This post is in partnership with Amazon Studios. All thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for years, mostly because I can’t live without my free 2-day shipping, but over the years as Prime has added to their membership benefits we’ve been able to enjoy more and more perks. We regularly find great movies and shows to watch for free with Amazon Prime Video. Tons of titles are included at no charge as a Prime member benefit.
Today only, December 29, 2016, Prime members can watch the Amazon Original Movie GLEASON for free! My husband and I just watched it over Christmas weekend and I can’t stop thinking about this family. You might know Steve Gleason as a former football player. He was diagnosed with ALS (remember the ice bucket challenge a couple of years ago?) a few years after retiring from football at a very young age and at the same time he and his wife became pregnant with their son.
Amazon Original Movie GLEASON
GLEASON is a video documentary of their journey through this disease and their determination to never give up on living the best life you can. I am in awe of this man and his wife. My heart, his wife is just the most amazing person I’ve ever seen.
Shortly after former New Orleans Saints star defensive back Steve Gleason is diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34, he learns that his wife Michel is pregnant with their first child. Determined to live his remaining years to their fullest, Steve goes on an expedition to Alaska, creates a foundation to help others with ALS patients, rebuilds a rocky relationship with his father and embraces new technologies to help compensate for his deteriorating physical abilities—all with Michel’s unwavering support. Brimming with humor and heart, this inspirational documentary follows a man who battles overwhelming adversity to find his true purpose in life.
Gleason – Official Trailer
The movie is a total tearjerker. Grab a whole bunch of tissues before you sit down to watch. But the cool thing about this documentary is that in one breath you’ll be fighting back tears and in the next you’ll be laughing. And it is SO inspiring.
“I have this diagnosis and it’s not going to crush my life even if it does crush my body.”
After being diagnosed, Steve became determined to pass as much of himself as he could onto his son, Rivers. He created a video diary for him with his thoughts on life, love, religion, and so much more. He mends fences with his father with whom he has a bit of a contentious relationship. We also see how he goes from appearing to be healthy to losing his ability to walk, then to talk, and the decisions he has to make to persevere in the face of this illness.
My GLEASON Review
The film is a pretty raw look at living with ALS, so I’d say it’s for adults or older (teenage) kids. After we got the kids to bed the other night, my husband and I sat down to watch it and it’s been on my mind ever since. It’s one of those stories that stays with you.
Gleason made its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically on July 29, 2016 to an overwhelmingly positive critical response. The acclaimed film is among 15 documentaries shortlisted for the 2016 Academy Award for Best Documentary, was nominated for Five Broadcast Film Critic’s Awards and was included among The National Board of Review’s Top Five Documentaries of the Year. Gleason is directed by Clay Tweel (Finders Keepers) and features for New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason, his wife Michel Varisco and Steve’s former teammate and best friend Scott Fujita (The Lightkeepers, FOX NFL Kickoff). The film is produced by Fujita, Kimi Culp (Oprah’s Master Class), Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief), Mary Rohlich (Four Christmases, The Goldbergs) and Kevin Lake (The Singing Detective, Paparazzi).
In a nutshell, I really love the film. It was heartbreaking but also full of love, life, and hope. In the face of losing so much, Steve never gives up, never wants to throw in the towel and stop fighting for the life he has with his family. And as a mother, I am SO inspired by his wife Michel. This woman is a true miracle. She is patient, full of love, full of determination, and at the same time the film keeps it real and shows the effects that this disease has on a marriage. I appreciate that about the documentary. They don’t try to sugar coat anything about ALS and at the same time, they never lose hope.
“I believe my future is bigger than my past. That’s uplifting. That’s inspiring.”
Whether you can catch this while it’s free for Prime members or not, it’s absolutely worth watching. You’ll be inspired to remember what’s important and appreciate those things. I have been.
Gleason Playlist
GLEASON is full of awesome music and even includes an brief interview with Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) on his relationship with his father. You’re going to need those tissues for this part of the film – trust me on that.
The music for Gleason includes numerous songs that have inspired Steve throughout his life, like “Given to Fly” and “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam, as well as two tracks, “Space In Between,” and “Her Again,” written by Steve Gleason himself and performed by his good friend, guitarist Mike McCready along with singer, Kim Virant, which will be available exclusively on Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music beginning December 23. Additionally, Steve created a playlist featuring some of his favorite songs, also streaming exclusively on both Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music.
I love this playlist! Steve Gleason is my age so I grew up on the same music he did. Awesome stuff in here!
Learn More and Watch GLEASON
You can watch GLEASON on Amazon Video here. Remember Prime members can view it for free on December 29 only. See more Amazon Originals that Prime members can enjoy here. Not a Prime member? Grab your membership! It’s worth every penny for me – so many perks and Amazon adds new ones all the time, plus you can start with a free 30-day trial! You can find the Gleason playlist here.
