Netflix Joins Forces with Thirteen/WNET, Target and Warner Home Video for Multi-Platform Introduction of 'Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends'

Netflix Joins Forces with Thirteen/WNET, Target and Warner Home Video for Multi-Platform Introduction of 'Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends'

Documentary on Living Legend is Presented by Clint Eastwood, Directed by Bruce Ricker and Narrated by Anthony Hopkins

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) , the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced a multi-platform campaign for the release of "Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends." Developed under the company's Red Envelope Entertainment banner, the deal includes exclusive television, retail and worldwide distribution agreements through partnerships with Thirteen/WNET New York, Target and Warner Home Video.

Produced by Clint Eastwood, in association with RPM Productions, and edited by Joel Cox ("Million Dollar Baby"), "Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends" chronicles and celebrates the life of legendary recording artist, 15- time Grammy(R) Award-winner and consummate performer, Tony Bennett. It is written, directed and co-produced by veteran producer Bruce Ricker.

"The film is a coming together of two American icons -- Eastwood and Bennett -- and a big leap for Red Envelope Entertainment," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer and executive producer on the film. "The production and the unique roll-out arrangements draw on the relationships and brand strength that Netflix has developed in the creative and distribution communities."

Netflix has reached an agreement under which Thirteen/WNET New York will be the exclusive television partner. "Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends" will air as part of the AMERICAN MASTERS series on PBS on September 12. "Netflix is an ideal partner in our efforts to create socially relevant programming," said Susan Lacy, creator and executive director of AMERICAN MASTERS. "We share a similar vision and commitment to bringing culturally focused documentaries to wider audiences, and through this venture, we will be able to share the wonderful story of Tony Bennett's life and career."

"Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends" will be available to the more than six million Netflix subscribers for DVD rental and PC-based instant watching on September 25. Netflix will merchandise the documentary to subscribers with an interest in such films, based on their rental history. For his part, Mr. Bennett will actively promote the film through an extensive media campaign which will begin with the film's U.S. premiere on September 10 in New York. On the retail front, Target will share a day-and-date release with Netflix on September 25, with a six-week window as the exclusive retailer of the film.

"We are delighted to work with Netflix in our continued support of Tony Bennett's life and artistry," said Laura Sandall, Target director of events, marketing and publicity. "Making this available through both Target and Netflix is sure to have enormous impact on the accessibility of this film to consumers, who we know love all things Tony Bennett."

Warner Home Video has acquired the rights to distribute the film within the U.S. and will release a two-disc special edition on November 13. This collector's edition of the documentary will include an extra 60 minutes of Tony Bennett concert footage from the 2005 Monterey Jazz Festival. VDI Entertainment has secured the rights to distribute Warner Home Video's edition of the film in Canada on the same date. Warner Home Video's strong interest in the film prompted the company to broaden their role in the project and take exclusive distribution rights for all media outside of North America.

"Mr. Bennett's international appeal resonates across generations and cultures, and we are honored to share his life-long love of music with the rest of the world," said Rosemary Markson, Warner Bros. Home Video vice president, TV and Special Interest Marketing. "Between Netflix and Warner Home Video's domestic distribution experience, we will be able to further spread Mr. Bennett's influence globally for all cultures to experience."

Tony Bennett is beloved as one of the premiere interpreters of the Great American Songbook. "Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends" follows Mr. Bennett's more than 50 years in the music and entertainment industries against the backdrop of a changing America. The film is highlighted by never before seen footage from his performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival and an intimate on-camera interview conducted by Eastwood that explores the essence of Mr. Bennett's artistry and presents an exceptional man in a rare way.

About Red Envelope Entertainment

Netflix is committed to providing consumers with access to the widest variety of films available. With over 80,000 titles, the Netflix catalog spans every major genre, from documentaries and dramas to comedies and how-to. To that end, Red Envelope Entertainment is acquiring and funding original content projects to increase consumer options and provide an innovative method for film distribution. While giving filmmakers a platform to expose less commercial projects to a broader audience, Red Envelope Entertainment looks to leverage its proprietary technology to offer the more than six million Netflix subscribers unique and original content to which they wouldn't otherwise have access. This original content initiative creates a national distribution channel for films and entertainment programming otherwise not available to broad audiences. For more information, visit http://www.netflix.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Netflix

CONTACT: Bronagh Hanley of Netflix and Red Envelope Entertainment,
+1-408-540-3916, bhanley@netflix.com

Web site: http://www.netflix.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment