The online film library Mubi comes to PS3, while its creator reveals some fascinating views on alternative forms of film distribution...
Sony and online movie service Mubi teamed up yesterday in Sydney for the launch of the arthouse cinema platform on PlayStation3. As PS3 launches go, it was pretty star-studded (Hmm... Miranda Otto...), and one of those odd launches that combines gaming media, movie pundits and quite a few PR and industry insider types, all under the one roof.
A little like Microsoft's Kinect launch, but with less making fun of one their core demographics.
But it was a fascinating launch nonetheless, and not only because the Mubi service is a solid offering. It's been available on PC for some time, and we were made aware of the impending launch over the PlayStation Network back in May. To sum it up, however, the service's tagline really says it best - it's a film festival in your own living room.
Mubi's not, strictly speaking, arthouse focused, but it is very arthouse in its inspiration. You will find the odd blockbuster on there, like Inception, but only because of its great cinematography and technical brilliance. You'll also find films as varied as Pan's Labyrinth, Tarantino's works, Old Boy, black and white classics, and films voted by such partners as Martin Scorsese's World Cinema and Celluloid Dreams. Films can be viewed on a one time basis, or you can subscribe for as many movies as you want. What's more, some films will be free for limited times.
There's also a social aspect, which lets you share your favourite films with others, or link to Facebook to share what you're watching right now. "It's all about the discovery process," says Mubi creator, Efe Cakarel, who attended yesterday's launch. You watch a movie, find others who like it, and then follow their recommendations to discover more movies, and more users.
The most fascinating thing about the launch, however, was Cakarel's attitude to alternative forms of film distribution. Unlike bodies such as the RIAA or most of the big movie companies, he feels that piracy and other cashless forms of distribution help films, rather than hinder them. He cites a number of smaller films that chose to debut, effectively for free, on the Mubi service - and that eventually went on to secure cinema distribution due to positive word of mouth feedback.
Even more impressively, is a tale he related concerning John Woo's epic historical drama, Red Cliff. Knowing that film piracy is rife in Eastern markets, he approached the pirates himself, asking them to release a HD version of the film that he would supply. It also featured a short ad at the beginning, which added profitability to the enterprise, and the film then went on to be the highest grossing film of the year in China, despite widespread piracy.
He believes, if properly embraced, alternative distribution opens options for film-makers, rather than closing them.
The Mubi service is available now via the PlayStation Network. A one month sub costs 19.95, while individual films range from $1.75 to $6.25, with a seven day viewing window.
Issue: 137 | June, 2012