March 27th is a special day for film fans because that is when the coveted Oscars will be awarded this year. If you can’t or don’t want to see the films in the cinema, you still have good cards, because the US studios are streaming some of the films in Germany almost at the same time.
There are a whole series of top-class highlights, including, for example, a remake of the science fiction saga “Dune” by Canadian director Dennis Villeneuve. “West Side Story” is also celebrating its big cinematic comeback this year on the red carpet in the Dolby Theater at the Oscars 2022.
Also interesting: A big comparison of video streaming services
Dune (Sky)
In the distant future, humans live widely scattered on different planets in the universe. However, power rests only with the few noble houses Atreides, Harkonnen and Corrino. who fight among themselves in an unrelenting struggle for supremacy and influence. A special role is played by the spice “Spice”, which allows people an unimaginable expansion of their mental abilities. In Germany, Dune is already available as part of the Sky Cinema package.
West Side Story (Disney+)
Steven Spielberg remade Leonard Bernstein’s well-known 1961 musical for the big screen. The love story of Maria and Tony is told in the midst of a war between rival youth gangs. Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler, among others, slipped into the lead roles. The modern story in the style of Romeo and Juliet was produced by the Disney subsidiary 20th Century Studios and is therefore also available in this country in the stream at Disney + at no extra charge.
Don’t look up (Netflix)
Two astronomers warn humanity in the media of a comet hurtling towards Earth. But the world has other things on its mind and is just wondering who cares. This is arguably the perfect plot for a catastrophe satire penned by Adam McKay and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep. The quite amusing strip is also available for viewers in Germany without additional payment on Netflix.
The Power of the Dog (Netflix)
Benedict Cumberbatch is currently one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. Among other things, he shines as the Marvel superhero “Doctor Strange”. For Netflix, however, the Brit is slipping into a completely new role with the psychological western drama “The Power of the Dog”, which may be unusual even for him. This strip, which has high hopes for a coveted Oscar, is also a Netflix production. Accordingly, it is available to subscribers from the streaming market leader from Los Gatos.
Nightmare Alley (Disney+)
Another highlight at this year’s Oscars comes with “Nightmare Alley” by star director Guillermo del Toro. Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) joins a freak show circus in the 1940s in the neo noir thriller. The film is characterized above all by interpersonal power struggles; other roles include Toni Collette as the clairvoyant Zeena and Cate Blanchett as the psychiatrist Dr. Lilith Knight. Rooney Mara (Fake) is also part of the top-class ensemble. In the US, the film can be streamed from WarnerMedia subsidiary HBO Max, but this service is not yet available in Germany. However, due to a joint deal between WarnerMedia and Disney, the film will also be released by the Disney subsidiary Hulu in the USA and probably also by Disney+ in March.
Licorice Pizza (Possibly Amazon Prime Video)
Bradley Cooper should be particularly happy this year, because with “Licorice Pizza” fans can see the popular US actor in another film that made it to the Oscar nomination. Paul Anderson’s coming of age comedy-drama tells the story of a youth in Hollywood in the 1970s. Again, this is about a love story between aspiring actor Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) and Alana Kaine (Alana Haim). The film is expected to be released on Blu-Ray in March, and a release on iTunes is also considered likely. However, since the film will be released by MGM Studios and this is currently in the process of being sold to Amazon, it cannot be ruled out that the film will soon also be shown on Prime Video.
CODA (Apple TV+)
The drama “CODA” has already won numerous awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including the Grand Jury Prize, as well as the director and ensemble prize. It tells of the difficult balancing act of the talented singer Ruby, who, as the only hearing member, has to help her deaf family while at the same time pursuing her big dream of becoming a singer. This creates numerous conflicts and challenges. The already award-winning film is available for streaming on Apple TV+.
King Richard (-)
Many fans will remember Will Smith primarily for his series role as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In the drama “King Richard” he once again shows his versatility and plays the role of Richard Williams, who coaches his daughters Venus and Serena to the top of the world tennis sport. Theatrical release in the USA was on November 19 last year with the simultaneous release on HBO Max. In Germany, the film is expected to hit the screens on February 24. Before the Oscars, however, you will probably not be able to see “King Richard” in the stream.
Belfast (iTunes)
Director Kenneth Branagh’s family drama Belfast has received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. It follows the life of nine-year-old Buddy and his family in working-class Belfast in the 1960s. While Buddy’s father has to commute to work in England every day, his mother takes care of the upbringing of both sons. The film is currently available on iTunes for around $20.
Drive my car (-)
In the Japanese drama film “Drive my Car”, actor and theater director Yusuke Kafuku tries to get over the death of his wife. Five years after the stroke of fate, he received an offer from Hiroshima. A relationship develops between him and his reserved chauffeur Misaki, in which both face their past. A concrete release date in streaming has not yet been set. However, if the film is successful at the Oscars, a very timely release on streaming services in Europe can also be expected.