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Oscar winners see huge surge in pirated downloads following the awards ceremony

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 04 Mar 2014 10:15 User comments (31)

Oscar winners see huge surge in pirated downloads following the awards ceremony While the Academy Awards will undoubtedly lead to a surge in movie sales and legal downloads, it has also proven to be a boon for unauthorized pirated downloads.
Citing data from public torrent trackers (not including cyber lockers and private trackers), Torrentfreak says illegal downloads for "12 Years a Slave" tripled week-over-week and "Gravity" saw downloads double.

"12 Years a Slave" won Best Picture and "Gravity" was the big winner with seven Oscar wins, mainly due to its great visual effects.

This is certainly not a new occurrence, as it happens most years, most notably when the "Hurt Locker" saw downloads grow nearly 1000 percent after winning multiple awards in 2012.

Tags: piracy Academy Awards Oscars
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31 user comments

14.3.2014 23:20
wheelstb
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I think this trend speaks to the core of piracy. People are not stealing movies in the conventional sense. They are watching movies that interest them simply because they are free. If they have to pay for the movies, they wouldn't have anything to do with them.

The award ceremonies generate interest, people are going to want to check them out without risking anything.

25.3.2014 02:30
Mysttic
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Blame Canada... They always do.

35.3.2014 02:30
Mysttic
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Double posted, my apologies, can't delete thread.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 05 Mar 2014 @ 2:30

45.3.2014 12:38
hearme0
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I downloaded Gravity. Watched for 30 mins at night and had to stop it was so exciting. It would have kept me up.

Continued watching next day for 10 more mins and then immediately bought on Blu-ray before movie was even half way through. It's that good!

At least I buy movies........unlike the loser leechers out there that take and take and take and never buy a thing or contribute back.

55.3.2014 14:25
Jemborg
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Gravity is one of the few movies I reckon works in 3D... you have to see it at the flicks if you can. I hear there are encore screenings around the place. It's awesome in the true sense of the word.

65.3.2014 14:28
dEwMe
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Sheep.

75.3.2014 15:47
getanacct
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I saw Gravity in 3D a few months back, and I was so impressed, I ended up buying the 3D Blu-ray movie last week via Amazon.

If they (Hollywood) make a great picture, I'll buy it legally. I admit I did Napster back when it was illegal, and that you didn't have to worry back in those days about any unwanted nasties placed on your downloaded file.

I don't do illegal downloads anymore, because I don't want anything the MPAA or RIAA can use against me, and I especially don't want any of those viruses, and Trojans that are usually on these type of files.

85.3.2014 18:48
wheelstb
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I think a lot of people use illegal downloading to try things out on their terms. If they like it, they should buy it.



I did see gravity in 3-D. In my opinion the movie itself was lackluster but, the 3-D experience was great. To be fair, it was my first 3-D movie.

95.3.2014 19:15
getanacct
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If you have someone like Christopher Nolan, or the guy that did Gravity, then I would go to the Theatre first, because the Theatre experience is much better than simply downloading the film.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 05 Mar 2014 @ 7:16

105.3.2014 22:48
Mr_Bill06
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I agree Gravity was a great movie that really only had 1-2 actors in almost every scene, it deserved all the wins it got. I do agree with wheelstb it did get a bit slow but picked up again on the finish.

116.3.2014 00:56
Jemborg
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Originally posted by wheelstb:
 ...the 3-D experience was great. To be fair, it was my first 3-D movie.

If you get a chance see a HFR (high frame rate), "hufferr", film in 3D... much easier on the eye imo. Usually 48fps instead of 24fps.


127.3.2014 11:32
Cyclone16
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I went to the movies all the time but once you spend 14 bucks for a ticket 8 bucks for popcorn and 5 bucks for a drink.and have some dumbass talking on the there phone and texting and talking during the movie ,It just ruins the movie at home I do not have that problem.

137.3.2014 11:45
death-s
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Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by wheelstb:
 ...the 3-D experience was great. To be fair, it was my first 3-D movie.

