28-08-2021, 01:37 PM
all new Phil post_id=36553 time= user_id=865 Wrote:To me it just feels like a service full of the shows most of our parents have sat on shelves on DVDs that they never watch. We had a month trial and barely used it.
Ha - yes, "build your own ITV3".
gottago post_id=36558 time= user_id=900 Wrote:A really strange mix of dusty crime drama and comedy and a limited selection of reality that they're desperate to push.
I guess there's two audiences here: the classic/archive TV market, which is niche, but Network DVD seem to do okay out of it, and it'll attract some curious eyeballs beyond that; and more recent shows (including showing stuff fresh from ITV/C4/C5 without ads). They seem to think there's a third audience that wants reality shows - MTV Cribs has popped up - but surely others (Hayu?) have that market tapped up already? And a fourth for films - but they're all elsewhere too.
Among the dusty old stuff there are some gems - as much old Doctor Who as can be found; the Up series (and other old bits from World In Action); a scattering of early Coronation Streets and things like The Tomorrow People. There's a good selection of Channel 4 comedy too, even if you can get it on All4 too. Some of it's a bit baffling, though - Crown Court and General Hospital are there if you want to recreate the heady days of a 1975 daytime schedule. And Eldorado. Wonder if Albion Market will be next? It's all spread a bit thinly.
And getting newer stuff ad-free is handy - I might try to pick up Stephen from ITV before my hastily-bought annual sub ends.
The word "curation" is overdone these days, but actually that's what's lacking here - it just looks thrown together. It just needs a bit of thought put into it, perhaps some editorial context, and definitely better navigation/signposting of material.