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Netflix stream-quality controversy: Difference between revisions

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m Clarification that the statement here don't lean on the wikipedia pages in my pictures per sé, but on their sources (and other), but included the wikipedia pages for full transparancy anyway.
m Reworded the paragraph describing the flow chart, and minor grammar fixes.
 
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The existence of these limitations is only disclosed in small font at the bottom of the page where users select a plan. The 4K HDR option, which is set as the default, features an eye-catching icon with vibrant colors designed to draw attention to this more expensive choice. Meanwhile, users must scroll to the bottom of the page to find a link to a document explaining the limitations.<ref name=":3" />
The existence of these limitations is only disclosed in small font at the bottom of the page where users select a plan. The 4K HDR option, which is set as the default, features an eye-catching icon with vibrant colors designed to draw attention to this more expensive choice. Meanwhile, users must scroll to the bottom of the page to find a link to a document explaining the limitations.<ref name=":3" />
==4K content isn't available on the platform even when it exists==
Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available, including for blockbuster movies{{Citation needed}}<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18k554z/how_much_licensed_content_does_netflix_display_in/</ref>. This isn't advertised anywhere{{Citation needed}}.
For example: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is HD only on Netflix,<ref>[https://www.netflix.com/title/81602889 "Netflix - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"] - netflix.com</ref> whereas it’s clearly available in UHD on other platforms,<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-Anthony-Ramos/dp/B0BX1MWKHY "Amazon Prime - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"] - amazon.com</ref> or Blu-ray.<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-4K-UHD/dp/B0C5P5K55N <nowiki>"Amazon - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts [4K UHD]"</nowiki>] - amazon.com</ref>
[[File:Netflix not providing 4k even if it exist2.png|thumb]]
Another movie is Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. A somewhat scribbled flowchart i made exists here on the page where i show i have Netflix 4K premium and can't get even 720p despite having a very good PC and internet connection, and that i know that the movie exists in higher resolution.
Source linking from different statements from my picture, and links from within the wikipedia pages (and more):
Links to the wikipedia pages shown in my picture (the claims here are not leaning on the wikipedia pages per sé, but on some of the sources on the wikipedia page, which is also included below, but i include these nonetheless for full transparancy):[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_World:_Fallen_Kingdom][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arri_Alexa#Alexa_65]
====Camera used in Jurassic world: Fallen Kingdom and final mastering resolution used in professional production in 2017====
The movie was shot with Arri Alexa 65, capable of a maximum recording resolution of 6560 x 3100, with these sensor crop modes:
1.78 Crop Mode: 5120 x 2880
1.50 Crop Mode: 4320 x 2880
LF Open Gate: 4448 x 3096
4K UHD: 3840 x 2160
[https://www.slashfilm.com/557725/j-a-bayona-interview/][https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4881806/technical/][https://www.arrirental.com/en/cameras/digital-65-mm-cameras/alexa-65]
That they would shoot a movie in UHD resolution with a camera worth 150-200k USD and downsize it to 960x540 (similar to some DVD format and even VHS we had back in the 2000's) during post processing in 2018 is extremely unlikely and unlogical.
