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August 4, 2021

‘The Suicide Squad’ gets an early release on HBO Max this Thursday, but you’ll need the ad-free plan to stream it

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Harley Quinn in "The Suicide Squad." — Margot Robbie stars as Harley Quinn in “The Suicide Squad.”
Warner Bros.

“The Suicide Squad” hits HBO Max and theaters on August 5 at 7 p.m. ET.
The star-studded cast includes Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, and Pete Davidson.
To watch the movie at home, you’ll need an ad-free subscription to HBO Max ($15/month).

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“The Suicide Squad” is arriving a day earlier than originally planned. You can stream the movie on HBO Max during a special preview on August 5 at 7 p.m. ET. The streaming debut will coincide with the movie’s theatrical preview screenings that same day.

Written and directed by James Gunn, “The Suicide Squad” features Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and a group of dangerous inmates from Belle Reve prison. The ragtag team of supervillains is sent on a bloody quest to destroy a laboratory with a dark past on the island of Corto Maltese.

Insider gave “The Suicide Squad” an A- in our full review. According to Entertainment Correspondent Kirsten Acuna, the film is “one the smartest comic-book movies ever” and it deserves to be watched more than once.

Where to watch ‘The Suicide Squad’

“The Suicide Squad” will premiere on HBO Max during a special preview on August 5 at 7 p.m. ET. Only members who subscribe to the ad-free plan will be able to watch the movie. “The Suicide Squad” will be available to stream on HBO Max for 31 days.

HBO Max’s ad-free plan costs $15 a month. The service offers a less expensive ad-supported option for $10 a month, but that plan does not include in-theater movies like “The Suicide Squad.” Hulu is currently offering a free seven-day trial of HBO Max to subscribers who sign up for its add-on service. To get the trial through Hulu, you must be new to HBO Max.

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HBO Max is available on smartphones, tablets, computers, PlayStation consoles, Xbox consoles, and select smart TVs, including Samsung and LG models. Visit the HBO Max website for a complete list of supported devices.

“The Suicide Squad” will be available in up to 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR on compatible TVs and media players. You can check to see if your device supports high-quality streaming on the HBO Max website.

Are ‘The Suicide Squad’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ different movies?

Though they have similar titles, “The Suicide Squad” is considered to be a standalone film that takes place after the events of 2016’s “Suicide Squad.”

Certain actors, like Margot Robbie and Viola Davis, reprise their roles in the 2021 film, but other actors, like Jared Leto and Will Smith, do not. Though the new movie references the first, the creators don’t consider it a direct sequel.

The original “Suicide Squad” movie from 2016 is also available on HBO Max, alongside many other DC superhero movies like “Birds of Prey,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and Zack Snyder’s “Justice League.”

In addition to “The Suicide Squad,” you can stream “Space Jam: A New Legacy” while it’s still in theaters. “Space Jam” will remain on HBO Max until August 15.

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May 24, 2021

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ is back on HBO Max, and you can also buy it from Amazon, Vudu, and other VOD streaming services

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wonder woman 1984 warner bros — “Wonder Woman 1984” is Gal Gadot’s fourth film as the titular character.
Warner Bros.

“Wonder Woman 1984” is back on HBO Max ($15/month) after premiering on the service in December 2020.
The movie is also available to buy through VOD services like Amazon and for $20.
HBO Max subscribers will get access to more brand-new Warner Bros. movies throughout 2021.

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“Wonder Woman 1984” is back on HBO Max, the same streaming service it premiered on in December 2020. The movie was the first in a series of Warner Bros. films made available for streaming the same day they hit the big screen.

Director Patty Jenkins and stars Gal Gadot and Chris Pine return for “Wonder Woman 1984.” The action picks up 40 years after the conclusion of 2017’s “Wonder Woman.” Kristen Wiig plays Cheetah, a villain who can match Wonder Woman’s superhuman abilities, and “The Mandalorian” star Pedro Pascal plays nefarious businessman Maxwell Lord.

HBO Max subscribers were given one month of exclusive access before “Wonder Woman 1984” was removed from the service and made available to buy from other providers, like Amazon, , and Google Play. “Wonder Woman 1984” was added back to the HBO Max library in May 2021 alongside other DC films like “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” and “Batman v Superman.”

Warner’s decision to debut its theatrical releases on HBO Max has already helped bring millions of new subscribers to the streaming service, and could influence other studios to pursue a similar course. Data from research startup Antenna showed that HBO Max signups increased 4.3 times during the weekend “Wonder Woman 1984” premiered.

