The vast Netflix library features series, movies, and documentaries from across all genres made from countries all around the world. The streaming media giant not only acquires titles to fill its catalog, but it produces countless originals as well. Yet, for all its power and reach, there is a common criticism of Netflix originals: they don’t look that great.
It’s not your eyes, your room, or even your smart TV. Netflix original titles are unattractive, even when they’re made by visual directors like Guillermo del Toro or when they’re backed by tons of money like Stranger Things. Here’s the problem with Netflix and a few ways you can get around its signature, unimpressive look.
Netflix technical restrictions limit directors
Compression for streaming kills creativity
Netflix productions come with specific technical restrictions so that they can be easily relayed on the streaming service. Filming is designed to be compressed in order to get to your screen, often via Wi-Fi, and compression does away with a lot of creativity behind the camera.
Subtle details in filmmaking simply don’t survive the compression process. Color and contrast, in particular, are reigned in, as shadowing, texture, and grain don’t show up well when you’re trying to create a title that caters to various bandwidths and devices. Netflix also wants to avoid compression artifacts, which are notable visual distortions that appear on the screen as a result of poor compression.
Most Netflix originals aren’t seen anywhere else, which plays into this gambit. Many Disney movies, for example, get a theatrical release first, while HBO series will also air on cable. Netflix sometimes puts titles in theaters, but for the most part, it is filming and producing original media designed for the streaming era.
Netflix programming casts a wide net
A global audience streams on different devices
Netflix knows not everyone is watching its originals on a high-quality OLED TV in a dark room with bias lighting. That’s the ideal, but plenty of consumers are also watching titles on a bright afternoon. Some viewers may be using a streaming stick on a FHD TV, while others may be viewing casually on their phone or tablet.
All of these means that Netflix has to cater to a vast, global audience when considering its productions. Unfortunately, to do this, it has to more or less fall to the lowest rung on the ladder so that those without quality devices can still enjoy every title. Netflix makes it easy to watch its titles even on dated, small, or inferior devices.
However, those watching on devices that are not compatible with HDR will also notice a dropoff in quality. Netflix originals are made in HDR, and the downscaling to SDR results in a worse appearance, with a lack of highlights and more gray.
Netflix has its own style and branding
Muted colors and recognizable faces lead the way
Netflix has its own look and feel when it comes to its interface and its titles. It doesn’t deal with shadows like, say, HBO does, which boasts numerous shows that play with light and contrast. Think Game of Thrones, The Penguin, True Detective that showcase the cinematic look HBO continuously pushes. Meanwhile, Apple offers viewers an OS filled with titles that are glossy and attractive, optimizing both Apple products and the latest technological innovations to produce titles that are terrific to look at. Even if the shows are increasingly medium, they all look pretty special.
Netflix doesn’t do any of that. Instead, it aims for a universal look, and that involves well-lit faces and typical framing. The results are title cards, thumbnails, and originals that are pretty flat but serve its algorithm; Netflix has a lot of similar shows and if you like one, you’ll probably like these others, which look and feel the same. Netflix may put out shows that want to be like The White Lotus, but they won’t look like it.
How to optimize your Netflix experience
Check your home setup or seek out physical media
While you won’t be able to change Netflix’s branded look and the way they make films, there are a few things you can do to try and make your Netflix viewing experience better at home. First, consider your technical setup. If you’re going the Wi-Fi path, make sure you have Wi-Fi 5 or 6 and that your router is close to your TV. A wired connection is optimal, however, in order to prevent buffering and lag issues that will reduce the quality.
Second, consider your TV settings. Avoid presets like dynamic or vivid that create overly-saturated colors. Instead, opt for Filmmaker Mode or presets like cinema or natural. Lastly, you can consider the Netflix subscription tiers. If you’ve a high-end TV with Dolby Vision or HDR10+, then you’ll get more out of Netflix with the corresponding top tier.
Unfortunately, there are some issues that are just going to be unavoidable. Wherever possible, consider watching major Netflix productions at your local cinema, or look into physical media alternatives that provide more reliable connections and higher quality. Or simply cancel your Netflix subscription and find a better serve that makes more attractive titles.
