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Streaming in Canada on Amazon Prime Video, Crave, Disney+ and Netflix [Oct. 4-10]

Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.

Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video Canada, Crave and Netflix Canada, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ will be mentioned when relevant.

We’ll also highlight shows or movies that are made in Canada, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.

Finally, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing many movies to hit digital platforms much sooner than planned, we’ll make note of any major films — as well as other notable streaming service news — that fall into this category when applicable.

Amazon Prime Video

Justin Bieber: Our World [Amazon Original]

 

Directed by Michael D. Ratner (Justin Bieber: Seasons), this documentary follows the London, Ontario-born global superstar as he prepares for a record-breaking New Year’s Eve 2020 concert after a three-year hiatus.

Amazon Prime Video Canada release date: October 8th, 2021
Genre: Music documentary
Runtime: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Stream Justin Bieber: Our World here.

An Amazon Prime Video subscription is included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $79 CAD/year.

The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada in October can be found here.

This week in Amazon Prime Video Canada news: All five seasons of the classic Canadian sketch comedy series Kids in the Hall are now streaming on Prime Video ahead of the revival, which is currently in production. Additionally, Amazon and Sony have confirmed that Hotel Transylvania: Transformania is heading straight to Prime Video in January.

Crave

A.rtificial I.mmortality [Crave Original]

Directed by London, Ontario’s Ann Shin (The Defector: Escape from North Korea), this documentary explores the possibility of creating an immortal version of oneself through technology.

A.rtificial I.mmortality features such visionaries as Superintelligence author Nick Bostrom, Geminoid clone developer Hiroshi Ishiguro, Team Human author Douglas Rushkoff and author Deepak Chopra, who is creating his own A.I. mind twin.

Crave release date: October 8th, 2021
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour, 13 minutes

Stream A.rtificial I.mmortality here.

Buried

After a mother suddenly remembers witnessing the rape and murder of her childhood best friend, law enforcement reopens a nearly 20-year-old unsolved case.

Through the accounts of family, neighbours, memory experts, mental health professionals and more, the docuseries explores how this memory has not only affected the woman’s family, but the larger legal and mental health communities.

Crave release date: October 8th, 2021
Genre: Docuseries
Runtime: Four episodes (individual length TBA)

Stream Buried here.

Craftopia Holiday Showdown (Season 2)

St. Catharines, Ontario’s own Lauren Riihimaki (“LaurDIY”) hosts another competition among young crafters.

It’s worth noting that this is one of several HBO Max Originals that is streaming exclusively on Crave in Canada as part of Bell’s licensing deal with Warner Media.

Crave release date: October 7th, 2021 (first four episodes, new episodes every Thursday)
Genre: Reality
Runtime: Eight episodes (about 25 minutes each)

Stream Craftopia Holiday Showdown here. Note that $19.98/month Crave + Movies + HBO subscription is required.

15 Minutes of Shame

Executive produced by Monica Lewinsky, this documentary examines the world of public shaming through the lens of the victims, bullies, bystanders, media and more.

This is another HBO Max Original streaming exclusively on Crave.

Crave release date: October 7th, 2021
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Stream 15 Minutes of Shame here. Note that $19.98/month Crave + Movies + HBO subscription is required.

A standard Crave subscription is priced at $9.99/month, with Starz costing another $5.99/month and HBO an additional $9.99/month.

The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.

Disney+

Fauci [Disney+ Original]

This documentary chronicles the career of Anthony Fauci, America’s top medical doctor, and his increasing notoriety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disney+ Canada release date: October 6th, 2021
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour, 44 minutes

Stream Fauci here.

Muppets Haunted Mansion [Disney+ Original]

Gonzo takes on his biggest challenge yet: spending one night at The Haunted Mansion, the world’s scariest place.

Muppets Haunted Mansion features an ensemble cast that includes Muppets veterans Bill Barretta and Dave Goelz, as well as the likes of Toronto’s own Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) and the late Ed Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) in one of his final roles.

It’s worth noting that Markham, Ontario’s own Geoff Keighley, who gamers likely know as the man behind The Game Awards, has a cameo in Muppets Haunted Mansion.

Disney+ Canada release date: October 8th, 2021
Genre: Puppet comedy, Halloween special
Runtime: 49 minutes

Stream Muppets Haunted Mansion here.

A Disney+ subscription costs $11.99/month or $119.99/year in Canada.

The full list of movies and shows hitting Disney+ Canada this month can be found here.

This week in Disney+ Canada news: A WandaVision spin-off starring Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness is reportedly in development.