Here is an interview with a professional in 2017 (not working on Jurassic world: Fallen Kingdom) talking about why it is common to film in ultra high resolution and downscale. Note that he never mentioned any lower resolution than 1080p:
"From a technical side, sure, we can "future proof" the quality by mastering in 4K UHD and releasing in 1080p today only to re-release our films in 4K UHD years later without having to scale the resolution where we lose quality over the image." [https://www.redsharknews.com/production/item/3626-working-with-resolutions-above-4k-we-interview-renowned-cinematographer-shane-hurlbut]
An additional take from the same interview which is a bit relevant because Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom uses alot of VFX:
"In some projects, we're starting to bring in a lot more VFX, so having the added resolution makes a big difference with our VFX team, giving them a larger canvas to work with."
An entertainment journalism website announcing the different home release versions of the movie back in 2018:
''"Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom'' arrives on Digital and via the digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE on September 4, 2018, as well as on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM, DVD and On Demand on September 18, 2018, Additionally, Universal is dropping a ''Jurassic'' five-film collection on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-rayTM and DVD on September 18, 2018"[https://collider.com/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-blu-ray-release-date-features/]
====Additional proof that there exist high-resolution versions of the movie====
Forbes review: "Fallen Kingdom is a gorgeous, mostly enjoyable blockbuster that looked great in IMAX."[https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2018/06/06/review-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-finally-escapes-the-island/]
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 4K review [https://www.avforums.com/reviews/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-4k-blu-ray-review.15524/]
Another Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 4K review:[https://www.highdefwatch.com/post/4k-delivers-great-picture-and-sound-in-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom]
More sources that show/sell high resolution versions of the movie [https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Jurassic-World-Fallen-Kingdom-4K-Blu-ray/206399/][https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/60793/jurassicworldfallenkingdom4kultrahdbluray.html]
A "making of the film" video on youtube, on a channel owned by Universal Pictures themselves, and they state in the description of the video "Own it on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Now"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4zXawfBi1o&ab_channel=UniversalPicturesAll-Access]
You can rent the video on youtube in 1080p.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ETePG9F6Zk&ab_channel=YouTubeMovies]
[[File:Jurassic world Fallen Kingdom High-res preview at youtube.png|thumb]]
(I added another picture where i show that the feed on youtube IS in fact 1080p, and it also shows that my connection speed is 55004 Kbps or around 55 Mbps, buffring the video to 37.81s took a handful of seconds, more proof to show that my connection speed is not part of the issue.)<!-- We should really find a source which makes this claim, or some way to 'permenantly' make this point. given how frequently streaming licenses are chopped and changed, the example listed here could be outdated within a week.
I made an effort to show proof, i tried to be as objective as possible and come with proof from alot of different sources, as well as my own.
Feel free to add more sources of the movie after "More sources that show/sell high resolution versions of the movie" -->


