You’ll soon be able to watch “Dinner for Schmucks” (::shudder::) via Netflix instant streaming. The company inked a deal with Epix, a new pay TV channel, for the rights to Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate movies. The deal cost Netflix $1 billion. That’s quite a bit of money, yes.
The deal, which will go into effect on September 1, gives Netflix access to a whole new library of films. More importantly, it gives Netflix the ability to compete a little more evenly with the likes of HBO since the movies will only be on a three-month delay after having first aired on Epix.
So, “Great Movie Starring Some Person” is released to theaters, a few months later it appears on Epix, then three months later it can be streamed on your Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, or whatever other device you have that streams Netflix.
It goes a long way toward making Netflix streaming a little more compelling. As I understand it, Netflix streaming still primarily has older movies and TV episodes.
Then again, you could always rent the Blu-ray disc and have lossless audio and 1080p video.
In any event, this is good news for you Netflix people. I know there’s a ton of you out there!