The Onyx Virtual Screenings

Now available for streaming

Onyx At Home: Virtual Screenings - FAQ & Instructions

Now that we have reopened we're excited to be able to continue to offer a curated selection of first-run films via our virtual screenings! You can stream titles that would typically only be playing on the silver screen, now available exclusively through arthouse theaters. You'll have to make your own organic popcorn and use your own plush seating but otherwise it's like bringing The Onyx home!

We believe that being in a movie theater is the best place to watch films, but we also want to be able to offer other options for those who would prefer to stay home or just can't find the time to get out. Onyx-at-Home also offers us the chance to share wonderful films with you that we might not be able to otherwise share due to screen availability.

You may have questions about streaming or how it all works, so we put together this primer to hopefully clear up any questions you may have.

WHAT IS STREAMING?

Put simply, streaming refers to the process of receiving a continuous flow of information over an internet connection. Rather than downloading an entire film, your device can collect data as needed for immediate viewing. Anytime you watch a film on Netflix, or a video on YouTube, you’re streaming!


 

HOW DO I RENT THESE FILMS?

Like our normal main attractions, films change on a regular basis, and you can visit our website to see what’s currently available. Click on the film’s title and once you are on the film’s webpage you can read more about the title and click “BUY VIRTUAL TICKET.” This will take you to our specific page on the film distributor’s website where you can purchase your “ticket.” Typically, at least 50% or more of these sales will support our theater. Tickets range from “Pay as You Wish” to $12, and you only need purchase once for your whole household.

Once on the distrubtor’s website, you can learn more about the film, the viewing options, and complete your purchase. Since these films come to us from different distributors, these checkout pages will each be a little different from one another. Look for a button marked “Rent” or “Virtual” ticket to continue.

Please note, some of these platforms will require you to create an account to rent films or connect to your streaming device. Simply follow the prompts to set up your account. You will be sent an email confirmation with details on how to access your film once you have completed your purchase.


 

WHICH DEVICES CAN I USE TO STREAM FILMS?

You can enjoy these films on your television using a plug-in streaming device like an Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, or Amazon Fire Stick—as well as on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Please be aware: These films are made available to us on different streaming platforms. As such, streaming options may differ between films. Please check details on supported devices before making your purchase. Streaming services will be noted on the film pages.

WATCH ON YOUR TELEVISON:
If you own an Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick, you can easily watch these films on your television. Several of our streaming partners offer apps that you can use to watch these films. For the best quality and minimal fuss, we recommend this method if it is available for your film.
Another option is to stream films with your Apple TV or Chromecast by screen sharing with your smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Begin queuing up the film on your device. In the on-screen playback controls, tap the connection icon (pictured) to begin sending video to your television.

Instructions for screen sharing using your Apple TV can be found here. For information on screen sharing using your Chromecast, click here.

Lastly, if you have a laptop or nearby computer with an HDMI port, you can connect it directly to your television—essentially using it as a second monitor. In many cases, this is as simple as running an HDMI cable from your computer to your television and selecting the appropriate input as you would with a cable box or Blu-ray player. That said, connection details will depend on your setup. We recommend referencing your television’s manual for more information.

WATCH ON YOUR COMPUTER:
Simply follow the link provided in your confirmation email. You will be able to stream your film from your browser.

WATCH ON A MOBILE OR TABLET DEVICE:
As you would on a computer, you can follow the link provided in your confirmation email to start streaming your film. Most of these film’s distributors also offer streaming apps (check your confirmation email for details). If you are experiencing playback issues while watching from your device’s browser (e.g. Safari, Chrome), we suggest trying to stream your film through the appropriate app.


 

FAQs

HOW DOES STREAMING SUPPORT THE THEATER?
When you rent one of these films, at least 50% of your purchase goes back to the distributor for the rights to play the movie. The other half goes directly to the theater, just like with our regular programming.

Your support is especially appreciated while our doors are closed. When you stream one of our virtual main attractions, you help support our nonprofit theaters and staff, as well as the independent filmmakers who made these films. The show must go on—and thanks to you, it will!

 

I NEVER RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION EMAIL, WHAT DO I DO?

First, check your spam folder, as your ticket confirmation email may have landed there. It is also possible that your confirmation may not arrive immediately. Please wait a few minutes and check again. Independent distributors and theaters are working hard to adapt to these challenging circumstances and periods of high rental volume may result in a short delay.

If you require further assistance, you will need to contact the film’s distributor. As these transactions are not handled by the theater, we are only able to offer limited assistance. See the “Additional Information” section at the bottom of the page for contact information and links to platform-specific


 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More information on specific platforms can be found by following the links below. If need help, or would like to request a refund, please contact the distributor for the film that you purchased tickets for:

Kino Lorber: Website
Magnolia Pictures: Website
Music Box Films: Website
Film Movement: Website
Oscilloscope: info@oscilloscope.net

If there’s something that we missed, or if you have additional questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email us



*we will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner, but we are not always able to respond immediately during this time. Thank you!

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