Netflix

Bad Sport [Netflix Original]

This docuseries unpacks various global sports controversies and scandals, including the incident at the 2002 Winter Olympics when a figure skating judge was allegedly pressured to rank Russia over Canada in the pairs competition.

Netflix Canada release date: October 6th, 2021
Genre: Puppet comedy, Halloween special
Runtime: 49 minutes

Stream Bad Sport here.

Baking Impossible [Netflix Original]

To win $100,000, teams of bakers and engineers must create edible creations that are both delicious and capable of suriving intense engineering stress tests.

Netflix Canada release date: October 6th, 2021 (first six episodes, final episodes release Wednesday, October 13th)
Genre: Reality
Runtime: Eight episodes (around one hour each)

Stream Baking Impossible here.

There’s Someone Inside Your House [Netflix Original]

A group of high school friends tries to stop a masked killer who’s hunting down students.

Based on the eponymous novel by Stephanie Perkins, There’s Someone Inside Your House was directed by Patrick Brice (Creep) and stars Sydney Park (The Walking Dead), Montreal’s Théodore Pellerin (Chien de garde) and Asjha Cooper (Everybody Wants Some!!).

It’s worth noting that the movie was shot in Vancouver.

Netflix Canada release date: October 6th, 2021 (first six episodes, final episodes release Wednesday, October 13th)
Genre: Reality
Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes

Stream There’s Someone Inside Your House here.

A Tale Dark & Grimm [Netflix Original]

Hansel and Gretel leave their own classic story to enter a new tale full of strange and scary surprises.

Co-produced by Toronto’s own Boat Rocker Media (The Loud House), A Tale Dark & Grimm features the voices of Raini Rodriguez (Austin & Ally), Andre Robinson (The Loud House), Toronto’s own Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes) and Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad).

Netflix Canada release date: October 8th, 2021
Genre: Animated family
Runtime: 10 episodes (27 to 30 minutes each)

Stream A Tale Dark & Grimm here.

A ‘Basic’ Netflix subscription costs $9.99/month, a ‘Standard’ subscription (HD-supported) costs $14.99/month and a ‘Premium’ membership is priced at $18.99/month (4K-supported).

The full list of movies and shows hitting Netflix Canada this month can be found here.

What are you planning on watching this week? Let us know in the comments.

For more suggestions, check out last week’s Streaming in Canada column.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Image credit: Disney

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Netflix developing ‘That ’70s Show’ spin-off called ‘That ’90s Show’

That ’70s Show is officially coming back — sort of.

Netflix has ordered a spin-off of the classic sitcom, called That ’90s Show, focused on Red and Kitty Forman. Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp will reprise their roles as the Forman patriarch and matriarch, respectively.

Notably, original series creators Bonnie and Terry Turner and their daughter Lindsey will return writers and executive producers alongside That 70’s Show alum Gregg Mettler, who will also serve as showrunner.

Set in 1995, the new series follows Leia Forman, daughter of Eric and Donna, as she visits her grandparents Red and Kitty for the summer. That ’90s Show will be a multi-cam sitcom like the original series and run for 10 episodes.

It remains to be seen whether other Topher Grace or Laura Prepon, who played Eric and Donna in That ’70s Show, or any of the other original stars, will return for That ’90s Show. A release date for That ’90s Show has not yet been confirmed.

It’s also not yet clear whether That ’70s Show will come to Netflix Canada under this deal. Interestingly, the series isn’t on any streaming service in Canada.

Hopefully, it ends up being better than That ’80s Show.

Via: The Hollywood Reporter

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‘Foundation’ renewed for second season on Apple TV+

Apple has renewed its Foundation series for a second season on its Apple TV+ video streaming service.

While Apple doesn’t reveal specific viewership figures for its Apple TV+ content, the sci-fi series must be tracking well already, given that it only just premiered on September 24th.

Created by David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight trilogy) and Josh Friedman (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Foundation is based on Isaac Asimov’s eponymous novel series and stars Jared Harris (Mad Men), Lee Pace (The Hobbit trilogy) and Lou Llobel (Voyagers).

The series follows Dr. Hari Seldon (Harris) as he and a group of followers try to preserve the future of civilization while a long line of emperor clones (Pace) attempt to stop them.

A premiere date for Foundation‘s second season has not yet been announced.

Image credit: Apple

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Marvel working on ‘WandaVision’ Disney+ spin-off starring Agatha Harkness: report

Marvel Studios is developing a WandaVision Disney+ spin-off about the popular series’ villain, Agatha Harkness, according to Variety.

The outlet notes that Kathryn Hahn would reprise her role as Agatha in the series, which will be a dark comedy. Further plot details aren’t known, but Jac Schaeffer, the lead writer of WandaVision, is expected to return to write and executive producer the untitled Agatha series.

