Netflix, the world's largest streaming service, has long been at odds with the traditional movie theater business. However, in a surprise move, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has announced that his company will commit to 45-day theatrical release windows for movies from its upcoming releases.
Sarandos, who was speaking exclusively to The New York Times, emphasized that Netflix's goal is not to disrupt the theatrical distribution engine, which produces billions of dollars in revenue each year. Instead, he believes that there is value in the movie theater experience and wants his company to be competitive by winning opening weekend box office.
This move marks a significant shift for Netflix, as it had previously hinted at potentially fast-tracking its own features while leaving theaters behind. However, Sarandos clarified that these comments were taken out of context and were intended to highlight how going to the movies isn't feasible for everyone in certain areas.
The commitment to 45-day theatrical release windows is seen as a nod to industry experts who have advocated for this new baseline for continued success. Nevertheless, critics argue that this move could still harm the movie theater business as a whole, particularly if audiences begin to see it as an alternative to waiting for movies to become available on Netflix.
As Sarandos himself noted, some towns may not even have movie theaters due to low population density. In such cases, streaming becomes the only viable option. However, this raises questions about whether Netflix's new strategy will ultimately benefit or harm the industry.
With its commitment to 45-day theatrical release windows, Netflix is taking a bold step into the traditional movie theater business. Whether it will prove to be a winning formula remains to be seen.
Sarandos, who was speaking exclusively to The New York Times, emphasized that Netflix's goal is not to disrupt the theatrical distribution engine, which produces billions of dollars in revenue each year. Instead, he believes that there is value in the movie theater experience and wants his company to be competitive by winning opening weekend box office.
This move marks a significant shift for Netflix, as it had previously hinted at potentially fast-tracking its own features while leaving theaters behind. However, Sarandos clarified that these comments were taken out of context and were intended to highlight how going to the movies isn't feasible for everyone in certain areas.
The commitment to 45-day theatrical release windows is seen as a nod to industry experts who have advocated for this new baseline for continued success. Nevertheless, critics argue that this move could still harm the movie theater business as a whole, particularly if audiences begin to see it as an alternative to waiting for movies to become available on Netflix.
As Sarandos himself noted, some towns may not even have movie theaters due to low population density. In such cases, streaming becomes the only viable option. However, this raises questions about whether Netflix's new strategy will ultimately benefit or harm the industry.
With its commitment to 45-day theatrical release windows, Netflix is taking a bold step into the traditional movie theater business. Whether it will prove to be a winning formula remains to be seen.
. I mean, on one hand, I think it's awesome that they're acknowledging the value of going to the movies. There's something special about watching a film on the big screen with an audience, you know? It's not just about the movie itself, but also about the experience.
. It's like they're giving up on their local community.
i mean, ted sarandos makes a valid point about some ppl in low populated areas having no access to theaters but at the same time...i dont think it's gonna be all sunshine and rainbows for the theater industry 
. ill have to see how this plays out in the next few months
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. I mean, some towns are really small and it's not like everyone can just hop on a plane to see a movie in LA 
. Ted Sarandos makes some legit points about the value of the movie theater experience - let's not forget that you can't replicate the magic of the big screen at home 
. Plus, this new 45-day release window thingy could actually help theaters by getting people in the door sooner 
. I'm down for giving Netflix a chance to make it work in the movie theater scene 
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. Now, I know some people might say this is just a PR move or that Netflix is trying to be more "cool" with theaters, but I think it's a genuine attempt to find common ground 
. And who knows, maybe this new strategy will even help revitalize the movie theater scene and bring in more revenue for cinemas 
. Like, what's next? They're gonna start showing ads before my shows and take away all the content I want to watch on there? Netflix was supposed to be the ultimate streaming experience, not some watered-down version with a 45-day theatrical release window. And don't even get me started on how this is gonna affect people in rural areas who already can't get to theaters easily 
. It's all about making more cash for these movie theater owners, not about providing better service to consumers. Can't they just make up their minds? 
I feel like this is such a big deal for both sides 
. On one hand, I get that some people might not have access to theaters in their areas, so streaming can be the only way to watch movies 
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. Think about it, Netflix, the company that's always been accused of stealing content from other studios, is now trying to save face by promising to play by the rules? It just doesn't add up 
The 45-day window thing makes sense too, especially for smaller towns with no movie theaters. But now we just gotta wait and see how the whole industry plays out... 
. plus, what about all the old folks who can't even make it to the cinema? this just seems like another way for Netflix to try and control what we watch, if you ask me 
.