Redakcja Choose TV
Netflix is making a groundbreaking decision that could change the way films are released on the platform. The upcoming film Narnia: The Magician's Nephew will first hit theaters and will be subject to a standard 45-day exclusivity window. This is the first time that Netflix agrees to such a long delay for the streaming premiere of its own major production, which just recently seemed unthinkable.
Netflix Changes Its Approach to Theaters
So far, Netflix has mainly viewed theaters as a formality; short, limited screenings were primarily intended for award eligibility. Now, the situation looks completely different. "Narnia" will first appear in IMAX and wide theatrical distribution, and only after about 45 days will it land on the platform. This means that viewers will have to wait over a month after the theatrical release before the film appears online. Such a move suggests that Netflix is beginning to view theaters as an important element of its strategy, rather than just an add-on. This may also be the result of earlier discussions with theater operators and attempts to delve deeper into the traditional film market.
Greta Gerwig and the Great Ambitions of the Project
The change is also driven by Greta Gerwig, who is responsible for directing and producing the film. It is her approach to the project that convinced Netflix to adopt a more "theatrical" distribution model. "Narnia" is intended to be a large-scale event with an IMAX premiere and global reach that goes beyond typical streaming productions. At the same time, this decision may be challenging for the platform's subscribers who fund the productions and have grown accustomed to quick access to new releases. Now they will have to be patient, which may elicit mixed reactions.
Netflix takes a step towards cinema and changes its distribution strategy. "Narnia" may be the beginning of a new approach where big productions first hit the big screen and only later go to streaming.
source: flatpanelshd
