Netflix has announced a partnership with Weinstein Co. to release Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend day-and-date when the film debuts in cinemas in the summer of 2015.
As such, the long-gestating sequel to Ang Lee’s 2000 movie will be available on the streaming service on the same day that it arrives in IMAX theatres. While this deal isn’t the first major motion picture that Netflix has become involved in, securing the rights for such a prominent release is undoubtedly a statement of intent from the company going forward.
In a press release, Netflix’s Chief Operating Officer Ted Sarandos spoke of his ambition to redefine the parameters of the moviegoing experience.
“Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy and amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty. We are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with IMAX, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film.”
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend won’t be directed by Lee; rather, the sequel will be overseen by one Yuen Woo-Ping, who served as fight choreographer on the original. Michelle Yeoh will once again reprise her role as the badass warrior, Yu Shu-Lien, while Donnie Yen is being recruited as the ambiguous Silent Wolf.
Currently, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend is scheduled to release across IMAX theatres and Netflix on August 28th, 2015. It will be available to those who have subscribed to the popular streaming service for no additional cost, and is one of many day-and-date releases that the company has planned as it looks to bolster its digital line-up.
