We’re sure you’ve heard the news: Disney+ Hotstar is finally coming to Malaysia after what seems like eons. This has been the talk of the (entertainment) town over the last few days, and we’re here to jump on the bandwagon and weigh in. In this article, we’ll give you a brief rundown of what to expect from Disney+ Hotstar, and then break down 5 other movie streaming platforms as well, in case you want to reassess your priorities. Maybe you want to add Disney+ Hotstar to your subscription list; maybe you can only allow yourself one subscription. The choice will hopefully be easier to make after this article!
Disney+ Hotstar
Disney+ Hotstar is a collaboration between Disney and Star India’s existing Hotstar streaming service. Besides India itself, Disney+ Hotstar is available in Indonesia, and will be available for streaming in Malaysia on 1 June 2021. It offers both local and international movies and shows, and will be available across several viewing platforms from mobile to smart TVs. Here’s some easy information to digest:
- Price for direct subscribers: RM54.90 for 3 months (i.e. RM18.30 per month)
- Price for existing Astro Movies Pack customers: An additional RM5 per month
- Devices: Both iOS and Android, compatible smart TVs; also available to watch via the website
- Viewing concurrency: 2
- Commercials: Commercial-free
- Content from: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic etc. (in total more than 800 films and 18,000 episodes)
- Content examples: Frozen II, Mulan, Aladdin, Avengers, Hamilton, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
- Local content: J2: J Retribusi, Ejen Ali, KL Special Force, Zombitopia
- Also available: Chinese, Hindi and Tamil titles
And that’s… actually the gist of it. Your favourite Disney, Pixar, Marvel movies and series, with a healthy dose of local and other Asian content thrown in. What say you? Now, we move on to the rest of the streaming platforms, which we won’t go into with great detail, but just a rundown on the pricing.
Netflix
Probably the most popular streaming platform anywhere, Netflix boasts a wide range of shows, movies and documentaries with flexible plans. Their “Coming Soon” feature is a hit as it allows users to preview shows and watch trailers, and they come up with Netflix Originals as well, which either means they commissioned and produced the show, or has exclusive international streaming rights to the show. Here’s their current pricing plan, where each plan provides different features and perks:
- Mobile: RM17
- Basic: RM35
- Standard: RM45
- Premium: RM55
If you happen to be here a little ways down the road from the date of publication, you can always click here to view the latest pricing plan!
iflix
iflix is Southeast Asia’s leading entertainment service, offering users unlimited access to thousands of TV shows and movies, including local favourites, iflix Originals, short-form iflix Snacks and more. Focusing on the Asian scene, there are plenty of local shows, as well as K-dramas, C-dramas and Anime. Plans include:
- iflix FREE: Completely free, but with pre-roll and mid-roll ads; no account or subscription required
- iflix VIP: Approximately USD2 per month (according to website FAQ); account required (Certain sources state RM10 per month, though the price can only be ascertained with an account, which we do not have)
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a similar platform to Netflix, offering a range of movies and shows you probably are unable to find on Netflix as their content diverges. Amazon Prime Video has more titles under its belt, while Netflix takes the lead for original programming. That said, both streaming services have won awards for their original shows and movies. Options include:
- With an Amazon Prime membership: Free, though you can buy/rent certain movies or shows not included in the free library (Prime membership is USD12.99)
- Without an Amazon Prime membership: USD5.99 per month
HBO Go
As its name suggests, HBO Go provides a range of HBO content, including current and past series, films, specials, and sporting events. Users can watch through either the HBO website, apps on mobile devices, or any other device that is compatible. A quick look at the website reveals shows like Game of Thrones, Gotham, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League are available to stream. Options include:
- Link your HBO Go subscription from Astro
- Subscribe directly through iTunes or Google Play Store: RM34.90 per month
Apple TV+
Yes, the same Apple behind the MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads. Apple has their own video streaming service as well, featuring Apple’s original movies and shows. There are new Apple Originals every month, and you can share Apple TV+ with your family (up to five family members). You can watch via Apple TV, all Apple devices, selected smart TVs, or watch online via its website. Plans include:
- Buy an Apple device: Free for a year
- Monthly subscription: RM19.90 per month
- Apple One: Included; Apple One subscriptions bundle Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud together as a package, and you can click here to view Apple One plans
- With the Apple Music Student Plan: Free
Whew! That’s it for today on streaming platforms, so which will you choose? Will you be cancelling one for another, or subscribe to several at once? What do you think of Disney+ Hotstar, and will you subscribe to it? Of course, even for streaming platforms currently unavailable in Malaysia, you can also use a VPN to get around it. Check out what one of our writers had to say about streaming using VPN here!
