Netflix Shakes Up Hollywood's Traditional Release Strategy

Windowing is the practice of opening a movie first in theaters and then in other stages of home video, streaming and television release. This practice has been under pressure as smaller screens fight against the prominence of the big screen. Now, Netflix has sounded the most notable defeat against windowing, announcing plans to release a sequel to 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' on the day it hits Imax theaters next August. Supporters see this as an opportunity to change up Hollywood's traditional release strategy. Yet others are still trying to guard the theatrical window. On Tuesday, two of the country's largest theater chains, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark, refused to carry the film. Regal spokesman, Russ Nunley said, 'We will not participate in an experiment where you can see the same product on screens varying from three stories tall to three inches wide on a smartphone. We believe the choice for truly enjoying a magnificent movie is clear.' The same chains have also declined to screen other day-and-date release movies.