Curzon on Demand: Films and Costumes on the Go | http://clothesonfilm.net

With so many movie streaming options now cropping up, we thought it would be worth drawing your attention to one of the best: Curzon on Demand. Our main reason for the love being that Curzon focus predominately on often neglected art-house cinema, plus their films are available to stream from the moment they are released at the cinema.

The In Cinemas – On Curzon catalogue is pleasingly diverse, particularly from a costume point of view. Incorporating period features such as Wuthering Heights (2011), The Young Victoria (2009) and Peter Greenaway’s classic The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982), to the subtextual delights of We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) and Melancholia (2011). Perhaps most impressive is the inclusion of Finnish dramedy Le Havre (2011), which only began screening theatrically in the UK from 6^th April.

We watched 13 Assassins (2011) through Curzon on Demand and were impressed – it is more than just a home cinema experience; you get the impression Curzon gives a damn about film and that makes a difference. 13 Assassins feels like a Japanese version of pop-culture western Tombstone (1993), and funnily enough is set around the same era, give or take a decade, though obviously in a different country. Kazuhiro Sawataishi’s costume design is honest with an eye on the inherent coolness of a story about 13 similarly attired samurai on a mission to kill a very evil lord.

Of course, watching movies at home is no substitute for the experience of actually going to the flicks, but with Curzon Cinema costing from £3.50 per film (for members), it is certainly far easier on the wallet. Also, depending on the speed of your internet connection, Curzon’s films are streamable in HD, and with no tall, frizzy haired fellow in front blocking your view.

Curzon on Demand is free to sign up for, so definitely worth trying out. Maybe start with 17^th century set The Draughtsman’s Contract and gradually work your way up through costume periods.