If you get a chance see a HFR (high frame rate), "hufferr", film in 3D... much easier on the eye imo. Usually 48fps instead of 24fps.

I hate that HFR. It looks so "un-cinematic".

147.3.2014 12:32
Virgil_B
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Why pirate a copy of the movie when you can stream it in HD for $5.00 from Amazon? Besides, the pirated versions are not necessarily the same quality as the one you stream or buy. DVDs have always seemed to be reasonably priced to me considering the money invested to produce the movie so I would rather buy the movie than pirate it.

157.3.2014 12:42
DOS_equis
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@Virgil_B, If you get a YIFY copy the quality is perfect in the smallest size possible. I try to buy the movies I like after ripping them. Not all of them are worth the cash to spend on them but I do buy after viewing if it's worth it.

167.3.2014 13:44
peterdou
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Originally posted by wheelstb:
 I think this trend speaks to the core of piracy. People are not stealing movies in the conventional sense. They are watching movies that interest them simply because they are free. If they have to pay for the movies, they wouldn't have anything to do with them.

The award ceremonies generate interest, people are going to want to check them out without risking anything.
I download movies because I cant afford to pay the prices the cinemas and dvd people charge because they have to pay superstar so called actors the fees they demand, don't stop piracy from the bottom up start it from the top down

177.3.2014 13:46
peterdou
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Originally posted by peterdou:
Originally posted by wheelstb:
 I think this trend speaks to the core of piracy. People are not stealing movies in the conventional sense. They are watching movies that interest them simply because they are free. If they have to pay for the movies, they wouldn't have anything to do with them.

The award ceremonies generate interest, people are going to want to check them out without risking anything.
I download movies because I cant afford to pay the prices the cinemas and dvd people charge because they have to pay superstar so called actors the fees they demand, don't stop piracy from the bottom up start it from the top down
ps I don't sell these movies to any body else I might put some on dvd for my grandkids

187.3.2014 13:48
peterdou
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Originally posted by Virgil_B:
 Why pirate a copy of the movie when you can stream it in HD for $5.00 from Amazon? Besides, the pirated versions are not necessarily the same quality as the one you stream or buy. DVDs have always seemed to be reasonably priced to me considering the money invested to produce the movie so I would rather buy the movie than pirate it.
try telling that to someone without $5 to feed themselfs

197.3.2014 14:20
Virgil_B
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Originally posted by peterdou:
Originally posted by Virgil_B:
 Why pirate a copy of the movie when you can stream it in HD for $5.00 from Amazon? Besides, the pirated versions are not necessarily the same quality as the one you stream or buy. DVDs have always seemed to be reasonably priced to me considering the money invested to produce the movie so I would rather buy the movie than pirate it.
try telling that to someone without $5 to feed themselfs
I am not trying to start an argument, but if a person doesn't have 5 dollars to feed themselves then how are they going to defend their actions in court should they get caught pirating movies? I have a friend that was caught pirating movies and uploading them to the internet. The courts fined them $600,000 dollars and literally destroyed them. The court and the attorney's fees virtually took everything that they had.

207.3.2014 15:33
getanacct
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Originally posted by Virgil_B:
Originally posted by peterdou:
Originally posted by Virgil_B:
 Why pirate a copy of the movie when you can stream it in HD for $5.00 from Amazon? Besides, the pirated versions are not necessarily the same quality as the one you stream or buy. DVDs have always seemed to be reasonably priced to me considering the money invested to produce the movie so I would rather buy the movie than pirate it.
try telling that to someone without $5 to feed themselfs
I am not trying to start an argument, but if a person doesn't have 5 dollars to feed themselves then how are they going to defend their actions in court should they get caught pirating movies? I have a friend that was caught pirating movies and uploading them to the internet. The courts fined them $600,000 dollars and literally destroyed them. The court and the attorney's fees virtually took everything that they had.
+1. If someone can't afford the attorney's fees, etc., then they should not pirate any movies, books, music, or what have you.

I was a poor college student once upon a time, but I graduated, and then found out what they'll do to those that download copyrighted material illegally.

I got with the program, and now download stuff legally, after I pay for it.

