Digital TV News

Netflix wins UK rights to show classic films on web TV

Monday 14 November, 2011

By Anthony Hill

When it launches in the UK, Netflix will screen cult classics such as Reservoir Dogs.

Netflix has signed a licensing deal with Lionsgate to make it the exclusive subscription streaming service for feature films from the studio.

From early 2012, when Netflix launches in the UK and Ireland, Lionsgate titles will be available for paying members to watch instantly on their TV, games console, computer or mobile device.

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix, said: “Lionsgate is an important and successful supplier of television series and movies. We are proud to be the exclusive pay-TV home for Lionsgate theatrically-released films in the UK and Ireland.”

The deal means Netflix, the world’s leading internet subscription service for movies and TV shows, will give UK members access to cult favourites such as Reservoir Dogs and new releases like the recently-announced remake of 1987 classic Dirty Dancing.

As well as the Lionsgate catalogue, which also includes horror blockbusters The Blair Witch Project and Saw 3D, brand new films will appear exclusively on Netflix within a year of their cinema release.

Upcoming titles include The Hunger Games, the highly-anticipated film starring Jennifer Lawrence - based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins - and The Expendables 2, a sequel to the recent action hit starring Bruce Willis, Jet Li and Sylvester Stallone.

For about $7.99 (£5) a month, Netflix allows members in the US to watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed over the internet to PCs, Macs and TV sets.

In October, it was announced that a similar service would be available in the UK and Ireland from early 2012. Until then, anyone interested in Netflix can sign-up on the company’s website to receive an email alert telling them when the service goes live.

Netflix will be competing with the likes of LOVEFiLM, Film4oD and YouTube’s new movie service when it arrives in the UK.