Viral thrillers are getting a workout online.
You can stream Outbreak online, if you absolutely must
Outbreak is available on iTunes and the Microsoft Store.
One unexpected side-effect to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent self-isolation happening in many countries is the sudden surge in interest for pandemic thrillers like Soderbergh’s 2011 flick Contagion and Dustin Hoffman’s deadly 1995 drama Outbreak.
In response to the symptomatic urge to stream Contagion, we wrote a viewing guide for our friends over at WhistleOut. We knew people were interested, but we didn’t realise just how many people would be looking to scare themselves into a sufficient hand-washing routine with Soderbergh’s studious thriller. So we’re following up with a few more recommendations for your quarantine binge list.
Where is Outbreak available?
Just like Contagion, the 1995 disaster film from Wolfgang Petersen (Troy, Das Boot) is not available on any streaming video-on-demand services (such as Netflix or Stan). Still, it is available to rent or buy on iTunes and the Microsoft Store.
iTunes
Once purchased, you can stream Outbreak on any Apple device, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you’re looking to stream on the living room telly, you’re going to need an Apple TV device or an HDMI adapter to mirror your MacBook or iMac display on your television
Microsoft Store
If you want to own Outbreak, it’s a little pricier on the Microsoft Store at $14.99. Purchases made on the Microsoft Store can be viewed on systems with Windows 8 and up, Xbox 360, Xbox One (including One S and One X).
What about something a little lighter?
If you don’t need the high-stakes drama of Contagion and Outbreak in your life right now, we recommend giving Edgar Wright’s 2004 horror-comedy hybrid Sean of the Dead another whack.
Unlike the movies listed above, Sean of the Dead is available to stream with a subscription. If you’re already a Prime Video subscriber, Sean of the Dead is available to stream now. And if you’re not, you can hop on a 30-day free trial and wait for all of this to blow over.
Prime Video is available on most streaming devices in Australia, except for Fetch TV. Click the Compatible Devices tab in the table below for more details on where you can stream Prime Video.
Are there any other big blockbusters to watch while I’m stuck at home?
As more and more Australians do their bit in flattening the curve, streaming services and digital movie stores are becoming the best defence against the working from home doldrums. Some studios, such as Universal Pictures, are going as far as to drop their theatrical releases on home entertainment services early.
This morning, Warner Bros. Pictures also announced it would be dropping its latest DC fare, Birds of Prey, on home entertainment services early. We’re keeping this guide updated with every theatrical release being fast-tracked to streaming services in response to COVID-19.
Looking for more thrilling films? See what's streaming on Netflix
Or if you've got the kids at home, Disney Plus has some quality kids flicks