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Tag: documentaries

  • Netflix Acquires Another Oscar-Nominated Film: ‘The Lady In Number 6’

    Netflix has reportedly acquired its second Oscar-nominated documentary with short The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life.

    The film is nominated for the Documentary Short Subject category, and is up against CaveDigger, Facing Fear, Karama Has No Walls, and Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall.

    The Lady in Number 6 is about Alice Herz-Somer, the world’s oldest known Holocaust survivor until her death, which just happened on Sunday.

    According to both The Hollywood Reporter and IndieWire, the film will premiere exclusively on Netflix on April 1st in the U.S. and Canada. Both share this statement from producer Nicholas Reed:

    “Telling Alice’s story was a life-changing experience for everyone involved with the film. We are so glad to partner with Netflix so that their viewers will be able to enjoy Alice’s infectious love of life and bright spirit. Netflix viewers and future generations will be able to learn so many life lessons from this most amazing woman.”

    Last year, Netflix acquired The Square, which is currently available on the service, and has an Oscar nomination in the Documentary Feature category.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Gets Documentary ‘The Fabulous Ice Age’

    Netflix appears to have gained exclusive streaming rights for documentary The Fabulous Ice Age, at least for four months. The title is currently available for streaming.

    Netflix just uploaded the trailer on YouTube:

    Here’s the description from Netflix:

    For decades, American touring ice shows dominated family entertainment with their dazzling production and variety acts. This documentary honors them through interviews and archival footage, and depicts one skater’s quest to keep this history alive.

    More about it here.

    The fabulous ice age on netflix

    We haven’t seen any announcements from Netflix beyond the trailer, but according to the film’s Facebook page, “The DVDs will be available in four months and at that time it will also be on itunes and Amazon. June 3 is the unofficial release date!”

    Post by The Fabulous Ice Age Documentary Film.

    Post by The Fabulous Ice Age Documentary Film.

    A piece in the Dance section of the New York Times website noted that the film would be available on Netflix on Monday.

    Netflix has been keeping the exclusive documentary streaming steadily flowing since last fall, with titles like Bridegroom, The Short Game, The Square (which was nominated for an Oscar) and Mitt.

    Image via FabulousIceAge.com

  • ‘Mitt’ To Hit Netflix Today

    ‘Mitt’ To Hit Netflix Today

    Mitt, the latest original documentary from Netflix is due to become available to subscribers today, though as of the time of this writing it’s not up just yet.

    The film, which premiered at Sundance (where Romney himself made a surprise appearance) follows the former presidential candidate on the campaign trail. Here’s the official description from the film’s landing page on Netflix:

    Whatever side you’re on, see another side.
    Following his bid to win the U.S. presidency, most Americans believed they knew Mitt Romney. With unprecedented access, this documentary tracks Romney from 2006 and his first effort to win the Republican nomination, through the 2012 elections, revealing the man behind the sound bites in an authentic view the public rarely glimpsed during the media frenzy of a national campaign.

    Earlier this week, Netflix released a couple clips if you want to check those out before watching the film.

    Mitt is rated TV-PG.

  • Romney Shows Up At Sundance Premiere For Netflix’s ‘Mitt’

    Mitt, the Netflix documentary following former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, premiered at Sundance over the weekend, and Romney himself made a surprise appearance.

    “The ending I probably won’t like, but nonetheless, I think it will be a good experience and probably give my family and others a chance to see what it’s like to run for president, which by the way is one of life’s most extraordinary experiences,” Romney told reporters ahead of the premiere.

    Of documentarian Greg Whitely, Romney said, “He said, you know, even if we never make a movie of this, it will be a wonderful journey to keep for your family of what your presidential campaign was like.”

    For MItt, Whitely followed Romney around for six years with exclusive access, and the results are what appear in the film. Whitely maintains that there is no political agenda, but rather that Mitt is meant to be an honest look at a presidential campaign.

    The film premieres on Netflix on Friday.

  • Director Of Netflix’s ‘Mitt’ Amazed At How ‘Cheap’ Romney Is

    While The Square is getting a lot of publicity this week for its Oscar nomination, another Netflix original documentary will debut next week on the 24th.

    Mitt follows the six years that filmmaker Greg Whitely had exclusive access to former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Here’s the trailer Netflix put out last month:

    Reuters has put out an interview with Whitely who talked a bit about the film. He told the news agency that he was surprised that somebody as rich as Romney “would be that cheap,” recalling when the candidate expressed his shock at the price of a glass of milk at a hotel. “He was constantly agonizing over how much for a (campaign advertising) spot,” Whitely’s quoted as saying. “He would look at the hotel bill and just go crazy, and say, ‘I’ll just go buy my own milk at the grocery store at a third of the cost.’”

