There are some things that money just can’t buy. And though it seems like the deep pockets of Netflix are able to attract top-flight filmmakers, actors, and awards consideration, money can’t seem to sway the major theater chains. And with that in mind, it would appear that Netflix is giving Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” the longest theatrical window of any film it has produced, but that doesn’t mean that everyone will likely get a chance to see the film on the big screen.
According to Deadline, Netflix has settled on a theatrical release strategy for “The Irishman” that begins on November 1, when the film debuts in New York City and Los Angeles. And yes, the film will get a solid four weeks of theatrical exclusivity before it arrives on Netflix just in time for Thanksgiving on November 27. However, the streaming service wasn’t able to sway the likes of AMC, Cinemark, Regal, and Cineplex to show the film on their screens. This means that while “The Irishman” will get around to eventually showing in most major US cities, you won’t be able to pop in at your local multiplex chain to enjoy the film.
The big issue of theatrical release windows (typically forcing studios to keep a film in theaters for 90 days before releasing on another platform) just wasn’t able to get resolved between Netflix and the major chains. Netflix was clearly willing to give almost a month of exclusivity but the major theatrical chains couldn’t give the streaming service the benefit of a short release window, which would have probably led to multiple dominos falling with other studios wanting the same treatment. Basically, Disney would have asked for the same thing, and since the Mouse House controls an obscene amount of the box office, that would just not be cost-effective.
The benefit of a theatrical release is more than just monetary for Netflix, however. In fact, the money earned from the box office take from “The Irishman” is negligible. The real reasons Netflix wanted to release the film in a true wide release strategy is to earn the respect of Oscar voters that still feel the streaming service doesn’t make true “films” and to appease Scorsese (and other potential filmmakers), who wants his film to be seen on the big screen by as many people as possible.
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Ultimately, the bottom line is this — if you live in a major city, “The Irishman” will be available on the big screen, most likely. And if you live in those cities that takes a bit of time for an indie release to arrive in theaters, or you just have the major chains, it’s likely that “The Irishman” will hit Netflix before you get the chance to see it on the big screen, leaving film fans with a difficult question. Do you wait for the big screen appearance or check it out with the rest of the world at home?
As mentioned, “The Irishman” will arrive in New York and LA on November 1 before expanding over the subsequent weeks. The crime drama will hit Netflix on November 27.