Netflix Summer Treats

We always love getting new treats in the post from Netflix as part of the Streamteam gang.

 

 

And over the summer the surprise packages were so welcome by my little kiddoes.

 

 

The launch of Beat Bugs, a new family animated series about insects who like to spontaneously burst into Beatles songs, had us all in fine voice.

 

 

We didn't quite manage to film ourselves singing 'All you need is love' as Neflix suggested, but the kids did spend hours playing with the microphone, mouth organ and tambourine. Mostly, they've been fighting over the microphone in the car to sing tunes as we travel the length and breadth of Ireland.

 

And they've also been enjoying the introduction to all the classic Beatles tracks via this clever little animation, and me too! 



The other cool package we received in the post from Netflix was a beach towel and some funky beach goodies, such as a sunshade, a portable charger, a water bottle and some sun cream. The idea behind this bag of tricks is to give parents some peace and quiet on a family trip, by pulling out the tablet and firing up Netflix.

But I have a confession to make: I haven't actually used this goodie bag yet. Because once our family is out of the house and on the beach, or wherever, we tend to be pretty active. We're either swimming in the sea, or kicking a football, doing cartwheels, playing hide and seek, or simply just running around like lunatics.

The only time the tablets tend to come out are when the kids need some downtime indoors - or after a meal eating out when we need to buy some extra time to finish our dinners and have a drink.

But thanks all the same Netflix, I'm sure it will all come in handy soon.

Lastly, our latest favourite series on Netflix at the moment, for grown-ups, is Stranger Things. It starts off weird, but grows on you quickly until you're addicted to the creepiness and want to be transported back to the 1980s where kids roamed free all night long chasing monsters and their parents never seemed to notice!

 

**************

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team**

Post a Comment

Netflix Streamteam: Voltron

It’s always nice to receive packages in the post, so a big package from Netflix always gets the kids excited.

Especially when the parcel arrives just before the school holidays and contains a load of cool stuff such as a basketball, wrists bands, and waterbottle.

Netflix has been releasing some fantastic retro animated options recently and now, in partnership with Dreamworks, they’ve reworked 1980’s Voltron: Legendary Defender for a new generation of Voltron viewers.

So before we had even watched the programme my kids were going to their school sports day with Voltron wrist bands and a Voltron cool new bag.

Now they’ve watched it, they’re smitten. Voltron: Defender of the Universe is an American animated television series that features a team of astronauts that pilot a giant Super Robot known as “Voltron”. 

 

 

**************

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team**

Post a Comment

Binge-watching TV is the new norm

New research from Netflix shows that their members around the world are making their own rules when it comes to watching TV. 

Instead of watching just one episode per week as traditional TV would have us do, Netflix members are binge-watching their way through an entire series in less than a week. 

Netflix analysed global viewing of more than 100 TV series across more than 190 countries and found members watch around 2 hours a day when focused on finishing a series. These are called the Devourers, who on average members complete in 4 days, watching 2 hours, 30 minutes per day. 

The Savourers watch 1 hour, 45 minutes per day, on average completing in 6 days. 

Ten years ago, the only way we could binge-watch TV was when we got our hands on a box-set and set aside time to watch episodes back to back. I remember doing this with Buffy the Vampire Slayer over many lost weekends, in the dark in a basement flat in London, imagining I was as tough as the foxy slayer taking on a murky underbelly of society. 

But now, thanks to countless streaming services that use the internet on any device, binge watching is the new norm.

Netflix’s Binge Scale shows that members blow through Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black and The Walking Dead; and are captivated by House of Cards, Narcos, Bloodline and Mad Men.

Classic elements of horror and thrillers push series like The Walking Dead, American Horror Story and The Fall towards the devour end of the scale. Likewise, easy-watchable comedies like Orange is the New Black, Nurse Jackie and Grace and Frankie, also push the buttons for ‘just one more.’

My own favourite Binge-watch TV is House of Cards, Better Call Saul and Grey’s Anatomy (sadly not available on the UK/Ireland version of Netflix). What programmes can't you get enough of? 

**************

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team**

Post a Comment

Netflix: What we've been watching

We've really been making the most of our Netflix subscription recently and watching a lot of their movies.

