When Warner Bros Discovery’s Max launches into the busy Australian streaming market later this month, consumers will be offered pricing plans ranging from $7.99 a month.
The streamer was pulled from catalogs on HBO, Warner Bros., DC Universe, Harry Potter, Discovery and the Manga Network today to further review its content slate. New content appears on the service weekly, directly from the US, with windows accelerated from Warner Bros. Films theatrical release.
Leaving Foxtel’s Binge at Max is the current season of HBO original series such as The Last of Us, Euphoria, House of Dragon, White Lotus (the final episode of season 3 airs on Max), and just like the biggest originals like that… Peacemaker, The Pitt. In the upcoming series, welcome to the Knights of the Seven Kingdom, it’s Delhi and Duster.
True Detective, Game of Thrones, and Succession will live on the platform, as well as Friends, Big Bang Theory, Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, Rick and Morty, The Sopranos and Gilmore Girls.
From a film perspective, Max promotes a catalogue that includes Barbie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Wonka, Trap and Twister, along with a full collection of Harry Potter, Dune, The Lord of the Rings and the DC Universe. The TCM hub also hosts classics such as Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, and Rebels.
“The width of Max and depth of premium entertainment are unparalleled, making Australians the first time they can enjoy this world-class content in one place,” said Michael Brooks, General Manager of Warner Bros Discovery.
There are three price tiers: advertising, standard and premium, with both monthly and annual options. There will be referral offers for customers who subscribe to the first month after launch.
ADS Plan Basics:
The release price will be available at $7.99 a month for the first 12 months and $79.99 for the first year. The regular price after the promotion will be $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. Users can stream content simultaneously on two devices. Content is now available in full HD resolution.
Standard Plan:
The release price will be available at $11.99 a month for the first 12 months and $119.99 for the first year. The regular price after the promotion will be $15.99 per month or $159.99 per year. Users can stream content simultaneously on two devices. Content is now available in full HD resolution. This plan will allow up to 30 downloads of available content to be viewed offline.
Premium Plan:
The release price will be available at $17.99 per month for the first 12 months and $179.99 for the first year. The regular price after the promotion will be $21.99 per month or $219.99 per year. We provide the best consumer experience. Users can stream content simultaneously on up to four devices. Dolby Atmos Sound (available) with Full HD or 4K resolution. This plan will allow up to 100 downloads of available content to be viewed offline. (Restrictions apply.)
Max’s launch into the local market follows months of uncertainty regarding the future of local content regulations on streaming platforms. The federal government has repeatedly committed to implementing an SVOD service mandate to create Australian content by July 1st last year (in fact, Minister of Arts Tony Burke said it would not start in one day at the 2023 SPA Awards and received a standing ovation from the producer’s room), but the NO model has come true. There was no official explanation for concern that regulations would break free trade agreements between Australia and the US, but it appears to have proven a government stumbling block.
