The Media Librarian was demonstrating some streaming video from Films Media Group, as well as from PBS and other sites for members of the Library Committee Monday. Noting that the picture quality wasn't great, she asked faculty in attendance if that was a concern for them in using this delivery system, and pretty unanimously, they said no. They were most interested in accessing short clips for content, and therefore, resolution wasn't a big issue, provided it was viewable. For film study, they conceded, streaming video might not be the best choice.
That doesn't mean that film studies faculty aren't interested in easier access to the moving image, or that they are immune to the lure of video-on-demand. Anyone who loves film has to be happy that viewing options are increasing: from theatre screens to computer monitors to cell phones, there's the opportunity to watch movies all the time!
Still, the Media Librarian crankily wonders if we're not forgetting Marshall McCluhan's aphorism (good thing Tom Cooper is coming back to remind us!)--the medium really does affect the message. Ok, as someone who first viewed Truffaut's Jules and Jim crouching six inches from a 12 inch portable TV, holding the rabbit ears antenna in one hand to get a better image, she knows that a great film can transcend a lousy delivery. But . . . shouldn't educators and students acknowledge the fact that the viewing experience is different if you're watching a movie on your IPod? While your roommate is watching another one on her computer screen?
In other words, is fastest/easiest/newest always the best way to go?
Check out David Denby's January 7 New Yorker article on the future of Hollywood in light of new technology, as well as A.O.Scott's article from last Sunday's New York Times, for more thoughts on this subject. And let us know what you think!
