Distribution : IMAX/Netflix changing the disto rules of Hollywood? by Richard Koman

From Seeking Alpha: The long-established window for feature films established between Hollywood studios and theater exhibitors will crack in a major fashion next summer when Netflix (NFLX +1.1%) and IMAX (IMAX +0.7%) jointly release a film online and through the large-screen IMAX format. Though media analysts think theater chains will continue to bristle over the game-changing initiative - and for now IMAX says it will let exhibitors control the films that run on IMAX screens - IMAX sits in a powerful position in the future if it wants to play hardball. "Netflix already changed the TV business in a very, very significant way. The movie business is teed up next," says BTIG's Rich Greenfield on the development. Netflix and Weinstein are collaborating on a number of projects, several of which could turn into straight-to-streaming feature films. What to watch: Hollywood studios (LGF, SNE, VIA, CMCSA, DIS) could be the ones to have the final say on if the feature film window model is adjusted.