How to watch ‘Wonder Woman 1984’

“Wonder Woman 1984” is currently available to all HBO Max subscribers; the streaming service costs $15 a month for commercial-free access to its library. A $10/month ad-supported plan will launch in June.

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“Wonder Woman 1984” is also available to buy through video-on-demand (VOD) services, including Amazon, , , Microsoft, Google Play, and Apple TV. The movie costs $20 to own, and it’s offered in up to 4K Ultra HD quality. A rental option is not currently available. You can access your digital copy via the VOD service you select on various media players and smart TVs.

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If you want to purchase a disc copy of the film, the “Wonder Woman 1984” Blu-ray ($22) and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray ($28) were released on March 30.

Does ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ support 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos?

“Wonder Woman 1984” was the first movie on HBO Max to stream in 4K with support for high dynamic range (HDR). The film is available in HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos on supported devices, matching the maximum quality typically seen on Netflix and Disney Plus.

The VOD version also offers Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos playback though streaming services that support those features, including and Apple TV.

What other Warner Bros. movies are coming to HBO Max?

The next scheduled Warner Bros. release on HBO Max is “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” the third entry in the popular horror franchise. Other major releases set to arrive on the streaming service throughout 2021 include “The Matrix 4,” “The Suicide Squad,” “Space Jam” and more.

HBO Max subscribers can currently stream “Those Who Wish Me Dead.”

You can see a full list of upcoming Warner Bros. movies scheduled for day-and-date releases in theaters and on HBO Max here.

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March 12, 2021

How to watch ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ – the 4-hour superhero epic is an HBO Max exclusive

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“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” will debut on HBO Max on March 18.
Nicknamed the #SnyderCut, the film overhauls the 2017 release with roughly two hours of new footage.
The “Snyder Cut” won’t be released in theaters, so you need HBO Max ($15 a month) to watch.

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HBO Max will premiere “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” on March 18; the result of a multi-year fan campaign to see the director’s vision of the DC Comics super team as he originally intended.

The DC Comics cinematic universe has struggled to garner the commercial success and acclaim enjoyed by Marvel movies, but Snyder’s grounded interpretations of iconic DC heroes, like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, have found a dedicated fan base. Those tireless fans lobbied for years until Warner Bros. agreed to spend $70 million to create a new cut of “Justice League” based on Snyder’s original script.

The 2017 theatrical release of “Justice League” received a lukewarm reception from critics and fans of Snyder’s prior films in the DC universe. Though Snyder was in charge for the majority of the movie’s production, a series of personal tragedies, including the death of Snyder’s daughter, forced him to leave the project before it was complete.

Warner Bros. hired “Avengers” director Joss Whedon to complete “Justice League,” leading to substantial changes to the film’s story and reshoots for new scenes. Several cast members have spoken out against Whedon’s conduct on set, with Cyborg actor Ray Fisher vowing never to work on another film handled by DC Films President Walter Hamada, who oversaw an investigation into Whedon’s conduct after the movie was released.

Despite the completion of Snyder’s cut, the director told fans it’s unlikely that we’ll see a continuation of his “Justice League” franchise. Gal Gadot reprised her role as Wonder Woman in “Wonder Woman 1984” earlier this year, and Ezra Miller is expected to begin filming “The Flash” in April 2021. Robert Pattinson’s upcoming “The Batman” will not share a connection with “Justice League,” while Ta-Nehisi Coates and J.J. Abrams are reportedly working on a new “Superman” film.

How does ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ compare to the original?

“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” features several changes to the original film, including the addition of a significant appearance from the DC villain Darkseid, and a new look for the alien antagonist Steppenwolf.

Cyborg, a hero introduced to DC films in “Justice League,” is said to play a crucial role in the revised story as well. Snyder has also revealed the appearance of Batman’s nemesis the Joker, played by Jared Leto.

Snyder says his version of “Justice League” won’t be using any of the reshoot material directed by Joss Whedon, but it will be adding tons of new footage to match his original script. Snyder’s “Justice League” will reportedly run four hours, roughly twice as long as the original. Snyder also hinted that the film could end on a cliffhanger, since he intended it to be part of a series of movies, like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”

How to watch ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ on HBO Max

“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” will debut on HBO Max on March 18. It’ll be available for unlimited viewing as part of an HBO Max subscription for $15 a month. Most HBO cable subscribers can also access HBO Max through their TV provider account at no extra cost.

You can stream HBO Max in your browser, or download the HBO Max app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple devices, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, and many smart TVs.

HBO Max just started making movies available in 4K resolution with HDR contrast earlier this year, along with Dolby Atmos audio. It’s unclear whether “Justice League” will support those features as of yet, but you can check the list of compatible 4K devices to make sure yours is on the list.

