I am delving into another streaming service this time it’s HBO Max which is the replacement for HBO GO. The price of HBO Max is currently $14.99/month US. In this review I will discuss what you get with this service, what I think of this service, if the service lives up to the price being charged, and if you should add this service to your streaming habits or not. Let’s face it, $14.99/month is about the cost of a standard Netflix subscription ($15.99/month), so I can understand why people may be hesitant about signing up for yet another expensive streaming service.
So, let me begin by explaining what you get with HBO Max compared to the other streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu and Showtime. HBO Max is owned by Warner Brothers studios, and currently they release their movies on HBO Max the same day the movie is released in theaters. However, these films are only available for 30 days from the date they premiere in theaters. This dual release (streaming and theaters) was obviously designed to encourage people to get an HBO Max subscription. However, it also made lots of sense given the current state of the pandemic and lower than normal theater attendance. Many people prefer to stream their movies at home these days instead of going out to the movies and risk getting COVID, flu or some other communicable disease. HBO Max also provides current and past TV shows that are either airing on HBO or have aired on HBO such as Game of Thrones. Unlike some other streaming services, you can get the shows on HBO Max the day they air on the HBO channel and sometimes even earlier in the day. The other great thing about HBO Max is that if you missed an episode or want to go back and watch a previous episode of Game of Thrones you can do so on HBO Max or the HBO Max website. Recently, Amazon Prime has started offering HBO Max on its own streaming service once again.
But the real question is, does HBO Max live up to everyone’s expectations, and is it worth the price to our readers to subscribe to it? Honestly, I can’t say whether it’s worth the price of $14.99/month. This is mainly because there are so many other options out there right now between Netflix/Amazon Prime video/Hulu/Disney and other streaming services. The price is the one area where I have tried wrapping my head around the cost/benefit. The truth is $14.99/month is high for a streaming service of just TV shows and movies. However, on the flip side, I can also see why charging this price is justified when you factor in the first run movies premiering on HBO Max the same day they premiere in theaters. That is a MAJOR selling point for this service. Having first run movies like Godzilla Vs Kong and Wonder Woman 1984 for 30 days on your service can have a major impact on streaming options. Later in this post I will tell you if I believe that it’s worth adding this to your subscription or not.
What do I think of the HBO Max streaming service? Honestly, I was a little hesitant about signing up until I found out that my Amazon channel recently gave me access to the HBO streaming service. Since I was already an Amazon Prime member and could now stream the movies that I wanted from this subscription and my Amazon channel HBO, it made sense for me to have it. I will admit, I am mainly using this application and website strictly for the first run movies that are still in theaters. For example, I’ve watch Godzilla vs Kong, Wonder Woman 1984 and Mortal Kombat on the app, more than once. I admit, it was nice to be able to watch these films without having to leave my house to see them. The only downside of sitting at home and watching these movies has been that I miss the ability to eat movie theater popcorn, food and drinks while enjoying a good movie in the company of others. Truth is, movie theater popcorn and hanging out with friends is the main reason I even go to the movies. Although I will admit I also go so I can do reviews for my blog. I still like to go see a film on a big theater screen. I do miss that experience, but it makes my job of reviewing things much easier being able to easily re-watch a film at home so I can collect more information about the details later. So yes, I do enjoy having this streaming application available to me, personally.
Now on to the real juicy part of my review, is HBO Max worth the price for my readers? I can honestly say that I enjoy having access to HBO Max in my house for two main reasons. First, with the various viruses going around, it is certainly safer to watch movies at home and far more convenient than going to a theater and seeing a movie based on someone else’s schedule, not mine. Second, home viewership is made even better by the ability to receive first run movies at home, and to be able to re-watch them at my leisure. I can say emphatically, with a resounding yes, that given the current situation having HBO Max is completely worth it for me. That may change if viruses become are less a threat and theaters fill up and have more regular business hours again. But for right now, with theaters having fewer options for when they are open to see movies and fewer people going to see them, I prefer the home movie experience. Yes, those first run movies do cost almost as much as a Netflix subscription, but theater tickets aren’t cheap either, particularly if you take someone with you.
I streamed movies like Mortal Kombat (2021) for a whole month while it was still in theaters on my HBO Max subscription. I realize this in home viewing ability has angered many film makers and A-list actors who have contracts for a percent of the movie gross. I can understand they don’t make as much when I rewatch their movies at home instead of paying extra to rewatch them in the theaters multiple times. However, my decision for you readers who love movies and often rewatch some, this is a great investment of your money. Of course, my view would change should they decide to stop releasing first run movies for 30 days on HBO Max, but for now I love it.
So that there is my review of HBO Max. I have provided you with what you can find on this streaming service and the website for HBO Max. I’ve told you about the price of this service as well as what I thought about it. And lastly, I let you know if I believed believe this was a fair value and if you should spend your money on this streaming service. I hope that you have enjoyed reading this and found my review of HBO Max to be informative.
Thank you for reading.
Jason
