Netflix: this is the CEO’s statement which is not unanimous

Netflix: this is the CEO’s statement which is not unanimous



Netflix: this statement by Ted Sarandos that makes viewers gasp

In a recent interview with New York TimesTed Sarandos, CEO of Netflix, said that films Barbie AND Oppenheimerwho we were big box office hits in 2023they would have captivated a wide audience even if they had been released on Netflix for streaming.

Sarandos defended the idea, highly controversial in the industry, that screen size does not influence the perceived quality of the film by all viewers, and illustrated this idea by taking the example of his 28-year-old son who saw the classic Lawrence of Arabia on his cell phone.

While he admits that some types of content, such as live news, are not suited to the platform, he remains convinced that movies can have a significant impact on Netflix, regardless of screen size. But is it really like that?

A debated topic

Ted Sarandos’ thesis is based on the idea that the viewing experience is not universally better on the big screen. This position is supported by changing consumption habits, in which more and more viewers watch content on mobile devices and in which we live economically complicated contextwhere cinema has become a luxury recreational activity.

However, it’s important to note that the collective, immersive experience of cinema is difficult to replicate in streaming. When we watch a film, in fact, we immerse ourselves completely in a bubble, without external distractions, like cell phones. The sound and visual quality of a cinema, with its giant screens and sophisticated sound systems, also enhances immersion and offers a wealth of sensory experiences that are difficult to replicate at home.

However, it is also true that some films are better suited to the big screen than others. Great entertainment films like Oppenheimer benefit from the total immersion that only a cinema can offer. On the other hand, light comedies can often be enjoyed from the comfort of your own living room.

As streaming continues to grow in popularity, the future of movie theaters will inevitably have to evolve. It is likely that strategic choices will have to be made between streaming and theatrical release as the number of films released each week continues to increase (and not in proportion to the number of admissions, which involves the sacrifice of some films that are only released in very few theaters ).

Cinemas could, in the near future, focus on a “premium” offer, reserving large screens and cutting-edge technologies for blockbuster films that benefit most from the unique immersive experience that only a theater can offer, while the rest of the films could lead to a streaming version.

Source: Cine Serie

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