gaitwhihald: Warner Archive Instant launches, offers subscription to stream classic movies and TV shows

While existing streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime stock their virtual shelves with fresh exclusive content, the just-launched Warner Archive Instant is running in the other direction. Drawing on a catalog of rare older (although not necessarily that old, there's a few 90s flicks in there) movies and TV shows from Warner's own history as well as other studios like MGM, RKO, and Allied Artists, the service promises a regularly updated bundle of selections for $9.99 per month. Now available to all after a few months in closed beta testing, there's a two week free trial available if you're not sure whether the selection fits your tastes.

Not all of the titles are remastered in high definition, but those lucky selections can be streamed to your Roku in up to 1080p resolution (the Silverlight player for PCs and Macs does not support HD at this time). That's currently the only connected TV device supported, although others are said to be on the way. Not sure what to watch? Hit the showcase section for curated playlists of highlight content based on various themes. For fans of classic cinema we can think of few ways to get your fix, although the (relatively) tiny library of a few hundred choices and focus on rare content may leave most mainstream viewers cold.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD