In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Prime Video has decided to cut back on the audiovisual experience for users on its ad-supported tier. The move, following the introduction of ads to the streaming service on January 29, means that the free tier will no longer support Dolby Vision HDR or Dolby Atmos surround sound, leaving viewers with a diminished audiovisual feast.
The decision was first highlighted by German website 4KFilme and subsequently confirmed by Forbes. Instead of the previously available Dolby features, users on the ad-supported tier will now experience content in HDR10 with Dolby Digital 5.1. If users are looking to retain the higher quality audio experience, they’ll need to opt for the ad-free service, which comes with an additional cost of $2.99.
An Amazon spokesperson clarified the changes, stating, “Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos capabilities are only available on the ad-free option, on relevant titles.” This shift in strategy might irk users who were accustomed to the better audiovisual quality, especially considering the lack of a prior announcement regarding the removal of Dolby support from the ad-supported tier.
Amazon Prime Video’s ad-supported tier, introduced with ads at the end of January, has caused discontent among subscribers. The change not only introduces interruptions to their viewing experience but also strips away Dolby features unless they opt for the more expensive ad-free service. This move has prompted a proposed class-action lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the company of violating consumer protection laws and calling its change of terms “deceptive” and “unfair.”
The lawsuit argues that users who have already paid for a year-long Prime subscription were expecting an uninterrupted viewing experience, as promised by Amazon. However, with the removal of Dolby features from the ad-supported tier, subscribers feel that Amazon is not meeting their reasonable expectations. The proposed class action is seeking at least $5 million in damages and an injunction prohibiting Amazon’s “deceptive conduct.”
This shift in strategy not only affects users in terms of content quality but also raises concerns about transparency and customer satisfaction. Amazon, while introducing ads to its existing tier, did not explicitly mention the removal of Dolby features from the ad-supported tier, causing frustration among subscribers. As Amazon continues to make changes to its streaming service, it remains to be seen how these alterations will impact its subscriber base and reputation in the long run.
Now that we are nearing the end of 2023, we wanted to compile a quick movie list for you to binge on the weekend. Here are some unique movies we think everyone should check out on Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime.
1. They Cloned Tyrone
Platform: Netflix
Initial release: June 14, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
95%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
100%
IMDB
6.6/10
Metacritic
74%
Google
91%
A clever sci-fi mystery led by the talented John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris will see an unlikely trio stumble upon a government conspiracy. Filled with absurdist humour and satire, this inventive movie is worth a look.
2. Rebel Moon Part One – A Child of Fire
Platform: Netflix
Initial release: December 15, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
25%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
63%
IMDB
5.7/10
Metacritic
32%
Google
91%
If you love Zack Snyder’s works, especially the director’s cut of Justice League, you will enjoy this sci-fi space opera that is already getting an extended cut and a part two. Explore Zack Snyder’s fictional universe where a power hungry militaristic empire picks the wrong farming colony to terrorize and one villager who has decided enough is enough.
3. Leo
Platform: Netflix
Initial release: November 17, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
82%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
92%
IMDB
7.0/10
Metacritic
65%
Google
78%
It is an Adam Sandler movie, enough said! All jokes aside, this animated musical comedy is a fun idea about a classroom pet who wants freedom before he dies but ends up saving his class from a horrible substitute teacher. I think we all had one of those, shudders.
4. The Creator
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Initial release: September 29, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
66%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
76%
IMDB
6.8/10
Metacritic
63%
Google
78%
Many in the real world believe AI will take over the world and here is a movie that might show us what it would be like. This science fiction action flick will have you immersed in its spectacular visuals and solid writing. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the same director of the amazing Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, prepare for a story that doesn’t play it safe and feels refreshingly exhilarating.
5. Guardians of Galaxy Vol. 3
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Initial release: May 4, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
82%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
94%
IMDB
7.9/10
Metacritic
64%
Google
89%
Hands down the best of the MCU: Phase Five releases currently, this tear-jerker of a movie explores Rocket’s past. If you do not shed any tears or at least feel teary-eyed during this movie, you sir are either robots without an emotional chip or one of those “professional critics”.
6. Flamin’ Hot
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Initial release: May 4, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
69%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
88%
IMDB
6.9/10
Metacritic
58%
Google
86%
A fun comedy-drama to balance against all the sci-fi movies on this list, Flamin’ Hot is one of those based on true story movies. Which generally is code for not historically accurate at all but still a super fun watch. Follow Richard Montañez’s retelling of how he as a janitor became an Executive who invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
7. Air
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Initial release: April 5, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
93%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
98%
IMDB
7.4/10
Metacritic
73%
Google
87%
Batman, Ben Affleck, directs a biographical sports drama about how Sonny Vaccaro, Nike, and Micheal Jordan revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture. With a phenomenal casting for a movie about a business negotiation, that has no real right to be this fascinating, it is a clear slam dunk to watch.
8. Suzume
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Initial release: November 11, 2022
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
96%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
98%
IMDB
7.7/10
MyAnimeList.net
8.3/10
Google
96%
If you love Makoto Shinkai’s previous works, Your Name and Weathering with You, you will surely not have missed this movie. For those who haven’t heard of any of these, Suzume tells the riveting and beautiful story of a 17-year-old high school girl and a young stranger who must team up to prevent a series of catastrophes from happening around Japan. A must-watch for any anime fan.
9. Merry Little Batman
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Initial release: December 8, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
96%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
75%
IMDB
6.4/10
Metacritic
74%
Google
48%
An animated superhero film, Merry Little Batman will have us follow Damian as he takes on Joker’s plot to ruin Christmas in Gotham. A campy fun adventure, this movie will show viewers a nice fresh take on Damian that might make you like him.
Honourable Mention: The Boy and the Heron (君たちはどう生きるか)
Platform: In Cinemas Now
Initial release: July 14, 2023
The Online Response:
Rotten Tomatoes (Critic Consensus)
96%
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience Score)
89%
IMDB
7.7/10
Metacritic
91%
Google
88%
Hayao Miyazaki is back at it again with another anime that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. This time the film centres around a young boy, Mahito, who struggles to fit into a new town after his mother passes. However, he comes across a talking heron that tells him that she still lives. Follow Mahito on his quest to find his mother. This emotional journey might just give you the best closure to an eventful 2023.