What else is coming to HBO Max?

Beyond “Justice League,” Warner Bros. has been bringing all of its new theatrical releases to HBO Max during 2021. Other films available right now include “Tom & Jerry” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

The next movies scheduled for release are “Godzilla vs. Kong” on March 31 and “Mortal Kombat” on April 16. The more kid-friendly “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” starring LeBron James and the Looney Tunes, is scheduled to hit HBO Max on July 16.

We’ve also put together a full list of every upcoming Warner Bros. movie scheduled to hit theaters and HBO Max in 2021.

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February 23, 2021

Spotify just announced a slew of new podcasts and a higher-quality streaming subscription for audiophiles.

Spotify offices, employee — A Spotify employee.
Britta Pedersen/Getty Images

Spotify announced a slew of updates during its virtual “Stream On” event Monday.
The platform will soon launch new podcasts from Warner Bros, Ava DuVernay, Barack Obama, and more.
The company also announced subscription service for higher quality audio and new tools for creators.
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Spotify announced new podcast partnerships and a subscription service for high-quality streaming on Monday during a virtual event called “Stream On.”

The production was filled with updates about new creator tools, podcast partnerships, and advertising options. It also highlighted several Spotify accomplishments, most notably the upcoming expansion into over 80 new markets and 36 new languages.

Take a look at some of the big highlights from Spotify’s “Stream On,” which helped bump its shares up 6% in trading Monday:

Audio updates

spotify app headphones — Spotify.
Thomas Trutschel/Getty Images

Monday’s updates mostly focused on Spotify’s podcasting segment and creators. But if you’re a Spotify traditionalist that only streams music on the app, you’re still in luck.

Spotify is expanding its customized playlists by adding new Daily Mixes. And later this year, the platform will begin offering “Spotify HiFi,” a subscription service that will offer listeners “CD-quality” audio. According to Spotify, this higher quality audio option has been a hotly requested add-on.

A suite of new podcasts

DC Spotify Cover Art.™ & © DC — Spotify’s DC cover art.
Spotify

Spotify has been spearheading the podcasting world head on through notable acquisitions. This includes Megaphone, a podcast advertising company, and networks like Gimlet and The Ringer in recent months. The streaming platform has also penned podcast deals with notable figures like Joe Rogan and Michelle Obama.

Now, Spotify is looking to accelerate its podcast growth even more through a list of newly announced partnerships that span a variety of genres, from narrated superhero tales to stories that amplify Muslim voices.

Last year, Spotify announced a multi-year partnership with Warner Bros and DC to bring beloved comic book characters like Superman, Harley Quinn, and Cat Woman into the podcasting universe. The partnership’s first project, “Batman Unburied,” will be released later this year, Spotify said

Spotify is also now working with AGBO, an entertainment production company founded by Anthony and Joe Russo, the brothers behind hits like “Avengers: End Game” and “Captain America: Civil War.” Now, they’ll be bringing their ideas from the big screen to Spotify’s podcasts through several years and series.

Spotify’s new podcasting partnerships also accommodate non-fiction fans.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama may be busy with their Higher Ground Productions partnership with Netflix, but that’s not stopping the couple and their production company from launching the second season of the podcast “Tell Them, I Am.”

The podcast, hosted by Misha Euceph, a Pakistani-American, amplifies Muslim voices across all fields, from activists to athletes. The new season will debut the first day of Ramadan.

Higher Ground and Spotify will also be releasing an eight-part series with Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen. The podcast will focus on their discussions about overarching life topics like personal relationships and the country.

Spotify’s Gimlet has also partnered with filmmaker Ava DuVernay to create a suite of both scripted and unscripted podcasts through DuVernay’s multiplatform group focusing on social causes, Array.

The first series – based on Array’s Law Enforcement Accountability Project – will take a look at cases of police brutality against Black people in the United States, DuVernay said at the event. The podcast will discuss a new case every week by taking a deep dive into the “lack of repercussions and accountability” among police officers.

In other podcasting news, Spotify has also announced the renewal of its “Motherhacker” series. Furthermore, the platform will be globally expanding its podcasts from The Ringer, and will be bringing its Sound Up initiative supporting small podcast creators to 14 countries, up from six.

Updates for creators

Audience Network spotify — A graphic showcasing Spotify’s audience network.
Spotify

Spotify also announced several new initiatives aimed at creators of both podcasts and music.

Spotify and Anchor, a podcast management system, have partnered with WordPress to turn written posts into Spotify podcasts. The streaming platform will also allow some of its podcast creators to integrate features like videos, polls, and question-and-answer forums.

