Amazon.com announced yesterday that for one day only, Saturday, January 24, 2015, they’d offer an Amazon Prime Discount of $72 instead of $99 for yearly membership and provide free viewing with no membership required of all 10 episodes of their original series, Transparent
, winner of two Golden Globes, including best TV series, musical or comedy.
“Transparent” is normally available only on Amazon Prime Instant Video. Amazon’s original programming also includes other highly rated grown-up fare such as “Alpha House” along with some spectacular kids’ programming, including “Creative Galaxy” for smaller children and “Annedroids” for the pre-teen set.
Earlier this week, Amazon announced their plans to produce or acquire a dozen original movies for release to theaters followed by an early appearance on Amazon Prime Instant Video just 30 to 60 days later. Ordinarily, theatrical release films take 8 to 12 months before they become available on streaming video services. In a press release, Amazon says, “Amazon Original Movies will focus on unique stories, voices, and characters from top and up-and-coming creators.”
Independent filmmaker Ted Hope will head creative development for Amazon Original Movies. Hope’s production company has produced highly acclaimed films such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Eat Drink Man Woman,” “American Splendor” and “The Brothers McMullen.”