Netflix Celebrates Cinema History with Global 35mm Screenings of George Clooney and Adam Sandler's JAY KELLY
Netflix is taking a step back in time with Noah Baumbach’s upcoming dramedy Jay Kelly, which is a film about memory, fame, and the lasting magic of the movies.
Before it goes to streaming, Netflix will give Jay Kelly an exclusive theatrical run in some of the world’s most historic movie palaces, screening it the way it was made to be seen, on 35mm film.
Shot and printed on 35mm Kodak film stock, Jay Kelly follows a movie star reflecting on his life both on and off the screen, and the theatrical release itself doubles as a love letter to the art of cinema.
Netflix has carefully chosen venues that mirror the film’s nostalgic themes, creating what the company describes as “an homage to cinema’s golden age.”
“It is incredibly meaningful to have Jay Kelly screened in so many historic movie palaces around the world,” Baumbach said in a statement.
“Going to the movies in one of these theaters is a singular moviegoing experience and is to be treasured and supported. Jay Kelly is in part a celebration of the medium and this theatrical run feels like a further celebration.”
The film will play in 35mm at a wide range of legendary locations, including Netflix’s own Egyptian and Paris Theatres, along with the Vista (Los Angeles), Nitehawk Cinema (Brooklyn), Music Box (Chicago), River Oaks Theater (Houston), Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael, CA), State Theater (Traverse City, MI), Michigan Theater (Ann Arbor), Mayan Theater (Denver), Hollywood Theater (Portland), Coolidge Corner (Boston), Grand Lake Theater (Oakland), Tower Theater (Sacramento), Plaza Theater (Atlanta), Cineteca Nacional de Mexico (Mexico City), Victoria Eugenia Theatre (San Sebastian), Picturehouse Central (London), Stella Cinema Rathmines (Dublin), Delphi Filmpalast (Berlin), Cinerama Empire (Geneva), Ritz Cinemas (Sydney), and Shin Bugeiza (Tokyo). Netflix shared that many of these cinemas have been restored to their former glory, making this run a global celebration of moviegoing heritage.
Movie fans attending these screenings will also receive limited-edition film programs, adding an extra touch of vintage authenticity to the experience.
Jay Kelly stars George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup, and Laura Dern, and has already built strong Oscar momentum after its Venice Film Festival debut. It joins Netflix’s growing lineup of prestige theatrical releases this fall, including Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
Jay Kelly opens in theaters on November 14 before streaming exclusively on Netflix starting December 5.
I do love that Netflix is embracing the old-school movie magic that Jay Kelly celebrates, and that they’re embracing the theater experience with the movie. They should do that with more of their films.
Source: Variety