    He went on to say of the Romney family, “They’re clean-cut people who are polite and gracious, but I think it’s impossible to go through that without developing a degree of cynicism. I think it’s a tribute to them that they remained pretty bright-eyed.”

    The film will premiere at Sundance, and Whitely hopes the Netflix release will be able to “piggy-back on all the great PR and buzz and momentum” from that, though Netflix tends to generate PR and buzz pretty well on its own.

    The filmmaker maintains that the movie does not employ a political agenda, but rather is simply about a family and the father of the family running for president. Viewers will certainly make up their own minds about that. Either way, Netflix will likely generate plenty of interest in this one.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix’s Oscar-Nominated Documentary ‘The Square’ Is Now Available To Stream

    The Square, which is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, is now available to stream on Netflix.

    The nominations came out on Thursday, with The Square facing competition from The Act of Killing, Cutie and the Boxer, Dirty Wars and 20 Feet From Stardom. All of those except for 20 Feet From Stardom are available to stream on Netflix. 20 Feet From Stardom is available through Netflix’s DVD plan.

    Netflix announced its acquisition of The Square in November, naming it the first original major original documentary in its big documentary push. Shortly thereafter, Netflix acquired The Short Game, which debuted last month and Mitt, which will premiere on Netflix on January 25th.

    The Square follows the Egyptian protests in Tahrir Square from the 2011 overthrow of Hosni Mubarak through the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

    “We are thrilled to be presenting an amazing film that brings to life in such a deeply human way one of the most important events of our time,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary Programming, of the acquisition. “The Square is documentary filmmaking at the highest level – a beautifully constructed chronicle of brave people struggling against insurmountable odds to make their country a much better place. One knows that history is unfolding on the screen before you when watching The Square.”

    Here’s what documentarian Jehane Noujaim had to say about her film on The Daily Show.

    Image via Netflix

  • Netflix Gets First Oscar Nomination With ‘The Square’

    Jehane Noujaim’s documentary The Square has been nominated for an Oscar, adding to the list of Netflix content award nominations.

    The film follows the protests in Tahrir Square from the 2011 overthrow of Hosni Mubarak through the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

    Netflix announced in November that it had acquired the film, calling it its first major original documentary. The Oscar buzz was already strong.

    “We are thrilled to be presenting an amazing film that brings to life in such a deeply human way one of the most important events of our time,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary Programming at the time. “‘The Square’ is documentary filmmaking at the highest level – a beautifully constructed chronicle of brave people struggling against insurmountable odds to make their country a much better place. One knows that history is unfolding on the screen before you when watching ‘The Square’.”

    “Our dream for ‘The Square’ is to inspire the hearts of as many people as possible and by working with Netflix, we can insure the film reaches a wide and diverse audience,” Noujaim said. “Nothing about the making of this film has followed the norms and that’s what makes it exciting. It is crucial for us as filmmakers, who have shot a documentary about people risking and losing their lives for their beliefs, to create a spirit of possibility.”

    An earlier version of the film won the Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It was also an official selection at the 2013 New York Film Festival.

    Netflix is due to make the title available to stream on Friday.

    Competing with The Square in the Academy Awards’ Documentary Feature category are: The Act of Killing, Cutie and the Boxer, Dirty Wars and 20 Feet From Stardom.

    All of those, by the way, except for 20 Feet From Stardom, are on Netflix, so it stands to reason that Netflix has plenty to gain even if The Square doesn’t win. These titles, especially the winner, are bound to get plenty of views. Netflix does offer 20 Feet From Stardom on DVD.

    If The Square wins, it would be the first Academy Award for Netflix content. Netflix got its first Golden Globe on Sunday, when Robin Wright won for House of Cards.

    Find Jon Stewart’s recent interview with Noujaim about the The Square here.

    Image via Netflix

  • Microsoft to Release Documentaries on Xbox Consoles

    At Microsoft’s big Xbox One announcement this summer, the company chose to focus on its new console as a multimedia machine and heavily promoted the use of the device to watch TV. Though Microsoft’s marketing message has shifted slightly toward gamers in recent months, the company is still intent on making its Xbox consoles great devices to watch TV through.

    Today Microsoft announced that it will be releasing a new documentary series on Xbox consoles next year. The series will be produced by Xbox Entertainment Studios in cooperation with Simon Chinn (producer for Man on Wire and Searching for Sugar Man) and Jonathan Chinn (producer on TV show 30 Days). The documentaries will debut first exclusively on Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles.

    The first documentary will be on about a famous legend in the gaming industry. In 1983 Atari Corporation allegedly buried millions of unsold Atari console cartridges in an Alamogordo, New Mexico landfill. The documentary will take a look at a new excavation on the site, settling decades-old questions about what Atari really buried at the site.

    Shooting on the series will begin in January and the first episodes will be available sometime in 2014. Zak Penn, a screenwriter on movies such as Elektra and X-Men: The Last Stand has been tapped to direct the Atari landfill episode.

