Netflix/Paramount Ink Movie Streaming Deal – in Canada

28 Mar, 2011 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Agreement does not include U.S. streaming service

Netflix March 28 said it signed an agreement with Paramount Pictures enabling it to stream all of the studio’s first-run theatrical releases in Canada.

The deal, representing more than 350 movies, does not apply to Netflix’s domestic streaming-only service.

Titles include The Last Airbender Iron Man 2, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Titanic, and Defiance, Zoolander, Wayne's World, and classics such as The African Queen, Sabrina (1954) and Terms of Endearment.

"We are committed to constantly expanding our selection of top new movies and TV shows for our Canadian members," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer, in a statement. "This agreement will allow them to watch some of the latest hit Paramount films as well as an incredible range of the studio's recent and classic favorites anytime they want. Netflix and Paramount enjoy a great relationship and are proud to bring such a terrific array of films to Netflix members in Canada."

The deal represents another feather in Netflix's growing streaming cap, and underscores some studios apparent willingness to negotiate digital licenses with the Los Gatos, Calif.-based online disc rental pioneer. Paramount, in particular, also has street date agreements with lower-margin distributor Redbox.

Other studios, including Warner Home Video, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Entertainment, have been reluctant to expose their libraruies and new releases to streaming and kiosks on street date. They favor limiting access to physical and digital sellthrough with streaming and kiosks considered at best a distant cousin.

Separately, Netflix is reportedly in negotiations with Miramax to gain streaming access to the independent studio's library of more than 700 movies. SInce being sold by The Walt Disney Co., Miramax has aggressively sought physical and digital distribution deals with myriad third-party channels.

 

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