The Giveaway
Amazon Studios is generously offering my readers an awesome giveaway: one of you will win an Amazon Fire Stick! This giveaway is open to US residents ages 18+ and will end at 11:59pm ET on January 5, 2017.
Good luck!
Sheri bernal says
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I was a prime member but it expired back in November. I decided to hold off until January to renew it so it would stay in effect through Christmas 2017.
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Used to be a prime member and loved the fast shipping.
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I dropped my prime membership.
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I am not a Prime Member but I think about it because of the free two-day shipping!
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All the perks are great but I think I enjoy the music most of all!
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I am a Amazon Prime member and I like the free streaming movies/tv shows.
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I’m an Amazon Prime member. My favorite Prime perk is Amazon Music.
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My favorite feature is Amazon Music! 🙂
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I am not an amazon prime member, I am jealous of them all! i do convince my best friend who is a member to order me stuff though, so i can get the free quick shipping.
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Free 2 day shipping.
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Yes I am an Amazon Prime Member and my favorite perk is Prime TV.
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I am a Prime member and my favorite perk is the free 2 day shipping!
Ashley C says
No, I am not.
Valencia says
I am not a Prime member. I have thought about becoming one though.
Kelly D says
I like that Prime members get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals.
Tiffany Schantzenbach says
I am not a prime member, but I did have the free trial before and I liked the free shipping.
Mary Beth Elderton says
I am a prime member. Because I do a hole lot of shopping online, Prime pays for itself in shipping costs very quickly. I haven;t really tried the movies but would LOVE to.
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I am not an Amazon prime member, but if I was, my prime perk would be free shipping!
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I’m not a Prime member. I like the free shipping.
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Will G says
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I am an Amazon Prime member and like their two day shipping.
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Like the free two day shipping.
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I am, and I love 2-day shipping!
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Not having to spend a certain amount for free shipping is great. It’s nice to just be able to order one or two things and have it ship for free.
Julie Lundstrom says
I am a member and I enjoy the videos and books.
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My favorite Prime perk is free shipping.
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I’m not an Amazon Prime member. I’ve never really ordered enough from them to justify the fee and when I do I usually get free shipping because of the amount of my purchase.
Julie Hansen says
I am a Amazon Prime member and my favorite Prime perk is the two day free shipping.
Ally says
I am a prime member, and I like prime video
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I get amazon prime by the month when I think I might need it. Nice that they offer it monthly.
SHAYNA says
I AM NOT AN AMAZON PRIME MEMBER BUT I WOULD LOVE THE FREE SHIPPING 🙂
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I am an Amazon Prime member. I love the 2 day shipping!
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I am a Prime member. Love the free music, 2 day shipping. I would like a wider selection of movies.
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I am not currently an amazon prime member but I do love the 2 day shipping it offers
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I have Amazon Prime and my favorite feature is the 2 day shipping.
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I am an Amazon Prime member. I like the free 2-day shipping.
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Carol S says
I’m planning on joining Amazon Prime this year before of the free fast shipping.
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i am a prime member and love free shipping and the deals you can find
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I am an Amazon Prime Member and I love their 2 day shipping the best! When I order things over the holidays like this and I have to wait a couple of extra holidays, I notice! I get so spoiled with their fast shipping.
Danielle Day says
Watching tv shows.
Leona Olson says
I am not yet a Prime Member of Amazon.
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I am not an amazon prime member, but I have been considering it. Thank you for the chance to win. Happy holidays!
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I am no longer a prime member because the price outweighed what I purchased.
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Yes i am; i love the free shipping
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I am not part of Amazon prime.
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2 day deliver is great
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My favorite Amazon Prime perk is the free Two-Day Shipping! I also love the unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos!
Adriana says
Im not a prime member,bu i know i need to be.
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I’m a prime member and the quick shipping is very handy.
Tiffany Banks says
I am not an Amazon Prime member BUT from reading about it I love the free 2 day shipping
susan smoaks says
my favorite prime perk is the tv. i just watched Gleason over the holiday and it was truly inspirational. i cried and cried. i loved it.
Shelley says
I am a Prime member and I love the free shipping. I also enjoy the new show The Man in the High Castle!
Paula Michele Hafner says
I am. My favorite Perk is Prime Music. We stream it all the time, both in the house and in the car.
beth shepherd says
I am not but used to be. I love the fast shipping.
Sheila B says
I have never jumped on the Prime bandwagon because most of what I buy on amazon is books and I get them instantly to my Kindle. If I bought more I probably would for the free 2 day shipping!
Amy Deeter says
I am a member. Myfavorite Prime perk is the 2 day free shipping
Yvonne Delgado says
Not a member but I have many friends who are. I hope to become one this year, soon 🙂 I like the Prime Videos (I’ve tried the trial service in the past). I also appreciate how my friends can get thins delivered in an hour!
