Whether you got presents from Christmas, Hanukkah, or even Boxing Day, you might have bought a film via an on-demand service. You might have even bought The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, which we recently reviewed.
You could have received the ancient technology of a DVD as a present. You would then own a physical copy of a film.
"Buy" in the on-demand sense means you don't own a physical copy. You can watch the film whenever you want. There are limitations to "buying" a film with this method. There are limitations to the physical purchase of a DVD.
Canadian film review: The Death and Life of John F. Donovan
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When the issue came up with The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, the on demand option through my cable service was only to buy at $19.99. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the film. The $19.99 cost would be weighed versus seeing the film in a theatre. The theatre was very far from me. Transportation would have cost $5.30 round trip with a $6 matinee ticket cost. Add in a meal and that could add up quickly.
Fortunately, I checked into Amazon Prime, which offered me an option to buy at $19.99 or rent for 24 hours at $5.99. That cost would equal the price of a ticket and save time and money on transportation and food. For the review, I was able to go back the next day to double check a few details.
I do come from a generation where you bought and owned CDs and DVDs. I realise that some of the blog audience is at that age level while others are younger and are more comfortable in a digital landscape.
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I've been able to watch Canadian films through Amazon Prime at an additional price. While they are more expensive than the traditional video stores that are disappearing, the convenience might make up the difference. Being able to see Women Who Act was worth every penny; that film would be worth a buy.
The difficulty is knowing what films to rent as opposed to buy. While choosing to buy a film after renting the film seems like overkill, that option might be more logical in the current landscape.
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I do love seeing films in theatres surrounded by like-minded people. The theatres pictured above in Ann Arbor, Michigan are the exception as we noted earlier this month. Canadian films in the United States are rare birds in theatres. Streaming services, buy or rent, are great options. No parking or transportation costs. No having to think about food. I would rather say Canadian films in theatres close to me, but would rather to see the films than miss out on great Canadian films.
photos credit: The Death and Life of John F. Donovan film; me
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