Netflix vs Hulu vs Amazon Prime
When it comes to streaming services, there are three major players in the market: Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Each of these services has its pros and cons, but one area that is often overlooked in the comparisons is the lighting technology used in the production of the content. In this post, we will take a deep dive into the lighting used in films and TV shows on each of these services.
Netflix
Netflix has been leading the streaming industry for years, producing tons of content that millions of people around the world love. When it comes to lighting technology, Netflix has spared no expense in ensuring that their content looks stunning.
According to The Verge, some of Netflix’s original productions such as “Our Planet” are shot in HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Vision. HDR allows for a higher contrast ratio and brighter highlights, making colors look richer and more vibrant. Dolby Vision, on the other hand, is a more advanced HDR format which enhances the dynamic range and color depth even further.
Despite using top-of-the-line lighting technology, Netflix has standardized the color grading of their original content to ensure consistent quality across all devices. This means that whether you’re watching on a smartphone or a home theater, you’ll get a consistent viewing experience with colors that are true to the director’s intent.
Hulu
Hulu may not have the sheer volume of original content that Netflix has, but the platform boasts some popular shows such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Castle Rock”. When it comes to lighting technology, Hulu has also stepped up their game in recent years.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the team behind “The Handmaid’s Tale” employed a careful lighting strategy to create a specific aesthetic for the show. The series uses a lot of natural light to create a sense of realism and intimacy, with darker tones for scenes set inside the dystopian world. The show’s color palette is muted and subdued, with a lot of blues, greys and greens.
Overall, Hulu’s approach to lighting is more understated compared to Netflix's. The platform does not require the latest HDR or Dolby Vision technology, but focuses on creating a specific mood that is consistent with the tone of the show.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime may have entered the streaming game later than Netflix and Hulu, but the platform has quickly caught up with both in terms of the quality of their original content. Some of their popular shows include the award-winning “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys”.
According to Amazon Studios, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” was shot using a combination of practical lighting and artificial light sources. The show’s cinematographer used colored gels on the lights to create a specific mood for each scene. The team also used a lot of natural light for outdoor and daytime scenes to create a sense of authenticity in the show's period setting.
Like Hulu, Amazon Prime does not require the latest HDR technology or color grading processes to produce high-quality content. The platform focuses on creating a specific aesthetic for each show, which is achieved through carefully-crafted lighting setups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all three streaming platforms have their unique take on lighting technology. Netflix sets the bar high, using the latest HDR and Dolby Vision technology to create stunning visuals. Hulu takes a more understated approach, focusing on creating a specific mood for each show using natural and artificial lighting. Amazon Prime also focuses on lighting setups to create a specific aesthetic for each show.
Overall, each of these services has something different to offer when it comes to lighting technology, and the best choice depends on personal preference.
References
- "Netflix's Our Planet won't save the world - but it definitely tries". The Verge. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- "Making of 'The Handmaid's Tale': Behind the Scenes of Season 2's Most Brutal Episode". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- "Amazon Studios - Awards". Retrieved September 15, 2021.