Perhaps it's because it's meant to be Spring and we're supposed to be outdoors playing, but sadly the weather has conspired against us and we've been mostly forced to stay indoors and try to find things to cheer us up instead.

For the kids, they discovered that Frozen is now streaming on Netflix UK & Ireland so our house is humming to the tune of the old favourite power ballads of Frozen again - until they all get fed up of it again (the novelty wore off quite quickly for me).

I must admit I'm a big fan of Brave - another animated tale about Medieval Scotland when men were Trojans and bears roamed around castles - and the kids seem to like it too.

 

 
I love sitting down to a family movie with all 3 of my kids, but these days it's hard to find a movie that they'll all sit down and watch without complaining or getting up halfway through to do something else. Hotel Transylvania ticked that box recently, and we all found something in the movie to laugh at and enjoy.  

I took the kids to the cinema to see Madagascar 3 when it came out, so I'm looking forward now to sitting down with them again and watching it as the Madagascar movies are so funny.

 

 

 

 

 

We've never seen Shark Tale, but I've heard great things about it, so that's another one for the 'to watch' list.

My youngest, the 4 year old, is still obsessed with Paw Patrol, Ninjago and Power Rangers, much to the annoyance of the eldest two kids who moved on from those years ago.

My 6 year old daughter will watch anything that has lots of pinky girlie things in, so her current favourite seems to be My Little Pony but she also loves the Barbie series, which drives me crazy.

My 8 year old is only interested in footie (soccer) movies. His current favourite is The Unbeatables, an animated movie about football, love and triumph over evil. But he's also a fan of Kicking and Screaming and The Big Green (non-animated footie movies).

For the grown-ups, after finishing the fabulous House of Cards, we've been discovering Hinterland, a gripping detective series set in beautiful Wales. And we've been enjoying some comedy movies including What We Did on our Holiday and Absolutely Anything. Go on, give them a go, they have some hilarious bonkers situations that will make you laugh your socks off.

And that's about it.

I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the happy-go-lucky Kimmy Schmidt next week, and introducing the kids to a modern-day animation of a giant ape I grew rather fond of as a child: Kong, King of the Apes (out on April 15). Could there be the same beating of the chest and roaring like a giant ape? I hope so....
 

 

**************

 

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team and I’m enjoying it immensely**

Post a Comment

Netflix for Dating

I was amused to read some illuminating new research showing the correlation between relationships and Netflix viewing habits.

 

The study coined a few new courting terms:
        

• Showgoggles: A quarter of survey respondents find someone more attractive based on the shows they watch.        

• A Modern Showmance.  Over a quarter (27%) think show-compatibility is an important factor when dating.  In fact, 13% would ask someone out based solely on show-compatibility, with men (34%) significantly more likely than women (19%) to get smitten based on similar tastes in shows and movies. 
• Staying in is the New Date Night. 72% who are married or in a relationship say staying in and watching Netflix together is one of their favourite ways to spend a date night.

When you have kids, "date night" kind of goes out of the window, but I can honestly say Netflix has been great for getting us back together on the sofa and finding some common ground again with a gripping show. At the moment, we're obsessed with Better Call Saul and House of Cards.  

Apparently we're not alone, 58% bond with their other half over Netflix.

But most tellingly of all, over half of respondents (51%) said they waited until they were dating exclusively to share their Netflix accounts, while 17% wait to be engaged or officially married before becoming “Netflix Official”.

 
Happy Valentines Day!

************************

 

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team and I’m enjoying it immensely**

Post a Comment

What Christmas movies are on Netflix UK?

The weather is wet and windy, the days are short and dark, so what else is there to do other than slow down and watch Christmas movies during the Christmas holiday?

Here’s a list of the Christmas movies we'll be watching this Christmas on Netflix:
 

Arthur Christmas

We love Aardman animations in our family and now the seasonal animation of Arthur struggling to save Christmas with a range of high-tech gadgets has arrived.
 

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure

Santa’s presents have been stolen, so the big Saint Bernard dog saves the day.


DreamWorks Holiday Classics

Featuring Shrek and Donkey, Hiccup and Toothless, and the animals from Madagascar, doing DreamWorks Christmas stories.

