue: Mozart in the Jungle
Netflix Streaming series
Lilyhammer: The first original series I ever watched streaming (back in 2012) and still a favorite. Steven Van Zandt gets his “Silvio” groove back as “Frank the Fixer” – a mobster who chooses witness protection in Lillehammer, Norway because he had fond memories of watching the Olympics on TV. NYC wiseguy in rural Norway – how can it not be awesome?
Daredevil: I am a fan of comic book movies (although not comic books), so Daredevil is right in the wheelhouse. It is dark, gritty and violent with an exceptional performance by Vincent D’Onofrio as the villain Wilson Fisk. There is plenty of backstory and character development so those unfamiliar with Daredevil and Hell’s Kitchen section of NYC where he operates will quickly be caught up. This series was designed to be a single season gateway show for other Marvel/Netflix series, but was strong enough to be renewed for another season. Quality stuff
Next in the queue: Hemlock Grove, Marco Polo, Bloodline, House of Cards
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