    “Our goal is to produce a series of compelling and entertaining docs which will deploy all the narrative techniques of Simon’s and my previous work,” said Jonathan Chinn. “It’s particularly exciting to be partnering with filmmakers like Zak Penn who come to this process from other filmmaking disciplines and who will bring their own distinctive creative vision to this.”

  • Netflix Releases Trailer For Original Mitt Romney Documentary ‘Mitt’

    Last week, Netflix announced its latest original documentary Mitt. The film follows former presidential candidate Mitt Romney along the campaign trail, providing what Netflix describes as “an intimate, rarely seen, behind-the-scenes look at a candidate running for the presidency.”

    Netflix has just released a trailer for the film:

    As the trailer notes, “For 6 years, one filmmaker had exclusive access to Mitt Romney.”

    That filmmaker would be Greg Whitely (“New York Doll,” “Resolved”). Seth Gordon (“Undefeated,” “The King of Kong”) serves as executive producer.

    “Greg Whiteley’s Mitt provides viewers a surprising level of access into a fascinating world,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy. “This rare inside look at Mitt Romney and his family as he runs for president showcases a unique kind of storytelling, one which takes the viewer well beyond the politics. We are thrilled to be providing our viewers with this one-of-a-kind film from such a talented filmmaker.”

    Mitt will hit Netflix on January 24th, according to the trailer (the original press release said January 25th).

  • Netflix Documentary ‘The Short Game’ Now Available For Streaming

    Netflix Documentary ‘The Short Game’ Now Available For Streaming

    The Short Game, a new documentary Netflix acquired last month, is now available for streaming on the service.

    The film follows the lives of a handful of “the best 7-year old golfers in the world” as they train to compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf. It’s produced by Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, and Josh Greenbaum, and executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel.

    As Netflix indicated that it would earlier this year, we’re really starting to see the company bring more and more original documentaries and stand-up comedy specials to its service. Coming soon is The Square, which Netflix announced just ahead of The Short Game, and it’s already generating Oscar buzz. Netflix’s efforts have already been paying off in awards and nominations.

    This week, Netflix announced yet another upcoming documentary with Mitt, which follows Mitt Romney on the campaign trail for the presidential election.

    Netflix also announced yet another original series this week with BoJack Horseman. This one is animated, and features Arrested Development’s Will Arnett and Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul.

    Friday will see the release of the second season of the series that started it all: Lilyhammer.

    Image: Netflix

  • Netflix Adds Mitt Romney Documentary ‘Mitt’ To Slate Of Originals

    Netflix is rapidly building up its queue of original documentaries, today announcing that it has added Mitt Romney documentary Mitt to its slate.

    Netflix will premiere the documentary on Friday, January 25th.

    Mitt

    The film was directed by Greg Whiteley (“New York Doll,” “Resolved”) and executive produced by Seth Gordon (“Undefeated,” “The King of Kong”).

    According to Netflix, Mitt provides ” an intimate, rarely seen, behind-the-scenes look at a candidate running for the presidency,” and follows “Romney’s presidential aspirations beginning Christmas 2006 to his initial run to become the Republican nominee in 2008 and through his Presidential concession speech in 2012.” The description continues, “Given unprecedented access by Mitt and his family, Whiteley travels alongside the campaign through interactions with potential voters, preparations for the debates, personal moments with his family, and concluding with final presidential election night results.”

    “Greg Whiteley’s Mitt provides viewers a surprising level of access into a fascinating world,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy. “This rare inside look at Mitt Romney and his family as he runs for president showcases a unique kind of storytelling, one which takes the viewer well beyond the politics. We are thrilled to be providing our viewers with this one-of-a-kind film from such a talented filmmaker.”

    “It feels like a full circle moment to premiere this movie at Sundance,” said Whiteley. “I first met and filmed the Romney family in Park City in 2006 as they gathered to discuss whether Mitt should run for President. Over the next 7 years I couldn’t believe I was filming inside rooms and situations I had no business being in. Now that I’ve finished I couldn’t be more pleased to share this experience with audiences around the world through Netflix.”

    The film will be available to Netflix users in all territories where the service is available. As with The Square, the Mitt will hit Netflix while making its theatrical rounds. It debuts at Sundance on January 17th.

    For Netflix subscribers, Mitt should serve as a nice segue to House of Cards: Season 2, which debuts less than a month later.

    The Short Game, another recently acquired Netflix documentary, makes its debut this week.

    Image: Netflix (PRNewsWire)

  • Creator Of ‘The Square,’ Netflix’s First Major Documentary, Was On The Daily Show

    Jehane Noujaim, the documentarian behind The Square, appeared on The Daily Show this week in an interview with Jon Stewart:

    Netflix announced last month that it had acquired the film about the protests in Tahrir Square in 2011, calling it its first major documentary.