The Muppet’s Christmas Carol

The return of Kermit and his fuzzy friends in a fun adaptation of the classic Christmas story. Arriving 25th December.

The Santa Clause

When a man inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas Eve, Tim Allen finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

Something for mum and dad: Wonderful Life.

And my 4 year old: he’s currently making his way through 3 Power Rangers Christmas specials.


For those savvy enough to set up a US DNS, you can enjoy the delights of Get Santa and Saving Santa, both great family movies with a few laughs thrown in for good measure.

* * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * *  * * * *  

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team and I’m enjoying it immensely**

Post a Comment

Something for all the family on Netflix

Here are some things we’ve been watching on Netflix recently:

My youngest 2 kids have been loving the antics of Spongebob Squarepants – although my four year old is convinced he’s actually called Sparepants (always handy to have a spare pair of pants!).

The same small boy is currently obsessed with Paw Patrol, an animated show about a high-tech boy and his clever dogs who rescue people from tricky situations. He must have watched every one of the 26 episodes 3 times at least.

The youngest two will happily sit for ages watching any of the Lego Friends and Barbie shows on Netflix, even if they are a bit inane and the characters are all air-heads. I suppose at least it’s age-appropriate, unlike some of the Minecraft videos they all always want to watch on YouTube.

My eldest is still a fan of Lego Chima and Lego Ninjago – having also watched them many times, but a new release of Batman Be-Leaguered and Lego City has given him something new to watch. The lego movies and shows are great action adventures and can be really funny at times.

 

And the hubby, well he’s just watched the whole series of Narcos, which he said reminded him of Breaking Bad, and he likes Prison Break too.

The whole 24 series past me by whenever it was made, but I can now watch it back-to-back and binge-watch until I drift asleep. I can see where so many TV shows since then got their ideas from, in terms of split screens, and real-time pacing of action, especially shows about government agencies such as Homeland.

I also really enjoyed the newish movie About Time. From the Richard Curtis stable of emotional yet feel-good movies, this one is sweet and heart-warming with a few tears at the end. Perfect for Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, it’s time to start finding movies for the kids to watch to feed their Christmas frenzied excitement, so I’ve lined up Christmas Angel and Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure for the kick off, and I'm sure we'll find loads more recommendations once we get going.

Personally, I can’t wait until I have some time off work and I’m less busy, so I can stoke up the fire and finally get to spend a few days chillaxing in front of the TV. Not much longer now…

* * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * *  * * * *  

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team and I’m enjoying it immensely**

Post a Comment

Swashbuckling and Cantering into Spring

There’s a new hero in our house and his name is Puss in Boots.

The kids are obsessed with him and the great thing is that he appeals to all of them, from age 3 to 5 and right through to 7. I've also been known to sit through an episode myself with them - and enjoy it too.

He’s cool, he’s fast, he’s strong and he’s a better swordsman than Zorro. On top of that, he’s funny and cute – well he is a cat after all – and he wears cool little boots and a rather fetching hat. What’s not to like?!

We heart him.

So we were delighted when Netflix released the first five episodes of the new series of The Adventures of Puss in Boots last month, which the kids have watched ad nauseum ever since.

But Netflix is teasing us a little...

Apparently there are 26 episodes in the first season, each 22-minutes long, but we don't know when the next batch of 5 will be released. Whatever happened to the much-loved Netflix strategy of bulk release every episode all at once for binge-TV obsessive fun?

For us grown-ups, February is a huge month on Netflix, with two big TV hitters: Better Call Saul and House of Cards: Season 3. We can’t wait until the dastardly exploits of Francis and Claire Underwood come back onto our TV later this month. What else could they possibly do to shock us?

Along with the Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul, it’s going to make the cold, dark nights far more enjoyable until we hit summer.

In the meantime, Spring (yes February is classed as spring in Ireland!) is seeing us all going a bit swashbuckling in our house. And our youngest doesn't walk anywhere anymore, he canters around like a cute baby horse. I've started copying him as it's so much more fun than walking. Cantering is the new cool!

And Puss in Boots too, of course.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

** I am part of Netflix’s Stream Team **

Post a Comment

Breaking the bad habit of Breaking Bad

It was a terrible addition. 
 

