Netflix has changed the way quality movies will be released; all to the delight of movie buffs and casual moviegoers as well. The streaming giant has been drawing a lot of attention for releasing quality films that feature A-! Hollywood actors, which essentially, can earn nominations for Academy Awards; The only reason, keeping the Netflix films from qualifying as Oscar contenders, is that that they have not been shown for viewing at theaters.
However, rather than be bothered by some 90-day exclusivity contract imposed by cinema operators, Netflix is said to be shopping for cinemas to buy. That way the streaming company can release its movies on its own terms. That is, by running it in theaters, and then releasing films via its streaming platform soon enough, for the benefit of Netflix subscribers.
Netflix Vies for the Oscars via “The Irishman”
Although it is yet to be reported that Netflix has acquired its own cinemas, the streaming giant was able to book for cinema screening its newest completed project, the $159 million “The Irishman” directed by Martin Scorsese.
After a successful debut in last month’s “New York Film Festival; whilst beating the deadline for submission to the 92th Academy Awards, ”The Irishman” started screening in Hollywood at the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre and in Manhattan’s Belasco Theater, last November 01, 2019.
The film’s showing at the Belasco Theater at West 44th Street has “The Irishman” title flashing in bright lights like a typical Broadway show. It will run at eight (8) shows per week from Tuesdays to Sundays up to December 01, at a ticket price of $15.
The Egyptian Theater owned by American Cinematheque, which could very well become the first moviehouse owned by Netflix, will run the 209-minute crime drama up to November 14, 2019.
On November 27, 2019, the streaming giant’s 158 million subscribers will be able to watch “The Irishman” right in the comfort of their own home.
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) Expresses Disappointment Over Netflix’s Release Strategy
John Fithian, president of NATO calls Netflix’s release of a film handled by a major director, a disappointment and a disgrace. According to Fithian, it is a disgrace because the streaming company is letting go of “significant money on the table,” by releasing “The Irishman” on a short window. He also said that it is a very big disappointment because a Martin Scorsese film will be playing at only one-tenth of the screens on which it should have played.