    The film has been getting some Oscar buzz, so it might help pad Netflix’s virtual trophy case (which may also include some People’s Choice Awards and Writers Guild Awards). Netflix’s House of Cards recently won three Emmys.

    The Square will be available on Netflix in select cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and Boston) on January 17th as the film plays in theaters.

    The Short Game, another recent high profile documentary acquisition made by Netflix, will be available on December 12th.

  • Here Are Some Titles You’re About To See On Netflix

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days.

    Since last time, news has come out that Netflix will be bringing back The Killing for one more season. Interestingly, Netflix is helping shows from other networks get endings. Netflix has also put out a new clip from its forthcoming Justin Timberlake-produced documentary The Short Game.

    Available on 11/22:

    Red Dawn (2012)

    Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Connor Cruise

    When North Korean military forces invade American soil and try to pacify citizens in one community, a group of teens elude capture and organize a resistance. But their uprising faces an adversary determined to stomp out their grass-roots rebellion.

    Available on 11/23:

    Last Call at the Oasis (2011)

    Erin Brockovich, Jay Famiglietti, Peter H. Gleick, Robert Glennon, Tyrone Hayes

    This compelling documentary explores the global water crisis, examining deficiencies in the supply system and communities affected by water shortages. Scientists, activists and social entrepreneurs shed light on this shocking and pervasive problem.

    Brotherhood of the Traveling Rants (2013)

    When an author decides to turn his book tour into a stand-up comedy tour, he enlists his best friend from high school to come along. They haven’t seen each other in 20 years but quickly fall into their old habits of outrageous behavior.

    My Week with Marilyn (2011)

    Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh, Dominic Cooper, Julia Ormond, Emma Watson, Judi Dench

    While filming a movie in England, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe slips away with a young Brit for a week of self-discovery and frivolity. The story that ensues is based on the real-life memoirs of Colin Clark, once assistant to Sir Laurence Olivier.

    Available on 11/25:

    Robin Hood (1973 Disney Version)

    With King Richard off to the Crusades, Prince John and his slithering minion, Sir Hiss, set about taxing Nottingham’s citizens with support from the corrupt sheriff — and staunch opposition by the wily Robin Hood and his band of merry men.

    The Sword in the Stone (1963 Disney Version)

    A humble young squire named Wart allies himself with the powerful magician Merlin and discovers his destiny. No one would have guessed that a sword trapped in a churchyard stone would transform Wart into the legendary King Arthur.

    Video Game High School: Seasons 1-2

    When Brian unknowingly goes up against — and beats — a high-ranking gamer called “The Law,” he’s swiftly admitted to the prestigious Video Game High School, where the best of the best come to learn everything there is to know about gaming.

    The Iceman (2013)

    Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, David Schwimmer, James Franco

    This thriller based on a true story follows Richard Kuklinski, who killed more than 100 people for the mob — and his own pleasure — between 1964 and 1986. Despite his prolific violence, Kuklinski was a devoted husband and father of two daughters.

    Sins & Secrets: Season 3

    Each episode of this gritty investigative series highlights a notorious crime in a different city, exploring the community where the crime occurred, detailing how justice was served and offering a look at the aftermath.

    Available on 11/26:

    For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism

    Patricia Clarkson, A.O. Scott, Rex Reed, Elvis Mitchell, Lisa Schwarzbaum, Roger Ebert, B. Ruby Rich

    Filmmaker Gerald Peary directs this insightful documentary that examines the oft-misunderstood world of film criticism and explores what the future holds for the underappreciated art form in the expanding Internet era. Filled with an assortment of the country’s most respected critics, Peary’s film features appearances by Kenneth Turan, Elvis Mitchell, A.O. Scott, and arguably the most recognizable film critic of all time, Roger Ebert.

    Available on 11/28:

    Cake Boss: Season 7

    Master baker Buddy Valastro is the spirited, dedicated boss at Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, N.J., where he and his extended family turn out one-of-a-kind confectionery creations and abundant culinary drama in this popular reality series.

    More recently added titles here.

    Image: The Iceman (YouTube)

  • Netflix Releases New Clip From Upcoming Timberlake-Produced Documentary ‘The Short Game’

    Earlier this month, Netflix announced that it acquired the award-winning documentary The Short Game. The company considers this its first original documentary.

    The film is about several seven-year-old golfers, who train to compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf. It’s produced by Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, and Josh Greenbaum, and executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel.

    You can see the trailer here, but Netflix has now uploaded a new clip from the film to YouTube:

    Netflix also recently acquired the documentaries BrideGroom and The Square. The former is currently available to watch, and the latter is due out early next year.

    The Short Game will be released on Netflix on December 12th.