==Terms of Service analysis==
==Terms of Service analysis==
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*'''Firmware updates''': While it suggests keeping devices updated, there is no detail on the necessity for specific firmware versions for 4K, only for Nvidia drivers.
*'''Firmware updates''': While it suggests keeping devices updated, there is no detail on the necessity for specific firmware versions for 4K, only for Nvidia drivers.


==4K content isn't available on the platform even when it exists==
Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available, including for blockbuster movies{{Citation needed}}<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18k554z/how_much_licensed_content_does_netflix_display_in/</ref>. This isn't advertised anywhere{{Citation needed}}.
For example: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is HD only on Netflix,<ref>[https://www.netflix.com/title/81602889 "Netflix - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"] - netflix.com</ref> whereas it’s clearly available in UHD on other platforms,<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-Anthony-Ramos/dp/B0BX1MWKHY "Amazon Prime - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"] - amazon.com</ref> or Blu-ray.<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-4K-UHD/dp/B0C5P5K55N <nowiki>"Amazon - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts [4K UHD]"</nowiki>] - amazon.com</ref>
[[File:Netflix not providing 4k even if it exist2.png|thumb]]
Another movie is [[wikipedia:Jurassic_World:_Fallen_Kingdom|Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom]]. To the right is a somewhat scribbled flowchart I made that visually demonstrates how Netflix doesn't even return 720p through a paid Netflix 4K premium plan. This is on a device with excellent hardware and a fast, stable internet connection, and a movie which certainly exists in a higher resolution.
Source linking from different statements from the picture, and links from within the wikipedia pages (and more).
====Camera used in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and final mastering resolution used in professional production in 2017====
The movie was shot with [[wikipedia:Arri_Alexa#Alexa_65|Arri Alexa]] 65, capable of a maximum recording resolution of 6560 x 3100, with these sensor crop modes:
1.78 Crop Mode: 5120 x 2880
1.50 Crop Mode: 4320 x 2880
LF Open Gate: 4448 x 3096
4K UHD: 3840 x 2160<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sciretta |first=Peter |date=24 Apr 2018 |title='Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' Director J.A. Bayona On Bringing Suspense Back To The Franchise [Set Visit Interview] |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/557725/j-a-bayona-interview/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=SlashFilm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Technical Specifications |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4881806/technical/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=[[IMDb]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexa 65 |url=https://www.arrirental.com/en/cameras/digital-65-mm-cameras/alexa-65 |url-status=live |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=ArriRental}}</ref>
That they would shoot a movie in UHD resolution with a camera worth 150-200k USD and downsize it to 960x540 (similar to some DVD format and even VHS we had back in the 2000's) during post processing in 2018 is extremely unlikely and illogical.
Here is an interview with a professional in 2017 (not working on Jurassic world: Fallen Kingdom) talking about why it is common to film in ultra high resolution and downscale. Note that he never mentioned any lower resolution than 1080p:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shapton |first=David |date=17 Jun 2017 |title=Working with resolutions above 4K: We interview renowned cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC |url=https://www.redsharknews.com/production/item/3626-working-with-resolutions-above-4k-we-interview-renowned-cinematographer-shane-hurlbut |url-status=live |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=RedShark}}</ref><blockquote>From a technical side, sure, we can "future proof" the quality by mastering in 4K UHD and releasing in 1080p today only to re-release our films in 4K UHD years later without having to scale the resolution where we lose quality over the image.</blockquote>An additional take from the same interview which is a bit relevant because Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom uses alot of VFX:<blockquote>In some projects, we're starting to bring in a lot more VFX, so having the added resolution makes a big difference with our VFX team, giving them a larger canvas to work with.</blockquote>
An entertainment journalism website announced the different home release versions of the movie in 2018:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foutch |first=Haleigh |date=24 Jul 2018 |title='Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' Blu-ray Release Date & Features Revealed |url=https://collider.com/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-blu-ray-release-date-features/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Collider}}</ref><blockquote>''Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom'' arrives on Digital and via the digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE on September 4, 2018, as well as on 4K Ultra HD, 3D Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM, DVD and On Demand on September 18, 2018, Additionally, Universal is dropping a ''Jurassic'' five-film collection on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-rayTM and DVD on September 18, 2018</blockquote>
====Additional proof that there exist high-resolution versions of the movie====
Forbes review: "Fallen Kingdom is a gorgeous, mostly enjoyable blockbuster that looked great in IMAX."[https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2018/06/06/review-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-finally-escapes-the-island/]
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 4K review [https://www.avforums.com/reviews/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom-4k-blu-ray-review.15524/]
Another Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 4K review:[https://www.highdefwatch.com/post/4k-delivers-great-picture-and-sound-in-jurassic-world-fallen-kingdom]
More sources that show/sell high resolution versions of the movie [https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Jurassic-World-Fallen-Kingdom-4K-Blu-ray/206399/][https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/60793/jurassicworldfallenkingdom4kultrahdbluray.html]
A "making of the film" video on youtube, on a channel owned by Universal Pictures themselves, and they state in the description of the video "Own it on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Now"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4zXawfBi1o&ab_channel=UniversalPicturesAll-Access]
You can rent the video on youtube in 1080p.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ETePG9F6Zk&ab_channel=YouTubeMovies]
[[File:Jurassic world Fallen Kingdom High-res preview at youtube.png|thumb]]
(I added another picture where I show that the feed on youtube IS in fact 1080p, and it also shows that my connection speed is 55004 Kbps or around 55 Mbps, buffring the video to 37.81s took a handful of seconds. This is more proof to show that my connection speed is not part of the issue.)<!-- Feel free to add more sources of the movie after "More sources that show/sell high resolution versions of the movie" -->
==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />


[[Category:Netflix]]
[[Category:Netflix]]
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