NETFLIX GRABS STREAMING RIGHTS TO PRAISED DOCUMENTARY

In a new effort to distinguish itself as an outlet for critically praised video content that is available nowhere else, Netflix announced on Monday that it had acquired exclusive streaming rights to the Arabic documentary The Square. The film, about the massive Egyptian protest that centered in Tahrir Square is regarded as a strong candidate for an Oscar nomination in the documentary category. The Square, which won major prizes at this year’s Sundance and Toronto film festivals, is currently playing for two weeks only in New York and one week only in Los Angeles in order to qualify for an Oscar nomination. Meanwhile, Netflix competitor Amazon Prime announced on Monday that it will release three episodes of its original series Alpha House and Betas on November 15 and 22 respectively. Pilot episodes of the two series have already been posted on the Amazon website. In a statement, Roy Price, Director of Amazon Studios, said, “We will release three episodes upfront for all customers so they can try out the shows and get to know the characters. Then we will release new episodes via Prime Instant Video week by week so that customers can chat about the shows and build up anticipation.”