  • 18 Titles Hitting Netflix In The Coming Week

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days.

    This week, Netflix introduced a new experience for its members who stream content on their televisions through a number of connected devices (with more to come). With Blockbuster officially closing, you might find yourself watching Netflix even more (assuming you live in a town that still had a Blockbuster).

    Here are some titles you can check out in the coming week if you can tear yourself away from Breaking Bad (reportedly the most popular show in Netflix).

    Available on 11/15:

    Carol Channing: Larger Than Life (2012)

    Carol Channing, Harry Kullijian, Jerry Herman, Bruce Vilanch, Lily Tomlin, Debbie Reynolds, Tippi Hedren

    The astonishing life of Carol Channing unfolds in this entertaining biopic, which captures the bold Broadway legend’s outsize personality. Batting her lashes, Channing shares (in her trademark rasp) sweet and sour memories from her storied career.

    Into the Cold: A Journey to the Soul (2010)

    This poetic documentary captures environmental activist Sebastian Copeland’s grueling two-month trek on foot to the North Pole, a tour de force of human perseverance commemorating Adm. Robert Peary’s 1909 expedition.

    Tomorrow Will Be Better (2012)

    With camera in hand, Czech rider Libor Podmol charts his own journey from unknown hopeful to Freestyle MX world champion, uniquely documenting the ups and downs of making it in the sport.

    Available on 11/16:

    Joan Rivers: Don’t Start with Me (2012)

    Joan Rivers has proven over and over again to be one of the hardest-working women in show business. At 78, she is funnier than ever and has no interest in slowing down. No one’s immune from her caustic barbs in this stand-up special.

    The American (2010)

    George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli, Johan Leysen, Irina Björklund

    On the heels of a rough assignment, assassin Jack declares that his next job will be his last. Dispatched to a small Italian town to await further orders, Jack embarks on a dangerous double life while falling for a lovely villager.

    Available on 11/17:

    Undercover Boss: Season 4

    Brave bosses go undercover in this on-the-job reality series, taking low-level positions in their own companies to anonymously explore how their businesses are running and learn where improvements can be made.

    An African Election (2011)

    Filmmaker Jarreth Merz directs this eye-opening documentary about the 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, chronicling the start-to-finish drama of campaigning in a nation that’s long served as a measure of the continent’s political stability.

    Burn (2012)

    Meet the firefighters of Detroit, who battle the nation’s highest arson rate in a bid to save their once-thriving city from virtual collapse. At the helm is commissioner Donald Austin, whose firebrand attitude has galvanized the city and its leaders.

    Gypsy Davy (2011)

    David Serva Jones, Rachel Leah Jones, Judith Jones, Clara Chinoy, Maria Guitron

    When a blond Californian with Alabama roots reinvents himself as a flamenco guitarist in Andalusian boots, fathering five children to five different women, what happens behind the scenes and along the way?

    I Am Not a Hipster (2012)

    Dominic Bogart, Alvaro Orlando, Tammy Minoff, Lauren Coleman, Kandis Erickson, Brad William Henke

    Still reeling from the death of his mother, struggling singer-songwriter Brook finds it hard to create — but his life and creativity take a turn for the better when his estranged father and three sisters arrive to spread his mother’s ashes.

    The Atomic States of America (2012)

    As debate rages about the safety and responsibility of using nuclear power, this documentary journeys through nuclear reactor communities to expose the truths and myths concerning the risks and benefits of the popular energy source.

    Available on 11/18:

    Killing Season (2013)

    Robert De Niro, John Travolta, Milo Ventimiglia, Elizabeth Olin, Diana Lyubenova

    Tormented by memories of combat in the Bosnian War, American vet Benjamin Ford seeks peace of mind deep in the Appalachian Mountains. But when a Bosnian vet of the same war comes to settle a score, a new war erupts in the American wilderness.

    Available on 11/19:

    Savannah (2013)

    Jim Caviezel, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jaimie Alexander, Sam Shepard, Jack McBrayer, Hal Holbrook

    In post-Civil War America, aristocrat Ward Allen becomes a self-styled renaissance man, taking up life as a hunter and befriending a freed slave. His new rough-hewn style draws the attention of a young socialite who defies her father to be with him.

    Crystal Fairy (2013)

    Michael Cera, Gaby Hoffmann, Juan Andrés Silva, José Miguel Silva, Agustin Silva, Sebastián Silva

    A self-absorbed young American traveling in Chile plans a journey with his pals to find a legendary hallucinogenic cactus. But when he invites the free-spirited Crystal Fairy along, they find themselves locked in a battle of wills.

    Saving Santa (2013)

    Martin Freeman, Ashley Tisdale, Tim Curry, Joan Collins, Pam Ferris, Tim Conway, Noel Clarke

    At the North Pole, Bernard, a low-ranking Elf, dreams of joining Santa’s elite team of innovators. When the location of Santa’s workshop is accidentally revealed, Santa and Christmas are in jeopardy. Can Bernard rescue Santa in time for Christmas?

