Netflix Customers watch 2012 Academy Award Films Early via deal with Weinstein Company

In an announcement this week from movie rental service Netflix, the company indicated that they have reached a multi-year deal with film production giant The Weinstein Company which will give Netflix customers exclusive instant access to films including several of this years 2012 Academy Award nominated films.

The Weinstein Company, created by by brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein, who also founded Miramax Films in 1979, is well known for a number of popular films including, the SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE franchises, plus joint production with Dimension Films on a number of films including THE KING’S SPEECH, which took home four Oscars at the 2011 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture.

The new deal with Netflix will give Netflix customers exclusive access to foreign language, documentary and certain other movies from The Weinstein Company instantly via on-demand streaming and online access, as well as via the Netflix movies by mail service for DVD and Blu-ray.

“Netflix members Will Have Exclusive Access To Oscar Best Picture Nominee, “The Artist” As Well As Oscar Documentary (Feature) Nominee “Undefeated” And Other Critically Acclaimed Films From Legendary Producers Bob And Harvey Weinstein,” Netflix said in their statement.

“The Artist,” has already received 17 awards for Best Picture this year and has received a total of ten 2012 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture. With this new deal, the film with be available for paid TV viewing exclusively on Netflix instead of traditional premium cable channels.

Nominated for a 2012 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, “Undefeated” will also be an exclusive for Netflix customers. The film, directed by Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, “Undefeated” follows players on a Memphis, TN inner-city high school football team as it attempts to win its first playoff game in the school’s history.

“We couldn’t be happier to be working again with Harvey and Bob, who have an unmatched track record of creating critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “‘The Artist’ is a symbol of the Weinsteins’ triumphant return to the top of the film business. Through deep passion, great taste and phenomenal vision, Harvey and Bob continue to surprise audiences and make history.”

“It is a fantastic coup for Netflix to acquire ‘The Artist’ and the package of additional titles,” said TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein, “With this deal, a company that loves movies, Netflix, joins forces with a company that is built on that same love. It’s exciting that we can offer consumers a supremely convenient way to see the kinds of movies that made us want to be in this business in the first place.”