Amazon Streaming Third Original Movie Oct. 20

11 Oct, 2016 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Amazon Studios Oct. 11 announced it would begin streaming its third original movie, Love & Friendship, on Prime Video Oct. 20.

The period film, based on a Jane Austen novella, stars Kate Beckinsale (Underworld), Chloe Sevigny (“Big Love”), and Xavier Samuel (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), among others.

Amazon, unlike Netflix, is honoring the industry’s longtime practice granting movie exhibitors and retailers successive exclusivity on its new releases.

Love & Friendship, similarly to previous Amazon original movies Chi-Raq and Elvis & Nixon, was released theatrically after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. The film generated $14 million at the domestic box office following a May 13 release — Amazon’s largest box office haul.

“Love & Friendship brings to life Jane Austen’s novella in a captivating comedic style thanks to Whit Stillman’s unique voice and filmmaking,” Jason Ropell, worldwide head of motion pictures of Amazon Studios, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled that after a successful theatrical run, the Amazon Original Movie will be available this month [online].”

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released Love & Friendship at retail (Blu-ray/DVD) Sept. 6; Elvis & Nixon — about the rock icon’s bizarre meeting with President Richard Nixon — on July 19.

Chicago inner city-themed Chi-Raq, directed by Spike Lee, was released by Lionsgate at retail Jan. 26.

Other Amazon theatrical movies released or pending at retail include horror movie The Neon Demon (Broad Green Pictures); comedy Weiner Dog; Woody Allen’s Café Society (Oct. 18 by Lionsgate); Gleason (Nov. 1 by SPHE); Complete Unknown (Oct. 4 by SPHE); Author: The JT LeRoy Story; and The Dressmaker (Dec. 27 by Broad Green).
 

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