I had no social life for an eternity.

I never wanted to go out. I had to get my fix every evening. Not just one episode, it had to be two, sometimes three, once four!

Binge TV at its finest. It wouldn’t be so bad if I had loads of time on my hands and I could lie-in every morning, but I can’t, I have small kids, and a job and a life (or so I thought I had until I started watching Breaking Bad).

Five whole series to get through! With anything up to 16 episodes per series. 

That’s a whole of telly to feed an addiction. 

The main characters are normal people who end up cooking crystal meth to survive. They end up turning into killers and bad people, but you can’t help still liking them, can’t help hoping that they live to change their ways. 

The brilliant Breaking Bad grips a hold of you like the addictions that are being fed by the meth in the series. Watching it every night means that you start channelling some of the characters behaviour and expressions. Check out Glennon Melton’s hilarious new blog post about accidentally channelling Jesse to her kids.

It took 6 months before we finally cured our addiction (my hubby and I, who was my partner in crime/watching) – by getting to the end and breathing a sigh of relief. Finished, finally! The final episode finished and we entered cold turkey - it was the only way out for me and Walt (he's the main character if you've never seen it).

And now I’m free… but only free as far as finding another series to binge watch. 

After the heavy shock horror stuff of Breaking Bad, I'm currently enjoying the fun light-hearted humour of Modern Family. Need to get a few laughs in there somewhere...

What do you binge watch on Netflix?

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> >>

Disclaimer: I am of the Netflix Stream Team so I'm trying trying to bring you news and updates every now and again, and sharing bits and pieces with you that I find of interest.

Post a Comment

Netflix Stream Team

I am delighted to be a part of the official Netflix Stream Team bloggers group in Ireland.

Our family got up and running with our new Apple TV box and Netflix subscription last week, and I can honestly say we’re very impressed.

It’s made our TV an internet TV that can stream movies and programmes on demand.

It’s enabled my iPhone (via a downloaded Airplay app) to talk to my telly so I can stream video, photos and music from my phone straight onto the TV. "Look kids, watch the video I just took of you on the big screen".

It’s opened up a whole new world of decent TV programmes like House of Cards and Breaking Bad. Who knew Netflix made such good original content? I’m three episodes in to House of Cards (a bit like a theatrical West Wing with Kevin Spacey) and I’m so excited to hear that the second series is about to be released exclusively to Netflix this Friday. That’s about 20 episodes of thrilling content to watch on these stormy winter nights. It’s like the old days of boxsets when I wanted to stay in all weekend and watch all the episodes back to back. Apart from now I have kids to look after, so sadly that's not a runner any more.

A big plus point is there’s tons of kids stuff on Netflix – the kids will never complain of being bored again when it’s lashing rain and they can’t play outside. There’s loads of Lego movies for my eldest, a Mermaid show for my little girl and Thomas the Tank engine movies for my 2 year old. Sorted!

I can even stream catch-up-TV such as RTE Player through my iPhone – and watch YouTube clips through the Apple TV.

Naively, I expected a slow connection – and the spinning wheel of buffering death to appear quite often and impinge on my viewing – but guess what, once the programme has loaded (after only a few seconds of the spinning wheel), it’s high-definition free-flowing content. Not even a pixilated pause every now and again. You would never know it's streaming. It's amazing quality.

My most favourite thing at the moment is the individual profiles I’ve set up for everyone in the house, so we can save all of our favourites and build up our own preferences. This was Netflix comes back to us with more recommendations for each of us, based on what we've already watched, and I can ensure that the kids only see content aimed at under 12s. I can update these settings and preferences via the iPhone Netflix app or via the Netflix website on my laptop. It’s all so seemless and integrated.

I feel like I’m living in the house of the future that they predicted on Tomorrow’s World when I was a kid.

All I need now is: remote control curtains, a self-cleaning hoover and a front door that unlocks when I press a button....

Not far off living the dream...

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> >>

As part of the fun Stream Team campaign I will be bringing you news and updates every now and again, and sharing bits and pieces with you that I find of interest. Watch this space.

 

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> >>

What do you watch on Netflix? Any recommendations>>?

 

Post a Comment