IndiePix is the latest site to get into the game of streaming movies with IndiePix Unlimited, but their site fills a much, much needed void. While Netflix’s indie section seems filled to the brim with sex dramedies, explorations of filmmakers’ sexuality, and narrative commentary on sex and sexual relationships – IndiePix goes far beyond that by directly celebrating the best of the best in the independent film world.
Its success stems from the large selection and ease of use, but there are still flaws, and the site will need to grow (even beyond its 4,000+ available films) in order to truly become a household name.
Let’s take a quick test drive:
The Pros
- The functionality of the site is clean, simple and easy to use. There are few frills here to get in the way of finding and watching movies. Bonus.
- A giant selection of films ranging from titles praised at festivals to those yet to be discovered. These films also span the genres from drama (of course) to horror to experimental to animated to anything you’d want. Some genres have fewer titles than others, but that’s most likely by virtue of the service being so new. Fans of drama, arthouse and documentaries should have their schedules full, though.
- Timing it, I signed in and was watching a movie within 24 seconds. The load time is insanely fast.
- The biggest pro is that there’s a great source for independent films all in one place. Hopefully the library will grow bigger and bigger, but for now, it’s really pleasing to see so many films at my fingertips.
The Cons
- The streaming, monthly rate is the only way to go because otherwise you’re paying $7 per rental (and it’s only $8 per month for unlimited views). The site also offers to sell DVD copies of the movies, but the prices aren’t so great. For example, they were selling Rabbit Hole for $26 whereas Amazon had it for $15.
- The site needs to grow a bit, which should come with time. The horror section only had 4 titles in it, and that’s just downright unacceptable.
Overall, IndiePix Films has a winner with their Unlimited service because they are attacking a niche market that desperately needs the spotlight. I found myself awash in great titles that I hadn’t previously gotten a chance to see because the nature of independent films often means they aren’t coming to a theater near me. This is an invaluable service for those of us who can’t fly out to every festival in the world and don’t have the luxury of having smaller distribution come to our town.