Netflix and Imax get worldwide exclusive movie premiere

Netflix will show the sequel to Oscar-winner Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, on its streaming service in August 2015. A deal with film studio Weinstein Company and Imax makes it possible for the film to be offered simultaneously with the theatrical release.

The American streaming service has shown premieres of self-produced series exclusively in the past, such as ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black’, but according to the New York Times it is the first time that a similar film deal has been made. Netflix customers can watch the film from the first showing at no extra cost. Besides Netflix, only Imax cinemas are allowed to show the film.

Netflix would like to offer even more movies through such a concept in the future. The American streaming service says it wants to bring about a turnaround in the film industry. The company says it hopes that this move will see Hollywood listen to customer needs and adapt the way films are released. This refers to the current system, in which films are usually only available for streaming services months after the cinema release.

The sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is set to release on August 28. The film was released in 2000 and won several Oscars at the time.