Netflix hook up with MGM for Ireland and UK launch

NetflixNetflix is finally coming to Ireland and the UK. I’m wrecked and a bit lazy today but I think this is really interesting.. here’s the press release:

Beverly Hills, California – November 7, 2011 – Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. today announced a new multi-year licensing agreement that will make Netflix the exclusive subscription streaming service in the UK and Ireland for most first-run feature films from MGM.

MGM titles will be available for Netflix members in the UK and Ireland to watch instantly in the pay TV window on their televisions, tablets, game consoles, computers and mobile phones, for a low monthly price. Netflix announced last month that it would launch its service in the UK and Ireland early in 2012.

Appearing exclusively on Netflix within one year of their theatrical release will be such films as “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” the highly-anticipated prequels to the Academy Award-winning “Lord of the Rings” trilogy by Peter Jackson, “Zookeeper” starring Kevin James, “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” with Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, and “21 Jump Street,” featuring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and Ice Cube.

An extensive selection of great MGM catalogue titles will also be available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, including “Capote,” “Fargo,” “The Usual Suspects,” “West Side Story” and “The Amityville Horror.”

‘We are delighted to be entering the UK and Ireland with a legendary studio like MGM at our side,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. “And we are excited to be extending our relationship with MGM from the U.S. to these important markets and proud to be the exclusive home for their films in the traditional Pay TV window”

“We are thrilled to grow our partnership with Netflix as they expand into the UK and Ireland,” said MGM Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum.

“Developing this relationship further will help us bring our films, both old and new, into the homes of our loyal audiences with the great ease Netflix offers customers,” said Roma Khanna, MGM’s President Television Group and Digital.

About Netflix:

With more than 20 million streaming members in the United States, Canada and Latin America, Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] is the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For about US$7.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 700 devices that stream from Netflix are available. For additional information, go to Netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.