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The move for "Roma," "Bird Box" and "The Ballad of Buster
Scruggs" is a change from the company's traditional practice of
releasing movies in theaters and on Netflix on the same day.
"Roma," a black-and-white, Spanish-language film about a
housekeeper in Mexico, will start playing in cinemas in Los
Angeles, New York and Mexico on Nov. 21 and later expand to
other cities and countries.
Directed by Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron, "Roma" will debut on
Netflix and in additional theaters on Dec. 14.
At the end of September, Netflix had 137 million subscribers to
its movie and TV streaming service. It began stocking its
library with original films just three years ago.
Netflix had been insisting that any movies it sent to theaters
be available to its streaming membership on the same day. Most
large theater chains remain opposed to Netflix films, and some
prominent directors have objected to the idea that their movies
would be seen mostly on the small screen.
Now, Netflix's strategy is evolving.
"Netflix's priority is our members and our filmmakers, and we
are constantly innovating to serve them," Scott Stuber, head of
Netflix's film group, said in a statement.
"Roma" is a likely contender for best picture, according to
Hollywood awards experts, and Netflix's release plan for the
film is similar to ones used by traditional studios to promote
their arthouse movies ahead of awards voting.
"The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," a new movie from "Fargo"
filmmakers Ethan and Joel Coen, will start a limited theatrical
run on Nov. 8, eight days before its debut on Netflix.
"Bird Box," a thriller starring Sandra Bullock and Sarah
Paulson, will begin playing in some theaters on Dec. 13 before
hitting Netflix on Dec. 21.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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