April Swaim says
I am an Amazon Prime member and I do it because of the fast, free two day shipping! That came in very handy this year for Christmas!
pamela j says
I am not a prime member.
Janice Crespo says
I’m a prime member and I love it. I’m not sure what my favorite part is. I love the photos as my screen saver. I also love their new shows. Mozart is great 😉
barbG says
Yes our household is a prime membership. I think you would have to be. It is such a savings to not pay for shipping.
Amber Warfield says
I love the free 2 day shipping.
Rosanne says
Yes, I’m a Prime member on Amazon. I loved the free 2 day shipping @ Christmas. Now we’re getting int the shows on amazon. Watching the Wire now.
Scott D says
Yes – 2 day shipping and all the streaming of originals they have.
golden storm says
not a prime member but i would love the free 2 day shipping if i was
Rajee Pandi says
No I am not member and I wish to become because of free movies
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I am a prime member and my favorite perk is free 2 day shipping!
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I love being a Prime member getting great movies to watch and free shipping on many items I buy too.
Keeley Sullivan says
I am not a prime member.
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I am a prime member. I love the free 2 day shipping.
Lesley F says
I am. Love the free shipping and how fast it gets here
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Yes. I like the fast free shipping!
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Yes, I have been for a few years now! I absolutely love the free shipping.
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I have been a prime member for years and I love the free shipping, especially at Christmas time.
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I am not an Amazon Prime member. I’m thinking about trying it for the free 2 day shipping.
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Yes I have Prime and it would have to be the free 2 day shipping
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Yes I’m a prime member and I love the free shipping and diaper discounts!
Jessica Whitehouse says
Not a Prime member… I don’t order enough online to make the cost justified. If there were more shows that we were interested in watching, it might be worth it.
vicki lorenz says
I am a Prime Member. I love the movies and the no shipping charges for alot of purchases. It is worth it.
Laurie Emerson says
I am a Amazon Prime Member. My favorite perk is the free shipping.
Richard Hicks says
I am not a member but I do like the faster shipping feature
Shirley Hicks says
NO im not a amazon prime member
Allyson R Becker says
I have been a Prime Member for years. I love the Free 2 day shipping. It is awesome!
Janice Gabriel says
I am not an Amazon Prime Member, though this interesting information gives me pause to think about it. My favorite benefit that’s listed is the free movies and shows.
James Jenkins says
I was a member; I liked the free delivery on heavy bags of pet food.
Lt says
yes i am an amazon prime member. i like the free shipping
Janine H says
I am an Amazon prime member. I like the free Prime videos!
Amy says
My favorite prime perk has to be the 2 day shipping and the discounted overnight shipping. These perks tend to pay for the entire membership within the first or second month of the year!
CWH says
Yes love the prime video
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My favorite perk is the 1 and 2 day free shipping options.
kris mihalov says
I am not a prime member but if I had the cash to pay for it I would be 🙂 love the free 2 day shipping
Kirsten Kassee says
I am a Prime member, and I love the free movies! I also love being able to download my favorite shows.
laura says
I am a member and I love the free 2 day shipping
amy delong says
not a prime member,but the free shipping is tempting
Michelle H. says
I am not a prime member. I probably should be. I shop at Amazon enough.
Denise Donaldson says
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I am a sub prime member and one of my favorite benefits is the free shipping.
Kayla says
I am a prime member and I love the 2 day shipping.
Samantha says
I am not a Amazon Prime member, but I like the 2-day shipping on it!
Carolyn Daley says
Yes, I have Amazon Prime. I love it for the unlimited 2-day shipping so I can get things when I need them or have them shipped directly to a friend for their birthday.
angie p says
I am a prime member. I love the free 2 day shipping.
Terry Bellender says
Right now I am on a free trial basis and so far I do like the fast 2 day shipping plus I’ve watched a couple of movies. I do like it but I am uncertain at this point if I will continue with it as I really don’t do enough amazon shopping to outweigh the cost of it.
Karen Gonyea says
I am an Amazon Prime member and I LOVE the free shipping perk !!
Kelly Moran says
I have Amazon Prime and I love everything about it! My favorite perks are free shipping and one day shipping!
Trisha McKee says
I am not yet a Prime member but plan on joining soon. The two day shipping has me sold.
AEKZ2 says
I’m a Prime member. My favorite perk is the free 2 day shipping.
Carl White says
Are you an Amazon Prime member?
Yes.
What’s your favorite Prime perk?
Amazon Prime Video, just binged The Man in the High Castle.
Leave a comment to complete this mandatory entry.
Done
Roxann says
I am not a prime subscriber at this time but I have been in the past. I love the 2 day free shipping.