Top Hidden Gems I Didn't Expect to Find on Netflix

Netflix spells the end of high cable bills with low prices, hidden gems and opportunities for viewers that love to binge watch their favorite shows. 

by Lyn Brooks, Writer

I absolutely love Netflix, and I've had an account that features unlimited DVDs per month since 2005. I then added instant streaming as soon as it became available. Having a Netflix account has helped me to rein in my budget by allowing me to get rid of cable and it's three digit bill.

Netflix also allows me to indulge in a secret passion that I expect many readers enjoy as much as I do -- binge viewing. In case you aren't familiar with the term, binge viewing is where you watch several episodes, one right after the other, of your favorite TV shows or movie series. Can you think of a better way to spend a snowy day than inside, curled up on the couch with your family or special loved one, watching your favorite show?

Over the years, I've found the following hidden gems that I can watch via streaming or DVD at Netflix.

Favorite Foreign Film 

The Intouchables (2011) is a French foreign film, with subtitles, but you don't really need them to understand what is happening in the movie, which is based on a true story. The plot centers around a wealthy paraplegic who takes a chance and hires a recent immigrant from Africa, who also has a criminal record, as his caregiver. Together, the two go on an adventure that challenges everything that each of them thought they knew about people, and the world. Watching their story unfold, you will be inspired and will also be challenged in respect to what you think you know about the world, and the people in it. You can view this heartfelt film via streaming, Blu-ray and DVD formats.

Favorite TV Shows

Lilyhammer (Two Seasons: 2012-2013) Is an original series produced by Netflix, just like their House of Cards and Hemlock Grove series. The plot centers around an American gangster, played by musician, Stevie Van Zandt, from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. After turning evidence on fellow mobsters, the gangster asks to be given a new identity and relocated to Lilyhammer, Norway. The show follows his exploits of trying to fit in and adjust in a foreign culture, and the characters he meets along the way.

In the first episode, he finds that the town's chief of police is his new neighbor. Do you think he will really use this opportunity to turn over a new leaf? Watch it to find out! I normally don't like movies and shows about mobsters, and there is some violent scenes and language that really aren't my taste, but the show is funny, and I can't help but laugh. It's definitely not for younger viewers.

There are other great TV shows available on Netflix, including Revenge, Longmire, The Gilmore Girls, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Downton Abbey, The Game of Thrones, Dr. Who, Doc Martin, Leverage, Sons of Anarchy, Inspector Morse, Sherlock, and many more! Shows that are still being produced tend to be one season behind what is currently on air.

Film Classics 

One of the things that I missed most when I gave up cable, was the channel that played classic movies. Thankfully, Netflix has tons of classic movies available for viewing by streaming or DVD and Blu-ray, including these favorites: The African Queen with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, and my favorite Christmas movie, the original Bishop's Wife with David Niven, Cary Grant and Loretta Young.

Romance

North & South is a British period mini-series based on the popular novel by Elizabeth Gaskell. It stars Daniela Denby-Ashe as a parson's daughter who moves with her father to a mill town during the Victorian era. Richard Armitage stars as the owner of the mill, and the town's major employer. The two are attracted to one another at the beginning, but just like Romeo and Juliet, everything and everyone conspires against them and works to keep them apart. It is only at the very end of the mini-series, after a series of trials and tribulations that would have destroyed the love, affection and attraction most would have that the two finally are able to overcome all odds and share a kiss - and I warn you, I think this is perhaps the most passionate kiss I've ever seen on film.

Of course, Netflix has many more hidden gems and great programs than just the ones that I have listed here. If you've found other favorites on Netflix, why not share them in the comments section?

If you don't already have Netflix, you may want to check out this article on Digital Landing about how to choose the best Netflix Plans. Another article on this other site that can help expand your entertainment options is Top Sites to Watch Movies Online Free.

Photo Credit: Wesley Fryer

Breaking News! DRAGON AGE™: ORIGINS is Free for a limited time!

Breaking News! DRAGON AGE™: ORIGINS is Free for a limited time! Continue reading to learn how you can download a free copy of the fantasy RPG that GameSpot rated a 9.5! If you want to download the standard version of the game for free, you better hurry! This free offer from Origin and Entertainment Arts expires October 14, 2014!

By Lyn Brooks, Writer

As a frugal geeky nerd, you know that we can't resist a bargain on a great game! For a limited time, Origin is offering PC gamers a chance to download the standard version of the game for free. To download, users will need to sign up for a free Origin account, and download the Origin Client Server in order to be able to download DRAGON AGE™: ORIGINS and other EA titles.

Once you've downloaded the Origin Client, log in to your account. You can find DRAGON AGE™: ORIGINS Under the Free Games Tab under On the House.

The game is reminiscent of your favorite old school RPGs with it's focus on the development of character and attributes. At the beginning of the game you will choose between three races: human, dwarf and elf as well as three occupations: mage, rogue and warrior. You then choose between six different origin stories to begin the game.

