Blogs should never be shills.
It’s a rule.
OK. A rule I just made up. And now I will break it.
One of the things I have missed in Mexico is access to a good movie source. Of course, there are the pirated DVDs in the local markets. But I have already discussed why I do not buy those.
During the early part of the year, I had heard rumors that Netflix was going to start offering services in Mexico. That was good news for me. During my six-month sojourn to The States last year, I subscribed to Netflix. Its streaming video offerings were a bit limited. But they were high quality versions of some very good films.
But promised services here in Mexico often remain merely promises -- awaiting some future date for delivery.
But not this time.
This month Netflix is starting its services in Latin America. Brazil already has the service. On Wednesday service starts for Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Later in the week, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Venezuela, and Chile come on line.
And then on Monday of next week -- drum roll, please -- Mexico (along with Central America and the Caribbean) will be potential Netflix customers. If I have read the announcement correctly, the subscription will be $99 (Mx) a month -- about what I paid in The States.
I will sign up – if only to test the one limitation I think I will have in Melaque. My internet speed here is rather slow. Even though I have the highest speed service that the rather antiquated telephone lines will allow, I have trouble with internet calls and video streaming now and then.
But there is a work-around for that, as well. I will simply have to plan ahead and download the movies in full before I watch them.
So, next Monday, I will pull out my credit card and set up another monthly billing. And we will see whether Netflix can fill my film jonesing.
Good to know, One of the things I missed when staying at my apt in Mexico City was I could not access my Netflix account while there. Now I need to check if my NOB account will work there.
ReplyDeleteKen B
And I do not know that. I am just waiting to get the final word that I can sign up. I will try doing it through my old account first.
ReplyDeleteI'm not interested in movies but there are some TV series that I would like to go back and watch early shows. I started watching them in the 2nd season and got interested. I've tried a couple of bit torrent sites but never had much success.
ReplyDeleteSo, my question is, is Netflix just about movies or do they also have TV shows?
Here in San Miguel many of us have Netflix. In fact the mail services do not charge to mail the movies back because so many of us do it.
ReplyDeleteThen most of us have Canadian satellite which has more movie channels then I could ever see.
In additon, we have Juan who owns Cafe Etc. where the philosophy and many other great discussion groups get together. Juan, is not part of any cartel, he copies a lot of movies - many foreign films that we ask for.........how I don't know or ask about. The movies are 34 pesos - around $2.50US.
Then a bunch of us have typed up a list of the dvd's we have and we circulate with each other from this almost 300 dvd lists combined by about 4 of us. I'll never run out of movies to watch at this rate. And beyond cost effective!
We do the same thing with books - circulating and passing on - I don't even know when I last paid full price for a book........years ago.
There are lots of ways to close any culture gap that might arise.
Of course, that is San Miguel. And this is Melaque.
ReplyDeleteThey also have television shows. At least, in The States. Mexico's failure to enforce copyrights has long been the issue of providing services like this.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, Netflix just signed a contract with one of the major networks. CBS, I think.
I've wondered if I could get Netflix here. There are lots of films I'd like to see that will never make it to the theaters around here. Now it looks like I will get the chance to try it out. Thanks for the heads-up.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope they live up to the hype. After all, it is just a week away. Starting all the countries in a seven-day period seems a bit ambitious, though.
ReplyDeleteA cousin of mine in the U.S. mentioned to me today that I should try Netflix. So nice to know that they're services will soon be available here in Mexico. And I can't wait to read/hear about your experience with it.
ReplyDeleteYou can bet there will be a followup post. Nothing like building my own writing material.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, by the time I get down there who knows what will be available.
ReplyDeleteI adore old black & whites, could really get my blankie on a Saturday afternoon and enjoy. Good to know. Thanks for the heads up.
A great movie is City Island with Robert DiNero. I love film......
You should sign up and take a look at what is available while you are till in The States.
ReplyDeleteIt probably won't. The difficulty for Netflix of expanding internationally is primarily licensing from the studios, as each film/movie in each territory must be licensed separately. The particular set of licenses that you have with your US service are probably different enough that you'll have to get a Mexican Netflix account to use it SOB. I could be wrong, but that would be my guess.
ReplyDeleteSaludos,
Kim G
Boston, MA
Where we keep meaning to give the service a try, but can't seem to find the time.
I enjoyed using Netflix in The States. But my internet connection here in Melaque is less than half the speed you are using on your connection. Overnight downloads seem to be my best option. But we shall see.
ReplyDeleteI will, at least, try. But you are correct. The intellectual property concerns are a major factor in keeping content off line in countries with casual enforcement.
ReplyDelete