Netflix UK signs exclusive Pay TV deal with Lionsgate

Launch plans going to, er, plan

Netflix UK signs exclusive Pay TV deal with Lionsgate

14 November 2011 11:22 GMT / By Rik Henderson

Netflix has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Lionsgate UK, that will allow the movie streaming subscription service first access to the studio's films on a Pay TV platform when it launches in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2012.

That basically means that movies, such as the current critical hit Machine Gun Preacher, The Expendables 2, and the remake of Dirty Dancing will be available on Netflix UK and Ireland before any other Pay TV platform. The films will be available to view across a wide variety of devices, including televisions, tablets, game consoles, computers and mobile phones.

The deal also includes all of Lionsgate UK's back catalogue of titles, such as Reservoir Dogs, Saw 3D, 3:10 to Yuma and Good Night and Good Luck. Seemingly, the agreement doesn't include the studio's television programming, such as Mad Men, as it is feature film specific.

However, the exclusive movie window is certainly seen as a major coup for the streaming service, and, alongside a reported deal with MGM, is an early shot across the bows of subscription rivals Lovefilm, Virgin Media and Sky.

Are you excited that Netflix is coming to the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...

Full tags

Netflix, Home Cinema, Lionsgate, Video on demand