First, Netflix revolutionized television. Now it’s revolutionizing cinema one theater at a time. When the historic Paris Theater in New York City closed down in August after more than 70 years of business, its future looked rather grim — until Netflix stepped in. Located across the southeastern entrance to Central Park and the Plaza Hotel, this 581-seat theater is the last single-screen theater in the city, and a cultural landmark. Netflix has stepped in to prevent its total demise, signing a new lease for the theater and repurposing it to host special Netflix events, screenings, and theatrical releases.
Photo: NetflixFilm/Twitter
Netflix Is Taking Over a Historic New York City Theater
After closing earlier this year, The Paris — New York’s last single-screen theater — reopened for a limited run of MARRIAGE STORY. Now, the iconic theater will be kept open and become a home for special Netflix events, screenings, and theatrical releases. pic.twitter.com/fr82Oq2j8I
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) November 25, 2019
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said, “After 71 years, the Paris Theater has an enduring legacy, and remains the destination for a one-of-a kind movie-going experience. We are incredibly proud to preserve this historic New York institution so it can continue to be a cinematic home for film lovers.”
🚨Major news alert 🚨
We’re beyond thrilled to announce that the doors to New York’s iconic Paris Theatre will remain open! pic.twitter.com/m5K0MZQz16
— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) November 25, 2019
Since its opening in 1948, the Paris Theater typically showed lesser-known arthouse and foreign-language films, which may be one explanation for its eventual closure. Netflix is quickly making its mark, however, already showing its Oscar-contender Marriage Story.
Whether you’re a Netflix user or not, all can agree that the theater’s continued operation is a sigh of relief for all those nostalgic for the days when getting off the couch to sit in plush seats for a couple of hours with other people to enjoy some art was an exciting outing. 