Archive for category streaming video
YouTube: The Criterion Collection Now Has a Channel
Posted by admin in Film, streaming video on January 26, 2010
The Criterion Collection–the folks that as they so succinctly put it: “Since 1984 . . . has been dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements”–now has a YouTube channel. I assume it will be mostly populated with trailers, nothing full run. But, of course, with YouTube trying to compete with television, I could be proved wrong in a few months. Check it out.
As a Wim Wenders fan myself, I was pleased to find this trailer from PARIS, TEXAS–Wenders’ 1984 film.
I wish I could embed the video here, but YouTube apparently does not allow that on the channels. How odd.
Hulu: John Huston
Posted by admin in Film, streaming video on January 21, 2010
So I was knocking around hulu tonight and stumbled across John Huston’s 1956 film, Moby Dick (starring Gregory Peck). This got me curious as to whatever Huston films that might be sitting on hulu.
And that’s how I found 1977’s Tentacles. This film is a product of its times, clearly trying to capitalize upon the popularity of 1975’s Jaws (and apparently only a few months before Orca was released)–it was supposed to be a horror film. But appropriately enough, hulu has it listed as a comedy.
Huston does not direct this gem, but rather he acts in it, alongside other folks that leaves me asking “Was money that tight in the 1970s for these folks): Claude Akins (as a sheriff [pre-1979 BJ and the Bear no less]), Henry Fonda and Shelley Winters
Shows Cancelled Too Soon: 2007’s Journeyman
Posted by admin in episodic TV, streaming video on January 15, 2010
Another series partially hurt by the Writer’s Strike of 2007, but mostly canceled due to low ratings, was 2007’s Journeyman. While the show, about an unwilling time traveler (played by Kevin McKidd) and its impact on his family, only last 13 episodes, it’s a delightfully far-reaching 13 episodes. Set in San Francisco, in one episode toward the end of the 13-episode run, they even deal with the 1989 earthquake. Despite its limited run, I loved how the show explored family dynamics, like an adult son’s sense of abandonment (from when his father left the family) coupled with his fear that his time-traveling would force him to abandon his own son.
The casting of Reed Diamond as McKidd’s brother was an amazing bit of casting–as they looked like they could be brothers.
It’s unlikely to ever be released on DVD, but fortunately Hulu hosts the entire 13-episode run.
To get you started, here’s the pilot.
Remembering George Plimpton
Posted by admin in Literature, streaming video, talk show on January 1, 2010
So I was recently reading James Lipton’s autobiography, Inside Inside. In remembering his late friend George Plimpton, who died in September 2003, he mentioned discussing Plimpton with Charlie Rose. I had missed that show back in 2003, so I was happy to find it online. Here it is.
Inside Inside
As described by Google Video:
First, a conversation in remembrance of American journalist, novelist and editor George Plimpton, with James Lipton of “Inside the Actor’s Studio”, Robert Silvers of “The New York Review of Books”, and Lewis Lapham of “Harper’s Magazine”. Then, a conversation with Terry McDonell of “Sports Illustrated”, David Remnick of “The New Yorker”, and restaurateur Elaine Kaufman, in remembrance of George Plimpton. Then, a conversation with former Republican Congressman Felix Grucci of New York about his collaboration with George Plimpton. Finally, a conversation with Jay McCulloch, friend and former colleague of George Plimpton, about Plimpton’s work as editor of “The Paris Review”.
1980s News: Cocteau Twins Concert in Ohio
Posted by admin in Music, streaming video on December 30, 2009
Thanks to a tweet by SomeBadIdeas (and a retweet by Colin Meloy [of the Decemberists]) I got to watch this YouTube clip of some 1985 news coverage for a Cocteau Twins appearance in Columbus, Ohio.
I’m not sure if my favorite part is the fellow with a typewriter or the concertgoer who explains “I’m a genetics major and (inexplicable nervous head bob movement) everything.” or the co-anchor at the end of the piece who appears to fake fall asleep.
Merry Christmas II: Wonderful Life “Lost” Ending
Posted by admin in Film, comedy, pop culture, streaming video on December 25, 2009
I always forget that Shatner (with classic 1980s rug) introduces the clip.
As much as I love the original film, my sense of humor is drawn to absurd material like this.
What Rock Am I Hiding Under: Vevo
Posted by admin in Music, streaming video on December 14, 2009
So earlier today, I was perusing the LA Times music blog, Pop & Hiss. In particular, I enjoyed learning about Vevo in this piece written by Todd Martens. Much to my surprise, this was the first I had heard of Vevo.
Vevo, which launched last week, hopes to become the Hulu for online music videos. I’m of the era that grew up on MTV when it’s bread and butter was playing music videos, not wall-to-wall coverage of spring break vomit sessions or more recently, alleged reality shows structured to glorify year-round vomit sessions. So I welcome a chance to watch online music videos.
Clearly and understandably, this online platform is targeting consumers far younger than myself (Honestly I have no idea who Kid Cudi is…). But it is also offering videos that I would enjoy, for example, check out this Lyle Lovett 1987 classic, If I Had a Boat. I’ve never seen this video, which intersperses interviews of elderly men with stories that have tangential connections to the lyrics.
Sneak Peek: Better Off Ted
Posted by admin in comedy, episodic TV, streaming video on December 7, 2009
The ABC sitcom Better Off Ted returns to the airwaves with new episodes this Tuesday, December 8. While I think this show would be better off Wed (as in, better off being shown on Wednesday night’s as lead in to The Middle), I’m just darn happy to have the show return. Here’s a sneak peek.
YouTube: The Muppets’ Bohemian Rhapsody
Posted by admin in Music, comedy, streaming video on December 6, 2009
I may be the last person on the planet to see and link to this gem, but what the heck. Hat tip to my sister, Theresa, who made me aware of it–and aptly hyped it as: “It’s even better than Beaker’s Ode to Joy.” Ladies and germs, the Muppets’ rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Bad Ideas: Hulu Intends to Charge in 2010
Posted by admin in streaming video on October 26, 2009
As noted by EW.com (citing Broadcasting & Cable), Hulu management has decided that as of 2010 it’s “time to start getting paid for broadcast content online”. Really? You think folks are going to go for that?
I’m a longtime fan of Hulu, as documented in this May 2008 post, but I sincerely doubt I will pay to see its content. Ask my cable provider, Comcast, about my spending patterns. I will watch all the free ON DEMAND shows they offer, but the minute I encounter any pay-per-view ON DEMAND, I keep looking until I find free content. I expect Hulu to be treated the same way by me.
I never understand Internet ventures that give the goods away for free, but then decide “hey, would you like to pay for the stuff that used to be free?” I’ll be curious to see how well Hulu does in terms of charging for content. Maybe they can make it work, but not with me.