Variety says Marvel did not respond to comment. However, we may learn more of the series officially at the inaugural Disney+ Day event on November 12th. A variety of Disney brands, including Marvel, are expected to make Disney+ announcements on that date.

In any event, an Agatha series makes sense for Marvel and Disney+.

The character was one of the standouts of WandaVision, who initially appeared to be a friendly neighbour to Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda and Paul Bettany’s Vision before revealing herself to be a villain. Her catchy evil song, “Agatha All Along,” quickly became an internet sensation and Hahn ended up receiving an Emmy nomination for the role. Given that Agatha was left alive in the WandaVision finale, it’s unclear whether the series will pick up after it or serve as a prequel that explores her Salem Witch origins.

What we do know, though, is that the broader story of WandaVision will carry over into next March’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. In that film, Olsen’s Wanda’s search for her children will bring her into contact with Benedict Cumberbatch’s titular Sorcerer Supreme.

For now, though, the next Marvel Disney+ series is the Jeremy Renner-led Hawkeye, which will premiere on November 24th.

Source: Variety

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Hotel Transylvania: Transformania heading straight to Amazon Prime Video Canada in January 2022

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania will release exclusively on Amazon Prime Video worldwide on January 14th, 2022.

The animated family film was originally slated to hit theatres this month, but Sony scrapped those plans out of concerns for the rising cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Instead, the company sold the distribution rights to Amazon for $100 million (around $125 million CAD) in August, with the Prime Video release date only now being confirmed. This is Sony Pictures Animation’s second theatrical film to be sold to a streamer amid the pandemic, following April’s critically acclaimed The Mitchells vs. The Machines.

Transformania is the fourth and film in the popular Hotel Transylvania franchise, which has grossed more than $1.3 billion USD (about $1.6 billion CAD) to date.

The film finds Drac and his monster friends transformed into humans, leading them to race to find a cure.

Image credit: Sony Pictures Animation 

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Where to stream Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies in Canada before No Time To Die

After 16 years, Daniel Craig’s record-long tenure as James Bond is coming to an end.

No Time To Die, the swan song for Craig’s iteration of the iconic British superspy, is finally set to exclusively open in theatres on October 8th after multiple COVID-19 related delays.

Co-written and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, No Time To Die follows Bond as he comes out of retirement to stop a terrorist threat. As Craig’s final Bond performance, No Time To Die is also expected to tie up threads from his four previous films: Casino Royale (2005), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).

Given that, you might be wanting to rewatch some (or all) of these films, especially since it’s been six years since the last one. With that in mind, read on for more info on where you can stream Craig’s previous four Bond flicks in Canada before No Time To Die.

As it so happens, Bell signed a deal with MGM last year to secure the exclusive Canadian streaming rights to the James Bond franchise. This means that all of the Bond films — not only Craig’s, but those starring the likes of the late Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan — are all available on Bell’s Crave service. Specifically, they’re streaming under Crave’s HBO + Movies tier, which costs $19.98 CAD/month.

Follow these links for Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre on Crave. Additionally, there’s a 45-minute special called Being James Bond: The Daniel Craig Story in which Craig, the Bond series producers and other creatives reflect on the English actor’s time as 007. The Daniel Craig Story is available for free on the Apple TV app until October 7th or on Crave under its base $9.99/month tier.

Finally, the official theme song for the movie, Billie Eilish’s eponymous “No Time To Die,” is now streaming on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

Are you excited for No Time to Die? Do you prefer Casino Royale or Skyfall? Who do you want to see next as Bond? Let us know in the comments.

Image credit: MGM

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The Mandalorian spin-off ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ to hit Disney+ on December 29

Lucasfilm has confirmed that its highly anticipated spin-off to The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, will premiere on Disney+ on December 29th.

The company had previously only given a vague “December” release window. Set after the events of The Mandalorian‘s second season, the series “finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the Galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate,” according to Lucasfilm.

Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen are reprising their roles of Fett and Shand, respectively. Key members of The Mandalorian‘s creative team, including Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Robert Rodriguez, are also working on The Book of Boba Fett.

Additionally, Lucasfilm unveiled the first look at key art from the upcoming series, which features Fett sitting on his new throne.

It’s a big time for Disney+, as the streaming service is set to celebrate its second anniversary on November 12th.

To commemorate, Disney will hold its first-ever annual ‘Disney+ Day’ event on that date, which will feature premieres like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and announcements from the likes of Marvel and Lucasfilm.

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Netflix offers ‘most comprehensive look’ at viewership of its content

Tudum announced the return of Christ Hemsworth with "Extraction 2". Coming soon to our screens!

