In a possible game changing move, Netflix has reached a deal with The Weinstein Co. for its first feature movie, the sequel to Ang Lee's 2000 martial arts epic CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. The sequel, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON: THE GREEN LEGEND is now set to hit IMAX theaters and the streaming service simultaneously next summer. If the closing windows between a films initial release and its home media release didn’t get the attention of theater exhibitors, this for sure will.
Netflix has been looking at the day-and-date releases of movies for some time; they now have an exclusive deal with the Weinstein Co. for first-run films from TWC, beginning in 2016, and have other deals with the studio including the original series Marco Polo.
Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement about the decision:
"Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty, we are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with IMAX, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film."
Harvey Weinstein added:
"The moviegoing experience is evolving quickly and profoundly, and Netflix is unquestionably at the forefront of that movement. We are tremendously excited to be continuing our great relationship with Netflix and bringing to fans all over the world the latest chapter in this amazing and intriguing story."
It’s all about choice I suppose; I’ve never been a fan of the shortening release window movies have had over the last decade. I can still enjoy the theater going experience (when people don’t ruin it) and like to see it flourish. With one of the worst summer box office’s on record and going to the movies becoming more of a hassle (and life threatening experience) it’s no wonder change is coming fast.
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON: THE GREEN LEGEND will star Michelle Yeoh reprising her role from the first movie, and Donnie Yen (IP MAN) as Silent Wolf. The movie will be directed by martial-arts choreographer Yuen Wo-Ping (THE MATRIX, KILL BILL). The movie will be released August 28, 2015.
What do you think of the day-and-date releases coming our way in the near future?