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Starz is a premium online video service that’s home to a wealth of movies and TV shows. The service can be purchased as a standalone video streaming provider and has its own apps for multiple devices as well as web players. However, part of the appeal of Starz is that it’s available through the service’s own platforms and as an add-on via third-party providers like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
Starz Service In A Nutshell
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How We Evaluated Starz
Starz streaming service is one of a handful of video platforms available as a standalone service or as an add-on. For example, it can be purchased through various video streaming platforms as well as many cable and TV providers. Alternatively, users can access it via an app on mobile devices, Roku products, and Smart TVs.
For the purpose of this review, we compared the standalone Starz service to other video streaming platforms that offer it as an add-on purchase. We evaluated the available options based on price, number of channels, and amount of content.
Starz vs. Other Video Streaming Services
Starz Key Considerations
Loaded with blockbusters
Starz’s major selling point is its rich offering of Hollywood hits. This includes classic Oscar-winning movies like “Apollo 13,” “Back To The Future,” “E.T.,” “Forrest Gump,” “King Kong,” and “Schindler’s List.” And there’s plenty more to enjoy, including “Good Will Hunting,” “Moneyball,” and “The Da Vinci Code.”
The platform has also collated categories that include movies by the world’s best actors and leading directors. The Screen Legends playlist hosts movies from Hollywood’s finest, including Al Pacino’s in “Scarface,” Denzel Washington in “The Bone Collector,” Sylvester Stallone’s sixth rendition of the Rocky series “Rocky Balboa,” and Tom Cruise in “Vanilla Sky.” The Top Directors list includes movies from the likes of Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino Ron Howard, and Spike Lee.
Multiple subscription options
Starz is available to buy directly or as an add-on subscription through streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Users can also purchase the service through many cable or TV providers. Subscribing directly gives users the best of Starz, with access to all 12 live channels. But for the same price of $9 per month, existing Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Hulu subscribers can buy Starz and watch it through their preferred platform.
Direct subscribers to the Starz streaming service benefit from a live schedule that allows them to plan their viewing and track their favorite movies and shows. The content included in the planner is also available on-demand, but the feature may appeal to some users.
High-quality viewing
Starz delivers high-quality videos across its multiple apps and players with HD programming that loads quickly and plays smoothly. Subscribers that sign up to Starz through a third-party streaming or cable service will be reliant on the video quality offered by their provider.
Original content
Access to original content is a key factor when it comes to choosing a video streaming service. And Starz has viewers covered with shows such as “Power,” a series focused on a drug dealer’s attempts to pursue a legitimate line of business. Fans of the program will also enjoy “Power Confidential,” the official aftershow that looks back on the stand-out moments of episodes and offers exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
The Bottom Line
Starz provides a solid video streaming service that’s home to a wide choice of movies and original TV programming. Viewers won’t struggle for choice thanks to the service’s range of Hollywood hits and binge-worthy TV entertainment. It’ll be particularly appealing to existing subscribers of streaming providers who can extend their viewing options by purchasing Starz as an add-on that allows them to watch content through their preferred platform.
About the Authors
Rob Latham is a writer focused on technology, music, entertainment and sports. He is particularly passionate about the role that technology plays in improving peoples’ lives.
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