Netflix has provided what it says is its “most comprehensive look so far” at viewership information for its most-watched content.

Speaking at Vox Media’s Code Conference in Los Angeles on Monday, Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos shared some slides detailing its top 10 movies and shows. The first slide displayed data based on Netflix’s commonly shared measurement of the number of viewers of a given title in its first 28 days.

Netflix top 10 movies and shows

For example, it says 82 million accounts watched the Shonda Rhimes period drama series Bridgerton, while 99 million tuned into the Chris Hemsworth action flick Extraction.

The company counts anyone who watched a movie or show for at least two minutes as a “viewer,” which it argues is sufficient time to gauge that a user was interested in it. However, this measurement has come under fire for being vague and unindicative of a title’s larger popularity. Netflix’s unique status as a streamer allows it to avoid the transparency of traditional film and TV productions, whose performances are more precisely and publicly measured through firms like Nielsen and box office trackers.

At the Code Conference, Sarandos acknowledged these criticisms, noting that Netflix’s streaming data is “a big black box, mostly.” He claimed that the company is “trying to be more transparent with talent, with the market.”

With that in mind, Sarandos’ second slide revealed total time spent viewing by hours within that initial 28-day window, which is data that Netflix has never before released.

Netflix most popular TV shows and movies by hours

In this table, Bridgerton is said to have accumulated 625 million hours’ worth of viewership, while Extraction (second behind Bird Box) racked up 231 million. This gives a somewhat clearer idea of the demand for particular movies or shows.

However, this still doesn’t provide a full picture. For example, providing such a general figure for viewership doesn’t account for how many people actually finish Netflix content. Given Netflix’s mass global availability and 200-plus million subscribers, it’s inevitable that at least some people started a show or movie but never actually saw it through to the end.

Transparency with this type of data is important for creatives and talent as they look to what companies they’ll sign with in the increasingly saturated streaming market. It remains to be seen how the industry responds to Netflix revealing this new viewership data and how the streamer might continue to become more forthcoming with it.

Image credit: Netflix

Via: The Verge

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Netflix launches website to show where in Canada its content was filmed

Netflix has debuted a new website that lets users learn more about the Canadian filming locations of various Netflix Originals.

On the ‘Netflix in Your Neighbourhood’ site, you’ll find a video highlighting some of these Canadian productions, as well as interactive maps breaking down specific filming spots per province or Netflix Original. The site will even mention cities where specific episodes were filmed.

Some of the featured titles include Anne with an E (Ontario and Prince Edward Island), The Umbrella Academy (Ontario), To All The Boys trilogy (British Columbia) and Locke & Key (Ontario and Nova Scotia).

The website even highlights programming that was predominantly filmed in other countries but partially shot in Canada. One example of this is The Queen’s Gambit, which was largely produced in Germany but had some scenes shot in Toronto and Cambridge, Ontario.

Finally, the site has a document that goes into how Netflix Originals have increased tourism in various parts of Canada.

What are some of your favourite Netflix Originals that were filmed in Canada? Let us know in the comments.

Image credit: Netflix

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Here’s what’s coming to Disney+ Canada in October 2021

Disney has revealed the full list of movies and shows hitting its Disney+ streaming service in Canada in October 2021.

Some of the month’s highlights include Marvel’s Black Widow becoming available for all Disney+ subscribers and the Halloween-themed Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales. 

October 1st

  • Alita: Battle Angel [Disney+ Star]
  • Among the Stars (all episodes streaming) [Disney+ Original]
  • Disney Just Roll With It: You Decide Live!
  • Disney Princess Remixed: An Ultimate Princess Celebration
  • Disney The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!
  • Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales [Disney+ Original]

October 6th

  • Black Widow (available for all Disney+ subscribers at no additional cost following a $34.99 CAD Premier Access release earlier this year)
  • Fauci

October 8th

  • Muppets Haunted Mansion [Disney+ Original]

October 13th

  • Just Beyond (all episodes streaming) [Disney+ Original]

October 20th

  • Marvel Studios: Assembled — “The Making of Black Widow” [Disney+ Original]

October 22nd

  • Black-ish (Season 4) [Disney+ Star]

October 27th

  • Marvel Studios: Assembled — “The Making of What If…? [Disney+ Original]

It’s important to note that Star content is typically more adult-oriented fare from Hulu and other Disney-owned brands. If you’re looking to keep Disney+ family-friendly for your kids, you can read more on parental controls here.

A Disney+ subscription costs $11.99 CAD/month or $119.99/year.

Find out what came to Disney+ Canada in September here.

Image credit: Marvel Studios