With original series (BoJack Horseman, The Fall), adaptations (House of Cards, Orange is the New Black), revivals of series (Arrested Development), and standup specials (Aziz Ansari’s Buried Alive, among others) to its name, it was only a matter of time before Netflix got into making feature films. The streaming titan has just announced what its first film will be, and it is definitely unexpected: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend.
Legend will premiere simultaneously on Netflix and in IMAX theaters on August 28, 2015. Moreover, it stars Michelle Yeoh, who was in the original, and will be directed by legendary fight choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping (The Matrix). This is a very unique situation; there have been films released in the last few years both in theaters and VOD, but this is the first time that you can see it on Netflix (your regular monthly subscription will cover it) or on a badass IMAX screen.
Some theater chains aren’t happy about it, though, probably because this robs them of the opportunity to bilk theatergoers for $18 IMAX tickets and $14 popcorns. Regal, Carmike, and Cinemark have all decided not to show Legend, because of sour grapes. The writing is on the wall, guys. I love going to the theater – I actually prefer it to staying home to watch a movie – but the business model is outdated and customer-unfriendly, and hissy fits like this are only going to sour public opinion even more.
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