217.3.2014 16:40
Mrguss
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I grow up as street dude. Now I'm wearing an Italian Suit. lol

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 07 Mar 2014 @ 4:47

227.3.2014 16:43
Mrguss
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.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 07 Mar 2014 @ 4:45

237.3.2014 21:06
Jemborg
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Originally posted by Virgil_B:
 I am not trying to start an argument, but if a person doesn't have 5 dollars to feed themselves then how are they going to defend their actions in court should they get caught pirating movies? I have a friend that was caught pirating movies and uploading them to the internet. The courts fined them $600,000 dollars and literally destroyed them. The court and the attorney's fees virtually took everything that they had.
Professors of constitutional law in the US have been arguing that these fines are unconstitutional because you are only allowed to sue for damages in a civil court... you understand?... NOT the PUNITIVE FINES that have obviously been imposed as examples to others!!!

If many more of these court cases went through there would be an uproar. They are getting away with it because of the small number of cases, the financial circumstances of the accused and because the US is beholden to big corp.

247.3.2014 21:17
Jemborg
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Originally posted by death-s:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by wheelstb:
 ...the 3-D experience was great. To be fair, it was my first 3-D movie.

If you get a chance see a HFR (high frame rate), "hufferr", film in 3D... much easier on the eye imo. Usually 48fps instead of 24fps.

I hate that HFR. It looks so "un-cinematic".

What a terrible thing to want to increase the framerate. You can get filters now that can add more colour noise, remove tinting, get rid of the widescreen and add scratches/pop to the image too, yay!!!

257.3.2014 23:32
pmshah
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Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by Virgil_B:
 I am not trying to start an argument, but if a person doesn't have 5 dollars to feed themselves then how are they going to defend their actions in court should they get caught pirating movies? I have a friend that was caught pirating movies and uploading them to the internet. The courts fined them $600,000 dollars and literally destroyed them. The court and the attorney's fees virtually took everything that they had.
Professors of constitutional law in the US have been arguing that these fines are unconstitutional because you are only allowed to sue for damages in a civil court... you understand?... NOT the PUNITIVE FINES that have obviously been imposed as examples to others!!!

If many more of these court cases went through there would be an uproar. They are getting away with it because of the small number of cases, the financial circumstances of the accused and because the US is beholden to big corp.
So if I download a movie illegally and don't upload it to anybody, they can only sue me for say 10 or 15 dollars, possible price if I were to purchase it ?

268.3.2014 04:26
xboxdvl2
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Originally posted by getanacct:
Originally posted by Virgil_B:
Originally posted by peterdou:
Originally posted by Virgil_B:
 Why pirate a copy of the movie when you can stream it in HD for $5.00 from Amazon? Besides, the pirated versions are not necessarily the same quality as the one you stream or buy. DVDs have always seemed to be reasonably priced to me considering the money invested to produce the movie so I would rather buy the movie than pirate it.
try telling that to someone without $5 to feed themselfs
I am not trying to start an argument, but if a person doesn't have 5 dollars to feed themselves then how are they going to defend their actions in court should they get caught pirating movies? I have a friend that was caught pirating movies and uploading them to the internet. The courts fined them $600,000 dollars and literally destroyed them. The court and the attorney's fees virtually took everything that they had.
+1. If someone can't afford the attorney's fees, etc., then they should not pirate any movies, books, music, or what have you.

I was a poor college student once upon a time, but I graduated, and then found out what they'll do to those that download copyrighted material illegally.

I got with the program, and now download stuff legally, after I pay for it.
i disagree, its like fining a homeless suing a poor person, as long as they have the knowledge or assistance and time they can fight it and keep fighting it.

do you get a receipt or something for downloading stuff legally???can't a pirate just claimed they brought all the movies off itunes???

