According to an article over at Variety, Netflix and the Weinstein Company will be bringing a sequel to Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" to Netflix the same day it debuts in theaters.
The new martial arts drama will stream on Netflix next summer, August 28, at no additional charge to Netflix subscribers. It will show exclusively at Imax theaters around the world that day. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend" will star Michelle Yeoh reprising her role from the first movie as Yu Shu-Lien, along with Donnie Yen (first two "Ip Man" movies, "Monkey King 3D") as Silent Wolf. The original 2000 film generated $213 million worldwide at the box office, including $128 million in the U.S.; among its awards haul were four Oscars, including "Best Foreign Language Film."
The sequel is directed by martial-arts choreographer Yuen Wo-Ping, who previously helmed "Tai Chi Master" and choreographed fight scenes in "The Matrix" trilogy and the first two "Kill Bill" movies from Quentin Tarantino.
The deal marks the first time a streaming video service will get an even start with movie theaters when a major motion picture debuts. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend" is one of several major movies Netflix is backing that will debut online the same day as the theater release.
Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos said in a statement: "Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty. We are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with IMAX, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film."
"The moviegoing experience is evolving quickly and profoundly, and Netflix is unquestionably at the forefront of that movement," Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC, added. "We are tremendously excited to be continuing our great relationship with Netflix and bringing to fans all over the world the latest chapter in this amazing and intriguing story."
TV shows have, in recent years, become available online very shortly after airing on TV, but the movie industry has maintained the "windowing system" that gives a long head start to theater owners.
Netflix's deal with the Weinstein Company may mark the beginning of the end of that windowing system.