    Dirty Business (2010)

    “In the digital age, half of our electricity still comes from coal. DIRTY BUSINESS reveals the true social and environmental costs of coal power and tells the stories of innovators who are pointing the way to a renewable energy future. Guided by Rolling Stone reporter Jeff Goodell, the film examines what it means to remain dependent on a 19th century technology that is the largest single source of greenhouse gases. Can coal really be made clean? Can renewables be produced on a scale large enough to replace coal? The film seeks answers in a series of stories shot in China, Saskatchewan, Kansas, West Virginia, Nevada and New York.

    Available on 11/21:

    I Give It a Year (2013)

    Rose Byrne, Rafe Spall, Anna Faris, Simon Baker, Stephen Merchant, Minnie Driver, Jason Flemyng

    In this romantic comedy, newlyweds Nat and Josh find their marriage beginning to fall apart almost immediately after their fairy tale wedding. The couple seeks the advice of a counselor, but both are also tempted by old and new lovers.

    Jim Norton: American Degenerate (2013)

    Incendiary stand-up comic Jim Norton tells the world how it is in this live stage performance, taking aim at a gallery of forbidden subjects. Norton gleefully tears at the media, corrupt politicians, our sex-crazed culture and even his own problems.

    See more recent additions here.

    Image: Crystal Fairy (YouTube)

  • ‘The Short Game’ (Which Counts Justin Timberlake Among Its Producers) Will Be The First Netflix Original Documentary

    It seems like only yesterday that Netflix announced that it acquired an award-winning documentary – its first “major” acquisition in its original documentary initiative (Netflix’s words). That’s probably because it was only yesterday.

    Today’s another day, and Netflix has announced that it has added another award-winning film to its original documentary slate: The Short Game. This one, Netflix says, is actually its “first” original documentary.

    You remember that last month, Netflix acquired the documentary BrideGroom, which debuted on the service last week.

    On Monday, Netflix announced that it acquired The Square, which is already generating Oscar buzz. It’s already been screening with the Netflix logo in New York and LA, but won’t actually debut on Netflix until early next year.

    So, just to sort things out, while Netflix acquired and debuted BrideGroom earlier, the film is not considered a Netflix original. While The Square is considered its first “major” acquisition in the original documentary initiative, it won’t debut until next year. That brings us to The Short Game, which will actually debut on December 12th technically making it the first Netflix original documentary.

    The film follows the lives of a handful of “the best 7-year old golfers in the world” as they train to compete in the World Championsjhips of Junior Golf. It’s produced by Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, and Josh Greenbaum, and executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel.

    Here’s the trailer:

    Earlier this year, Netflix disclosed its plans to offer more original documentaries and stand-up comedy specials. They’re really cranking away at these now.

    In addition to the aforementioned documentaries, Netflix has recently put out original/exclusive stand-up performances from John Hodgman, Rob Schneider, Marc Maron, Kathleen Madigan, Aziz Ansari and Russell Peters (whose special release was accompanied by an original docu-series).

    Netflix has recently said that it is doubling its investment in original content, and that means more original series, more stand-up specials and more original documentaries. Now, they’re even talking about movies.

    2013 has been a fascinating year for the company as its original content initiative has really kicked into gear (and already garnered fourteen Emmy nominations and a few wins). With new seasons of its existing shows and premieres of other shows, in addition to all of this other original content, 2014 should be an even bigger year for Netflix.

    Image: Netflix (YouTube)

  • Netflix May Be Looking For An Oscar To Put Next To Its Emmy

    Netflix made television history earlier this year when its original shows were nominated for a total of fourteen Emmys, and then again, when one of its shows won three (House of Cards). Now, Netflix could be poised to make a similar mark in the movie industry.

    The company announced today that it has made what it calls the first “major” acquisition for its original documentary initiative – a film about the uprising in Egypt called The Square.

    I found that wording interesting, considering that just last month, Netflix announced that it had acquired another award-winning documentary in the heartfelt tragedy BrideGroom, which just debuted on the streaming service last week.

    Netflix’s playing up of this latest acquisition may have to do with aspirations of winning one of its titles an Academy Award. Apparently, The Square has already been generating some Oscar buzz, and according to The Los Angeles Times, is getting a “self-financed Oscar-qualifying run in New York and Los Angeles and is tabbed as a favorite in the documentary category.”

    The film has reportedly already been screening, bearing the Netflix logo.

    Now, as Netflix is looking to really break into the movie business, an early Oscar would surely make the endeavor run much more smoothly.

    Of course, a well-received Arrested Development film could help too.