278.3.2014 08:25
Jemborg
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Originally posted by pmshah:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by Virgil_B:
 I am not trying to start an argument, but if a person doesn't have 5 dollars to feed themselves then how are they going to defend their actions in court should they get caught pirating movies? I have a friend that was caught pirating movies and uploading them to the internet. The courts fined them $600,000 dollars and literally destroyed them. The court and the attorney's fees virtually took everything that they had.
Professors of constitutional law in the US have been arguing that these fines are unconstitutional because you are only allowed to sue for damages in a civil court... you understand?... NOT the PUNITIVE FINES that have obviously been imposed as examples to others!!!

If many more of these court cases went through there would be an uproar. They are getting away with it because of the small number of cases, the financial circumstances of the accused and because the US is beholden to big corp.
So if I download a movie illegally and don't upload it to anybody, they can only sue me for say 10 or 15 dollars, possible price if I were to purchase it ?
I guess they might take into account the number of people you might have shown it to plus court costs etc. ...but essentially yes.

It would be difficult to argue you were a "pirate" under the new definition of the word.

I guess a corp could argue emotional damages but I reckon that would be a tad hard even for them :)



2816.3.2014 12:32
omendata
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37

Originally posted by wheelstb:
 I think this trend speaks to the core of piracy. People are not stealing movies in the conventional sense. They are watching movies that interest them simply because they are free. If they have to pay for the movies, they wouldn't have anything to do with them.

The award ceremonies generate interest, people are going to want to check them out without risking anything.
Absolutely agree thats the crux of the matter as we would never pay for half of the trash coming out of Usa filmwise - well maybe with the exception of Riddick - Awesome - i torrented it then being so impressed i had to see it at the cinema and i will purchase the Blue Ray when it comes out so a winner for the producers.

I think this is the point the piracy hunters are missing.

2916.3.2014 23:01
pmshah
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Originally posted by omendata:
 37
Originally posted by wheelstb:
 I think this trend speaks to the core of piracy. People are not stealing movies in the conventional sense. They are watching movies that interest them simply because they are free. If they have to pay for the movies, they wouldn't have anything to do with them.

The award ceremonies generate interest, people are going to want to check them out without risking anything.
Absolutely agree thats the crux of the matter as we would never pay for half of the trash coming out of Usa filmwise - well maybe with the exception of Riddick - Awesome - i torrented it then being so impressed i had to see it at the cinema and i will purchase the Blue Ray when it comes out so a winner for the producers.

I think this is the point the piracy hunters are missing.
I concur. From the IMDB ratings I see an increasing trend towards werewolves and grisly bloodthirsty visuals amongst US viewers. Something that turns me off totally. I am more into genuine comedy and good action/suspense/drama. At my age I have also stopped watching human interest movies. What I am interested in is entertainment, and not something that gets me worked up but be unable to do anything about.

3017.3.2014 15:33
Mr_Bill06
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Originally posted by pmshah:
 So if I download a movie illegally and don't upload it to anybody, they can only sue me for say 10 or 15 dollars, possible price if I were to purchase it ?
Depends how you download direct link from a host site possibly, you would probably have to download on an open network that is not secure to get caught that way. Utorrent is the worst as what they end up doing is seeding the file and grab all IP's that connect. Everything is traceable online I am sure just give them time and they will get all the dirt on you. They are not looking to fry small fish either they want a boat load of cash and to set an example that you are not really free you better listen to the man, man.

3117.3.2014 18:00
Jemborg
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Originally posted by Mr_Bill06:
Originally posted by pmshah:
 So if I download a movie illegally and don't upload it to anybody, they can only sue me for say 10 or 15 dollars, possible price if I were to purchase it ?
Depends how you download direct link from a host site possibly, you would probably have to download on an open network that is not secure to get caught that way. Utorrent is the worst as what they end up doing is seeding the file and grab all IP's that connect. Everything is traceable online I am sure just give them time and they will get all the dirt on you. They are not looking to fry small fish either they want a boat load of cash and to set an example that you are not really free you better listen to the man, man.
They certainly DO go after a small fish like students etc. who cant afford to challenge the unconstitutionality of the fine to make examples of them... they certainly DON'T expect to recoup their losses but are using the courts to stop the practice of "piracy".

As to the rest... I guess that's why many in the USA use Usenet nowadays. It cant be packet-sniffed.

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