As you play the game, you will quickly notice that there are not any easy choices, and the choices that you make determine how other characters treat you in the game. As you travel from town to town exploring and completing quests, the choice is yours as to whether you want to be a morally upright hero or a dastardly evil anti-hero.

This game was developed by BioWare, published by Electronic Arts - EA, and originally released on October 31, 2009. If you have never played the game, or if perhaps you did once, but it was so long ago that you've lost the disc or download, now is your chance to immerse yourself into the expansive world and dark age of the title. The game isn't for children, as the blood, gore, violence and adult themes have earned the game a Mature ESRB rating.

The sequel to the game, DRAGON AGE™: INQUISITION becomes available November 18th, so now is the perfect time to get in some game play on this timeless RPG adventure classic!

Photo Credits: Title Photo and Screenshots: Origin, EA Games

Apple Watch Details Have Been Released!

Apple recently released details about it's long anticipated iWatch. It now appears that everything that Apple tech lovers expected was wrong, beginning with the name. The gadget will be known simply as Apple Watch. To find out more about its features and the date it will be in stores, check out this informative article at Stack Gamer: Details Released on New Apple Watch.

Photo Credit: Stephane < 3

A Look Back at the Most Anticipated Video Games of 2014

As 2013 came to a close, the following titles were the most anticipated video games for 2014. As these video games were released this year, did they live up to the hype?

By Lyn Brooks, Writer

2013 was a great year for video gaming with the release of new gaming consoles, the PS4 and Xbox One. This year, 2014, promises to be an even better year for gamers, with the expected release of many new titles for these and other consoles. The following is a brief list, in no particular order, of the top five most anticipated, new video games for 2014.

Titanfall

With an expected release date around March 11, this first-person shooter game from Respawn Entertainment/Electronic Arts was developed by most of the same team that developed the popular Call of Duty game. Fans of the PS4 can expect xBox 360 and XBox One users to rub their nose a bit into the fact that there is currently no plans to bring it to the PS4.

Early reports from the beta testers indicate that the controls feel similar to those in Call of Duty, but players have a wider range of options and the characters are simply much more mobile than those in the COD franchise. Vertical movement, such as jumping, is very important to progressing in the game, and movement in and use of the Titans themselves adds a completely new dimension to play. If you hadn't already planned to upgrade to the Xbox One, this online-only multiplayer game may be your best reason yet to take the plunge and get ready to get your game on!

The Elder Scrolls Online

Fans of Bethesda's famous RPG Morrowind were thrilled when the Elder Scrolls sequels Skyrim and Oblivioncame out. These single player titles feature expansive worlds filled with so many NPCs, quests, side quests, easter eggs and dungeons that its hard for players to not become completely absorbed in the game for months, possibly even years.

Now, the game is coming to the MMO world, and The Elder Scrolls Online will give players an even greater opportunity to have adventures and quest for glory as they explore the game in a MMO setting. This MMO will be available in PC, PS4 and Xbox One formats starting April 4th. Diehard fans may want to get to work now clearing their calenders in preparation for the hours and days they are likely to spend wrapped up in this massive world.

The Witness 
Do you remember the game Myst from the early days of home computers and MS-Dos boots? The Witness has a familiar feel as its a first-person game set on a remote, mysterious island, and you have to solve puzzles to progress in the game. While it has a familiar feel that the nostalgic will enjoy, the graphics, game play, and challenges are all up to date. The game is currently only planned for PCs and PS4 release for 2014, so PS4 fans may have something to hold over their xBox One playing counterparts.

Destiny

The worst thing about this game is that gamers have to wait until the fall, September 9 to be precise, to be able to play this new action, role playing, first-person shooter game that incorporates MMO elements. Those who pre-order Destiny are currently eligible for beta testing, which will begin later this spring, so this is one game it may pay you to order months in advance of it's release.

Destiny will be available in PS3, PS4, xBox 360 and xBox One formats and features an open world for players to explore. Developed by Bungie, early reports indicate that the controls operate similar to the controls in the Halo franchise, but it's a completely new world and characters to explore, and unexpected, random adventures spring up out of nowhere in this game.

Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 will release on Nintendo's WiiU on May 30. The latest installment in this racing series contains a new twist. Now, it's easier than ever for players to enjoy being good at playing a "bad guy/black hat" character as they navigate the game as any one of Bowsers infamous seven koopas: Larry, Iggy, Ludwig, Lemmy, Roy Wendy and Morton. Of course, players can still enjoy challenging gravity and other players as traditional "good guy/white hat" characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach and Daisy. If you have a WiiU, this will be one 2014 title that you won't want to miss.

This is my list for the top five most anticipated new video games for 2014. What do you think? Did I miss any of your favorites that have you on pins and needles waiting for the release? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

This article was originally published on Yahoo! at the end of 2013. Now that the titles have been released, what do you think of the video games that were most anticipated for 2014? Did these games exceed or live up to your expectations? Did any fail miserably?

Photo Credit: Rad Jose