    Image: Arrested Development (YouTube)

  • Netflix Acquires Documentary ‘The Square,’ Considers It Its First Major Doc

    Netflix just announced another documentary acquisition, calling this one its first “major” one for its original documentary initiative.

    Apparently it’s already getting some Oscar buzz.

    The film is The Square. It’s described as “a riveting, deeply human chronicle of the Egyptian protest movement.”

    Netflix gives a more detailed description in its announcement:

    The film captures the immediacy and intensity of the protests in Tahrir Square from the 2011 overthrow of military leader Hosni Mubarak through the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013, providing a kaleidoscopic, visceral portrait of the events as they unfold before Magdy, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Khalid Abdalla, an Egyptian actor who played the lead in “The Kite Runner” and the charismatic Ahmed, whose poetic storytelling carries the narrative. Armed with nothing more than cameras, social media, deep consciousness, and a resolute commitment to change, these young revolutionaries give us a front-line perspective of the ongoing struggle fought with new weapons.

    It’s directed by Jehane Noujaim (Control Room, Startup.com, Rafea: Solar Mama) and produced by Karim Amer (Rafea: Solar Mama).

    “We are thrilled to be presenting an amazing film that brings to life in such a deeply human way one of the most important events of our time,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary Programming. “‘The Square’ is documentary filmmaking at the highest level – a beautifully constructed chronicle of brave people struggling against insurmountable odds to make their country a much better place. One knows that history is unfolding on the screen before you when watching ‘The Square’.”

    “Our dream for ‘The Square’ is to inspire the hearts of as many people as possible and by working with Netflix, we can insure the film reaches a wide and diverse audience. Nothing about the making of this film has followed the norms and that’s what makes it exciting. It is crucial for us as filmmakers, who have shot a documentary about people risking and losing their lives for their beliefs, to create a spirit of possibility,” said Noujaim.

    “We see the deep value that Netflix places in this story of a very alive moment in world history and are thrilled they understand the power of this film to move, disrupt and inspire audiences worldwide,” said Amer.

    An earlier version of the film won the Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It was also an official selection at the 2013 New York Film Festival.

    Netflix will make The Square available to its entire global membership. It will debut in early 2014.

    While Netflix may consider The Square to be its first major documentary, Netflix also acquired the award-winning BrideGroom last month, and just premiered it last week.

    Image: YouTube

  • Netflix Releases Latest Documentary Acquisition, The Award-Winning ‘BrideGroom’

    Earlier this month, Netflix announced that it had acquired BrideGroom, an award-winning documentary about two gay men – Tom and Shane – whose relationship was cut short when one of them died in a tragic accident.

    The film is now available to stream, and Netflix has posted this trailer:

    BrideGroom won the Audience Awards for Best Documentary at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, the 2013 Toronto Inside Out Festival and the 2013 Little Rock Film Festival, as well Outstanding Documentary Feature at the 2013 Outfest in LA.

    “Tom and Shane were each other’s first and only loves,” said writer/director Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. “They are devoted, hardworking, unassuming and funny. Each is from a small town and each, in his own way, is imbued with the best kind of small town values. They are, in fact, the sort of young people who hold within themselves the promise of America. And that is why I want to bring to life, on film, this real life Romeo and Romeo—so that all who condemn them, might come face to face with exactly what it is they are opposing.”

    Netflix said earlier this year that it would be bringing more documentaries to its streaming service. Clearly, they’re making good on that promise.

    Image: BrideGroomMovie.com

  • Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix In The Coming Week

    Netflix is a revolving door of movie and television content, particularly on the streaming side of things. Though titles often disappear from availability, new ones are also frequently added. Sometimes these come in the form of Netflix original shows or even exclusive access to certain programming, but sometimes it’s just older titles that many find to be still worth watching.

    Content is added to Netflix streaming each week, and it can be difficult to keep up with what’s available all the time. With that, here’s a look at some new additions.

    Note: This is for the U.S.

    Since last week’s list, we’ve learned that Netflix has been in talks with U.S. cable companies to potentially bring the Netflix app to their boxes. Nothing official yet, so we’ll just have to wait and see. The Samsung Cable Box did get the app though. We also learned that Netflix is thinking about adding DVD-like extras to streaming titles. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Speaking of awesome, what if Netflix gets NFL games? Apparently it’s not entirely out of the question. If you’re an Android user, there’s a major update rolling out.

    Available on 10/18:

    Populaire (2013)

    Romain Duris, Déborah François, Bérénice Bejo, Shaun Benson, Mélanie Bernier, Nicolas Bedos

    In this romantic comedy set in the 1950s, a smooth-talking insurance agent is so impressed with his secretary’s skills that he encourages her to enter speed-typing competitions. He also invites her to live in his mansion, and romance slowly blooms.

