Macdonald-Kelce Library: Film Studies: Films

Films

If you can't find a DVD in the catalog, check the streaming film databases below. NOTE: All DVDs in the collection must be requested at the Circulation Desk.

- Search the title of a film, and then under "Resource Type" choose Video.

Streaming Film Databases

Digital Theatre Plus This link opens in a new window
Streaming platform that offers access to theatrical works as well as criticism and other pedagogical resources. Includes interviews and original productions of classic and contemporary plays.
Films on Demand This link opens in a new window
Offers a large collection of academic streaming videos covering most subject areas, including documentaries, TEDTalks, and classic films.
Kanopy This link opens in a new window
A streaming service with hundreds of feature films and documentaries on every subject.

If you find a film that we don't have a license for then you will be prompted to fill out a request form and a librarian will "mediate" the request prior to purchasing. Please fill out your complete contact information on the request form in case we need to get in touch with you. It may take several days to process a request for a new film. Please contact Digital Access Librarian, Darla Asher at dasher@ut.edu if you need the full-list of our currently licensed titles.
Naxos Video Library This link opens in a new window
A continuously updated performing arts video library containing operas, ballets, documentaries, live concerts, and musical tours of historic places. It includes the Naxos DVD label, Opus Arte, Arthaus, Dacapo, and EuroArts, and more.
Swank This link opens in a new window
Separate login and credentials must be created. Provides colleges and universities with academic streaming collection of feature films, documentaries, foreign films and tv shows.
World Cinema Collection This link opens in a new window
This unique collection includes the best of the silent era, groundbreaking international directors, masterpieces from the mid-20th century, and contemporary films from around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North America.
The collection shines a light on the history of cinema while also providing a glimpse into the cultures and issues of countries worldwide—making it useful beyond film studies departments by bringing value to programs in area studies, political science, history, world languages, and more.

Subscription Services and other free streaming options

Subscription Services

Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are the largest subscription services for streaming film if you're having trouble getting a film through the library.

Subscription Aggregators (where to watch?)

Services such as JustWatch attempt to aggregate content the major subscription services are serving. However, they are not always perfect, and it is best to double-check against the specific services as well.

In addition to these, IMDb will often list upcoming TV broadcasts of movies and shows, as well as provide links to content on Amazon (although that content is not guaranteed to be free for Prime customers).

Free streaming film at HCPLC

UTampa students and faculty are welcome and encouraged to join the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC). HCPLC offers a large selection of streaming videos and ebooks, many of which are not available at the Macdonald-Kelce Library. If you are looking for a feature film or popular novel, join the Hillsborough Public Library by signing up for a free library card.

Other Streaming Options with Ads

If you don't mind ads, you can find films on YouTube, IMDb, Tubi, and other services. Check these after checking the databases.

Films in the Public Domain (Free)

Moving Image Archive
The Internet Archive's collection of films in the Public Domain. Download or listen to free movies, films, and videos.
Public Domain Movies
Browse movies by subject.

High Quality Video

DVD and Blu-Ray editions of films often vary widely in the quality of the film transfer and the types of extra content. As a general rule of thumb, most blu-ray editions are higher quality than DVD editions.

If you're trying to ensure you get a high-quality image, or want scholarly extra content, two review sites of note are criterionforum.org and blu-ray.com.

Specialty Distributors

Another way to usually guarantee a higher quality release is to find an edition released by a specialty distributor, several of which are listed below. These distributors are also a great resource for finding many obscure films.

Please note, however, that this list is far from exhaustive, as there are many niche distributors dedicated to various specialties in film. It also does not include any UK distributors, of which there are several, since they will not work in most American blu-ray or DVD players.

Out of the list above, The Criterion Collection is by far the industry leader in the US for these types of special releases.