UPDATE: Netflix in talks with ITV after signing exclusive streaming deal for MGM films in UK
Update 08.11.11
Following its deal with MGM (see story below), video streaming service Netflix is said to be in advanced negotiations with ITV about an output deal.
Such an agreement would allow Netflix to exploit ITV's archive of shows. The US company is also thought to be in talks with Warner Bros in a bid to snatch video-on-demand rights to the Hollywood studio's output from BSkyB.
Other potential deals in the pipeline include a tie-up with Lionsgate and Momentum Pictures.
Published 07.11.11
Netflix has agreed a deal with MGM for exclusive streaming rights in the UK for many of the studio's 'first-run' feature films.
The subscription streaming service, which is set to launch in the UK in early 2012, will be the only place to watch films such as The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again, the prequels to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Also getting the Netflix exclusive treatment within one year of their theatrical release will be Zookeeper, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, and 21 Jump Street.
The deal will also mean plenty of films from the MGM back catalogue will be available on Netflix.
Netflix has over 20 million subscribers in the US, Canada and Latin America, each paying around $8 a month for access to on-demand TV programmes and films via a variety of devices.
The service is expected to launch in the UK and Ireland early next year, though there's no word on pricing as yet.
Comments
This is not my experience of Lovefilm. It all depends on how often you want to rent a movie. I found Lovefilm provided a very poor turnaround of discs while still claiming to offer an unlimited package. It's only unlimited if when they receive your discs back they send out another. I have been renting online for over 10 years, I was with Screenselect before it was taken over by Lovefilm and at first the service was fine but now Lovefilm supplies not only its own customers but Tesco as well, it might have become just too big, maybe Amazon can get it back in shape. I have now been with online Blockbuster for 18 months and as yet have had no problems there turnaround is very good plus the you have the benefit of having films from Universal first which you don't get with Lovefilm. If you are a casual renter then stick with Lovefilm but if you are serious about movies the Blockbuster is the way to go. Netflix will offer on demand movies but I doubt it will be the quality of blu ray.
Very happy with Lovefilm (great service via post), and also saw that they're increasing the package by adding an extra disc for free. Just need Lovefilm streaming to be available via Virgin TiVo and that will be lovely.
The lack of Universal stills means a trip to Blockbuster every now and again, which keeps them in a job (for the time being
Lovefilm is very good, except for one flaw. They have no deal in place with Universal meaning many movies like Paul, The Adjustment Bureau and the forthcoming Bridesmaids are unavailable from them.
Lovefilm has been providing such an excellent service here in the UK that Netflix is going to have to come up with something special to get traction in the market. I think Lovefilm is also looking to bolster their offering in advance of the Netflix launch as I recently got an email that my package was being upgraded with an extra disc at home for the same monthly rate as I was on before.