Want to taste-test Criterion movies via streaming, or love their taste and can't afford to buy every disc? Are you likewise not interested in spending a ton renting everything on iTunes? Hulu Plus and Fandor (as of a couple weeks ago) are both great options at under $8 a month.
Show Notes and Links
Hulu Plus features a Criterion channel that includes almost the entire filmographies of many directors, including Chaplin, Kurosawa, Ozu, Bergman, and many more. (available on the same array of devices as Netflix, at this point)
The Hulu Plus Criterion channel routinely adds movies before they hit disc (if some ever do), and more than just "black and white art movies". Weird Japanese genre stuff from the 70's, animated classic Watership Down, David Lynch and Guillermo del Toro mindbenders, they have all kinds of stuff. You can actually lose an afternoon flipping around (I know I have).
Fandor struck a deal recently to carry a limited selection of Hulu's Criterion movies in a rotating, featured section. (Roku, iPad/AirPlay, website)
If you're into off-the-beaten path streaming channel options, Warner Archive Instant is worth a look too, even though they have nothing to do with Criterion. They have similar app/availability options as Fandor (Roku, iPad/AirPlay)
Are you an American traveling abroad and want access to the services you use? Try TunnelBear. Industry friends who find themselves abroad regularly swear by it.
Not mentioned on the episode itself, but Criterion's "Current" feed is a great repository of video, video essays, and "special features" that are all completely free, and one of the unsung best things Criterion is doing now.
Two new-to-ESN shows: Systematic and Overtired.