Miramax signs streaming deal with Netflix

Miramax and Netflix have signed a multi-year distribution deal allowing subscribers to stream hundreds of Miramax titles beginning next month. It's not known how much this deal cost, but it was likely a hight figure. Netflix gains movies such as Bad Santa, Chasing Amy, Cinema Paradiso, Clerks, Cold Mountain, From Dusk Till Dawn, Good Will Hunting, Kill Bill Volumes I and II, Muriel's Wedding, The Piano, Pulp Fiction, Reindeer Games and many of the Halloween, Scary Movie, Scream and Spy Kids films will be added to streaming in time. Miramax films have collectively received 284 Academy Award nominations, across 83 films, with 68 wins, including the Best Picture winners The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love, which will be added to streaming as well.

Here is what Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer had to say:

"Existing relationships with management and a shared affinity for these great films make this an important deal for both companies and for our members, who will enjoy instantly watching movies from one of the truly great film libraries for many years to come."

Mirmax has 700 films in their catalog. A number of which have been available only on disc until now. This is some great news for me. Here is what Mike Lang, CEO of Miramax had to say about the deal:

“From day one, we've been very clear about the importance of digital and our desire to respond to the significant pent-up demand for our films -- delivering to consumers whenever and wherever they want. This agreement is an important first step in our digital strategy. Netflix has always been a trailblazer, with a tremendous track record of innovation and quality customer service.”

Ever since Miramax was purchased by investors from The Walt Disney Co. there have been a number of similar North American and European distribution deals.

Lionsgate singed a deal last month to take retail control (including transactional VOD and electronic sellthrough) of about 550 titles. Miramax also signed similar retail deals with a Canadian distributor and Echo Bridge Entertainment for about 250 lesser known catalog titles.

Former owners Bob and Harvey Weinstein signed a deal for distribution of planned sequels of such films as Clerks, From Dusk Till Dawn, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Copland, Shall We Dance, Swingers and The Amityville Horror, among others, by The Weinstein Co.

I am excited about this news because I love watching movies on Netflix streaming. I only have a streaming account for Netflix at this point, so the addition of any films to the lineup is great news for me. What are your thoughts on this news?