Hollywood Breakdown
Blockbuster Stores Close as Netflix Expands
As the last of the brick and mortar Blockbuster stores are closing, Netflix is expanding, acquiring rights to a new documentary and a deal to make 4 new TV-like series.
By Kim Masters • • 3m ListenThis week as it's announced that the last of the brick and mortar Blockbuster stores are closing, Netflix is expanding. The streaming service has acquired the rights to the new documentary film The Square. (Jehane Noujaim, the filmmaker of The Square will be on the next episode of The Business). The movie documents the chaotic real world events as they unfold in Cairo during the Egyptian uprising since early 2011. The film is in theaters in New York and Los Angeles now so it can qualify for the Oscars, but in January Netflix will release it in on their service just as the movie could be nominated for Oscar. Plus, Netflix has struck a deal with Marvel to make four new TV-like series. Interestingly Marvel is owned by Disney which owns ABC but this deal was made with Netflix.
