Niche Excellence: Curation Over Conglomerates
The "Big Three" of the streaming world -- Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max -- seem to be in a race to see who can raise prices the fastest while offering libraries that feel increasingly like a digital bargain bin. For the discerning viewer, however, the real value is found away from the mainstream. Boutique services offer a "high-signal" experience, focusing on specific tastes with a level of care that an algorithm simply cannot replicate. The Usual Suspects: Mainstream Boutiques These services have become household names for a reason. They define their categories and offer libraries that are deep rather than wide. The Criterion Channel: The gold standard for film enthusiasts. While the $11 per month price point puts it in line with major services, its value lies in the curation. Instead of a random list of movies, Criterion offers themed collections, director spotlights, and scholarly supplements that turn your living room into a private cinematheque. Brit...
