Netflix has partnered with the iPic Theater chain to bring its original movies to the big screen on the same day they’re released for streaming, per the Wall Street Journal. The deal includes at least 10 Netflix original movies, to be screened over the next year, starting with The Siege of Jadotville on Oct. 7.
Netflix, along with other streaming services, has firmly staked its claim on the television landscape, but its original movies haven’t had exactly the same breakout success. Committing to a deal to actually put its movies into theaters is a big signal that Netflix is going to start pushing its original movies harder than ever before. If this deal goes well for iPic, it’s possible other theater chains will change their minds when it comes to screening Netflix movies.
The new deal has already ruffled some feathers in the film industry, members of which are keen to maintain the old standards for film releases, even as the viewing patterns of audiences are changing. The chief of the National Association of Theater Owners John Fithian said in response to the Netflix deal:
We all should tread lightly and be mindful that over the years, the film industry’s success is a direct result of a highly successful collaboration between film makers, distributors and exhibitors. Simultaneous release, in practice, has reduced both theatrical and home revenues when it has been tried. Just as Netflix and its customers put a value on exclusivity, theater owners and their customers do too.
The bad news for those of us who are keen to watch Netflix movies on the big screen is that iPic only has 15 locations throughout the country, so if you’re not near one of them, you’re out of luck.