    Available on 10/19:

    Nikita: Season 3

    Nikita is one of the most highly skilled assassins on the planet, and her target is the mysterious corporation that created her. The Division, as it’s known, picks up at-risk teens to train as killers, and Nikita will do anything to bring it down.

    Available on 10/22:

    Jedi Junkies (2010)

    Olivia Munn, Ray Park, Peter Mayhew, Candy Keane, Eduardo Sanchez, Bob Iannaccone

    The Star Wars phenomenon has inspired a creative outpouring on the part of fans inspired by its visionary technologies, characters and themes. This admiring documentary profiles some of the projects inspired by the deep space epic.

    Reveal the Path (2012)

    Reveal the Path is a genre-defying adventure film that contemplates what it means to live an inspired life using the bicycle as a mechanism to explore, dream and discover.

    Addicted to Plastic (2008)

    Focusing on manufacturing, environmental effects and solutions, a documentarian journeys around the world to trace the life cycle of plastic. While plastic is the most versatile material ever invented, its ubiquity comes at a steep cost to mankind.

    Rebirth: New Orleans (2013)

    In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans officials transformed the city’s education system by increasing the number of charter schools as they rebuilt. This inspiring documentary traces the creative new model’s evolution through four schools.

    The Haunting of Amelia (2008)

    Brendan Fehr, Shirley Knight, Chad Lindberg, Natassia Malthe, Tania Raymonde, Sam Robards

    The death of a loved one is rarely easy to get over, but for Josh (Brendan Fehr), whose high school girlfriend died a decade earlier in a train crash, it’s beginning to seem like something he’ll never get past — until he meets his dearly departed’s double. But is it forward or back that the beautiful doppelgänger is leading him, and should he listen to her words or those of his best friend in this haunting chiller from helmer A.D. Calvo?

    Available on10/23:

    Phantom (2013)

    Ed Harris, David Duchovny, William Fichtner, Lance Henriksen, Johnathon Schaech, Sean Patrick Flanery

    A Cold War Soviet submarine captain struggles with a rogue KGB group trying to seize control of the ship’s nuclear missile. Meanwhile, he secretly suffers from seizures that affect his grip on reality.

    Available 10/24:

    Casper’s Scare School: Season 2

    Casper the Friendly Ghost is back and ready for more adventures when his fierce uncles, tired of his kindly relations with humans, send him away to a boarding school that specializes in teaching young students how to be as scary as possible.

    Call Me Kuchu (2012)

    This powerful film follows David Kato, the first openly homosexual man in Uganda, as he fights the nation’s looming anti-gay laws. When he’s murdered soon after a major victory, it leaves those who looked to him for inspiration searching for answers.

    Sons of Guns: Season 3

    This reality series about firearms and the people who love them centers on Will Hayden, the owner of Red Jacket, a one-of-a-kind weapons business that produces an amazing gallery of custom weapons — from knives to machine guns to rocket launchers.

    Redemption (2013)

    Jason Statham, Agata Buzek, Vicky McClure, Benedict Wong, Ger Ryan, Victoria Bewick

    Back home after a harrowing tour in Afghanistan and haunted by his dark past, veteran Joey Jones takes on an assumed identity and tries to atone. But when his pregnant girlfriend is murdered, he must risk stepping into the light to get revenge.

    V/H/S/2 (2013)

    Lawrence Michael Levine, Kelsy Abbott, L.C. Holt, Adam Wingard, Hannah Hughes, Jay Saunders

    Two private eyes investigating the disappearance of a student discover horrific content on a collection of VHS tapes in his home. But these videos don’t just document evil … they actually contain a very dark presence.

    Tom Papa: Freaked Out (2013)

    Famously upbeat comedian Tom Papa takes the stage and delivers a biting stand-up routine that includes his observations on the perils of church-going, old age, makeup, Chinese grocery stores, raising daughters, and grown men wearing shorts.

    We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)

    This documentary reveals how Julian Assange fired a global debate on secrecy when his web site, Wikileaks, published thousands of confidential documents. Taking no sides, Oscar winner Alex Gibney examines every aspect of the controversial event.

    See more recently added titles here.

    Image: We Steal Secrets (YouTube)

  • Netflix’s Exclusive Russell Peters Special And Docu-Series Are Now Available To Stream

    Last month, we learned that Netflix would release an exclusive stand-up special from comedian Russell Peters as well as a documentary series following him on tour. Today, both have become available for streaming.

    Earlier this year, Netflix indicated in a letter to investors that it would be adding more exclusive stand-up specials and more documentaries. With Peters, they managed to get both. The stand-up special is called Notorious, and the series is called Russell Peters vs. The World. It consists of four half-hour episodes.

    Last week, Netflix launched a special from Marc Maron, called Thinky Pain.

    Early next month, we’ll see the release of a special from Aziz Ansari.

    Image: Netflix