In non-podcasting updates, more music creators will be able to access smaller programs like Canvas and Marquee. Spotify has also been testing the option to allow artists to post videos onto the app.

The platform also announced several advertising-related initiatives, including the Spotify Audience Network. When the network is complete, it will serve as a “marketplace” for advertisers to access more listeners tuning in to different types of content, including Spotify Originals and Exclusives, podcasts using Megaphone and Anchor, and “ad-supported” music.

Spotify will also be rolling out its Streaming Ad Insertion, which provides Megaphone and Anchor podcast creators with data and metrics for podcast advertising. In line with this big push in podcast advertising, the platform’s Spotify Ad Studio is now testing ad buying for podcasts as well.

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December 25, 2020

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ is now streaming on HBO Max – here’s how to watch the movie at home while it’s still playing in theaters

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“Wonder Woman 1984” premiered in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25, Christmas Day.
The blockbuster sequel is the first in a series of Warner Bros. movies that will debut on HBO Max and theaters at the same time.
HBO Max subscribers don’t have to pay extra to stream “Wonder Woman 1984,” but the movie is only available for one month.
The HBO Max streaming app costs $15 per month, though it’s usually included if you already pay for HBO through your cable provider.

“Wonder Woman 1984” premiered in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25. The movie is the first in a series of Warner Bros. films that will be available for streaming the same day they hit the big screen.

Director Patty Jenkins and stars Gal Gadot and Chris Pine return for the sequel to 2017’s “”Wonder Woman.” The action picks up 40 years after the conclusion of the last film. Kristen Wiig plays Cheetah, a villain who can match Wonder Woman’s superhuman abilities, and “The Mandalorian” star Pedro Pascal plays nefarious businessman Maxwell Lord.

“Wonder Woman 1984” will be available on HBO Max for just one month starting December 25. It’s possible the movie will return to the service at a later date once it finishes playing in theaters. Viewers outside the US will be able to see “Wonder Woman 1984” in theaters starting December 16, with dates staggered through January based on region.

Updated on 12/25/2020 by Steven Cohen. The language in this article has been revised for timeliness. Added details about which devices you can watch “Wonder Woman 1984” on in 4K HDR.

How to watch ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ on HBO Max

“Wonder Woman 1984” is now streaming on HBO Max. The movie premiered on December 25. Streaming access to the film is included with an HBO Max subscription and doesn’t require any extra fees. “Wonder Woman 1984” will remain on HBO Max for 31 days. The movie will then be removed from the HBO Max library, but it’s possible that it could be added back in the future.

The HBO Max service is priced at $15 per month, and new members can currently receive over 20% off if they prepay for six months. You can sign up directly through the HBO Max website, with your cable subscriber, or through select streaming services, like Hulu. If you already pay for HBO through your cable provider, you should be able to access HBO Max for no extra cost, with some restrictions.

The HBO Max app is available on Apple devices, Android, Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Samsung smart TVs. Deals bringing the HBO Max app to Roku and Fire TV were announced just weeks before the release of “Wonder Woman 1984,” ending months of tense negotiations between AT&T, Amazon, and Roku.

Does ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ support 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos?

“Wonder Woman 1984” is the first movie on HBO Max to stream in 4K with support for high dynamic range (HDR). The film is available in HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos on supported devices, matching the maximum quality typically seen on Netflix and Disney Plus.

Here’s a rundown of streaming devices with support for 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos through HBO Max:

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube
Apple TV 4K
Roku Ultra 4800x
Roku 4K TVs
Roku Premiere (Dolby Atmos not supported)
Roku Streaming Stick+ (Dolby Atmos not supported)
Google Chromecast Ultra
Chromecast with Google TV (Dolby Atmos not supported)
Android TVs
AT&T Streaming Box
Xfinity X1 (Xi6) and Flex

What other Warner Bros. movies are coming to HBO Max?

The next scheduled Warner Bros. release on HBO Max is “The Little Things” starring Denzel Washington and Rami Malek, which is due out on January 29, 2021. Other major releases set to arrive on the streaming service throughout 2021 include “Dune,” “The Matrix 4,” “The Suicide Squad,” “The Conjuring 3,” and more.

You can see a full list of upcoming Warner Bros. movies scheduled for day-and-date releases in theaters and on HBO Max here.

Hopefully HBO Max will be able to maintain the level of technical quality it’s setting with “Wonder Woman 1984” as more theatrical releases launch in 2021. HBO Max representatives said 4K support will arrive for more films and TV shows in 2021, but it’s unclear which will be prioritized.

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