Netflix could be purchasing its first movie theater

Netflix users are probably most used to streaming movies and binge-watching their favorite series from the comfort of their own couch.

Now, the streaming service might be buying a movie theater.

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This comes as a surprise as Netflix is in a bit of a battle with traditional film formats. Director Steven Spielberg planned to petition to the Academy to keep movies made by streaming services out of the Oscars. This was a result of Netflix’s Roma winning big at the Oscars this year.

The film was nominated for 10 awards and took home three for best foreign language film, best cinematography and best director.

His complaints are due to the nature of streaming-based films. They have a wider global distribution model than traditional films.

Additionally, Spielberg thinks that all films made under a streaming giant should instead be eligible to win an Emmy, the Oscar’s television counterpart.

After the rumors circulated about Spielberg’s plans to petition, Netflix fired back on Twitter.

“We love cinema. Here are some things we also love: -Access for people who can’t always afford, or live in towns without, theaters – Letting everyone, everywhere enjoy releases at the same time -Giving filmmakers more ways to share art,” the tweet reads.

We love cinema. Here are some things we also love:

-Access for people who can’t always afford, or live in towns without, theaters
-Letting everyone, everywhere enjoy releases at the same time
-Giving filmmakers more ways to share art

These things are not mutually exclusive.

— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) March 4, 2019

However, even though Netflix loves being accessible to everyone, that doesn’t mean they aren’t considering embracing the classic theater format. 

Deadline has reported that Netflix is “in preliminary talks” to purchase the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, one of the U.S.’s oldest movie houses built in 1922.

If the service buys it, it would be the first theater ever purchased by the company. However, Netflix does have a relationship with theater chains such as Landmark and Ipic that show some of the service’s films.

If purchases, the theater would program screenings on weekday night and leave the weekends open for different events hosted by non-profit American Cinematheque who currently runs the theater’s programming.

It is not confirmed whether or not the purchase is final, but it’d be pretty cool to see some Netflix films on the big screen.

In other news, Netflix recently informed even more subscribers that a price increase was coming after they initially announced the increase in January.

What do you think about Netflix buying a movie theater? Sound off in the comments below!

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