It’s a great day to be a Netflix subscriber.
The company has signed a joint deal with subscription-based television service Epix to bring films from Paramount Pictures, MGM, and Lionsgate to their “Watch Instantly” streaming service 90 days after they’re released to DVD, New York Times reports.
A common complaint some subscribers currently have with Netflix’s online offerings is that the library is often filled with older and classic films that might not always satisfy hyperactive movie buffs. The deal with Epix plans to change that considerably as summer blockbusters like Iron Man 2, How to Train Your Dragon, and Kick-Ass will all appear in the Instant category much sooner.
The deal cost Netflix close to $1 billion in licensing fees over the course of the joint venture, but that price tag could be worth their while if it attracts new customers to their service in the long run.
The deal begins September 1 and is speculated to last for up to five years.
[Sources: NY Times, LA Times]
It’s a great day to be a Netflix subscriber.
I’m actually about to drop Netflix after YEARS because of their deal holding off dvd releases.
The watch instantly is fine but the quality is less, isn’t as convenient as dvd’s, and the selection really sucks unless you like series or tv shows.
I want my damn dvd releases so now I am opting for other venues.
Comment by Brian — August 10, 2010 @ 10:56 pm