Amazon.com has taken its video-on-demand platform, known as Prime Video, live in 200 countries around the world, including South Africa. Prices start at just US$2,99/month (about R40/month) as part of an introductory offer.

The introductory price is valid for the first six months, after which membership renews at a price of $5,99/month (about R82/month), significant undercutting both Amazon’s US rival Netflix and homegrown competitor ShowMax.

Amazon Prime Video is available via apps for Android, iOS and LG and Samsung smart TVs as well as via the PrimeVideo.com website.

The biggest draw, at least at first, is likely to be The Grand Tour, the new show hosted by former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.

Other titles include Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle and The Man in the High Castle.

“This is just the beginning. Amazon will continue to add a full line-up of fresh new original programming from some of the world’s greatest storytellers and entertainers to Prime Video globally in early 2017,” it said in a statement.

“For example, members can expect all-new seasons of many critically acclaimed shows such as The Man in the High Castle, Mozart in the Jungle, Hand of God, Red Oaks and more, plus full first seasons of The Grand Tour, Woody Allen’s Crisis in Six Scenes, David E Kelley’s Goliath featuring Billy Bob Thornton, docuseries American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story, Sneaky Pete produced by Bryan Cranston and Graham Yost, Z: The Beginning of Everything starring Christina Ricci, Patriot, The Tick, among other Hollywood movies and TV shows coming soon.”