Online video streaming company, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) gained the exclusive rights to stream “The Hunger Games.” According to report, its subscription base in the United Kingdom and Ireland will be able to enjoy the film starting March 3, and at a later date for subscribers in the United States.
The Hunger Games is a science fiction movie based from the best-selling novel of American writer Suzanne Collins. The film was an international hit featuring Jennifer Lawrence, who won the best actress award at the Oscars for the movie “Silver Linings Playbook.”
The Hunger Games is available on cable television or other online services such as Blinkbox, a video on demand (VOD) company owned by Tesco with a pay-per-film business model. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is the only subscription-based streaming service provider offering the film.
“We are thrilled to be the exclusive online home for The Hunger Games in the UK and Ireland. Since launching in the UK and Ireland in January 2012, we have continued to expand our offering of great movies and TV programs, and we think our members are going to love the latest addition to the service,” said in a statement, Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX).
Last December, the company signed an exclusive deal with The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) to stream first-run animated and live-action feature films produced by the entertainment company. The agreement will start with films released in theaters in 2016.
Early this month, the online video streaming company announced its partnership with Dreamworks Animation Skg Inc (NASDAQ:DWA) to create the Netflix Original Series for kids. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) will be offering the Turbo F.A.S.T. (a fast action stunt team) animation series exclusively in the United States and 40 other countries. Turbo is a high velocity 3D comedy about an ordinary snail who dares to dream big and fast.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) also sealed an exclusive licensing agreement for movies with Queen Latifah & Shakim Compere’s production company. Netflix will be able to pick movies produced by Flavor Unit Entertainment after their theatrical release and stream it online. Some of the box office titles produced by the entertainment company include “Bringing Down the House” and “Beauty Shop.” This spring, subscribers will now enjoy watching movies from Flavor Unit Entertainment including “House of Bodies” starring Terrence Howard and Peter Fonda and “Percentage” starring Ving Rhames, Cam’ron and Macy Gray.
The battle between Netflix and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), which owns rental and streaming service LoveFilm in the UK, has ramped up in the last few months as each tries to claim exclusive content over the other.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is also streaming the original series “House of Cards” starring Kevin Spacey. The company’s online streaming offerings demonstrates that it is strengthening its ability to compete with Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s Lovefilm.
