Queue the applause: Columbia Pictures films return to Netflix 360
by Randy Nelson 
{ Jan 6th 2009 at 4:54PM }
Were you feeling super bad that Super Bad got yoinked from your Netflix Instant Queue mere hours after the launch of the NXE? Well, turn that frown upside-down, because it appears that the entirety of Columbia Pictures' streaming movie catalog is once again available to Xbox 360 owners.
Most of the catalog became accessible to Netflix 360 at the end of November, but site 360sync reports that everything is back as of today -- yes, even Super Bad. Of course, given the evidently squirrely nature of Netflix licensing, they could be gone again at a moment's notice. So, to ensure minimum trauma, "Watch Now" for real.
[Via X3F]
Most of the catalog became accessible to Netflix 360 at the end of November, but site 360sync reports that everything is back as of today -- yes, even Super Bad. Of course, given the evidently squirrely nature of Netflix licensing, they could be gone again at a moment's notice. So, to ensure minimum trauma, "Watch Now" for real.
[Via X3F]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
aahatimy @ Jan 6th 2009 5:06PM
I see it the same as Microsoft not allowing NTFS on the PS3.
HazyCloud @ Jan 6th 2009 4:57PM
+1 for yoinked. Great Simpsons reference.
Rayonic @ Jan 6th 2009 6:10PM
A better analogy would be if Microsoft didn't allow Windows on Sony laptops.
Cash @ Jan 6th 2009 5:00PM
Awesome for them. I was more excited about Space Rangers of Fort Hope debuting on watch instantly then Superbad, which I have seen a zillion times already.
Paragon @ Jan 6th 2009 5:01PM
I... I can watch Ghostbusters on my 360?
*single tear*
Hala Madrid!! (Somebody get me a tie! And it sure as hell better be red!) @ Jan 6th 2009 5:38PM
You win because of your avatar.
+1
Edog Lost @ Jan 6th 2009 5:13PM
I can finally watch Tootsie!
Nick the Hero of Canton @ Jan 6th 2009 5:16PM
To 360 HD Netflix users - how does the HD content work and how well does it play (like is it laggy or smooth?)
Jcarpio @ Jan 6th 2009 5:24PM
the HD content i've found so far are NBC shows (Heroes, 30 rock, the Office and friday night lights)
it's mostly lag free and looks pretty good.
AoE @ Jan 6th 2009 5:35PM
it looks great *but* i've discovered that the quality of the picture is determined somewhat by the quality of your internet connection. Assuming you're a proper gamer though you probably have a pretty fast connection, so this shouldn't be an issue...
AoE @ Jan 6th 2009 5:37PM
Actually I forgot to note... there's almost nothing worth watching in HD... The SD service has quite a selection of stuff, but I think there's only around a hundred of so items in the HD section... most of which I've never heard of (and mostly I watch movies that no one's ever heard of, so me not being familiar with their content is really saying something)
Jcarpio @ Jan 6th 2009 5:47PM
@AoE
Well that's just a matter of opinion of course.
I actually like watching those NBC shows
AoE @ Jan 6th 2009 6:17PM
@Jcarpio,
I wasn't referring to television content, just the movies, sorry for not being clear about that >_<
I don't watch much television myself (either when it's initially aired or later on) so I kinda forget that content is also available. I was referring specifically to stuff like "The Signal", "Surfwise", "Beer for My Horses", garbage like that.
Professor Lario @ Jan 6th 2009 6:54PM
Just watched Pan's Labyrinth - it was gorgeous. Picture highly depends on your connectivity. If your 'connection speed' bars are maxed out, you're good to go.
Keep in mind that all movies are presented in stereo (that I know of) although I hear they are working on 5.1 surround.
Ghen @ Jan 6th 2009 7:48PM
I've been watching back episodes of Heroes. They switched to HD in the netflix queue sometime in the middle of the first season. The HD episodes look as good streaming as they do on regular TV IMO. (and yes, I have an HD box hehe)
I always get 4 bars of quality and netflix doesn't lag because it pre-loads video chunks. If your connection degrades to where it can't pre-load the next chunk then it drops you down in quality.
shamon @ Jan 6th 2009 5:43PM
sweet
DWells55 @ Jan 6th 2009 5:53PM
At first I thought you used the wrong version of "cue," but then I realized it was a pun.
J-Link @ Jan 6th 2009 6:07PM
My thoughts exactly, I also need those Ms points to buy DLC and games like Braid.
AoE @ Jan 6th 2009 6:19PM
@J-Link, no space bux required for the netflix streaming service, just a gold xbox live account and a netflix acccount, after that it's watch as much as you want.
RK4N3 @ Jan 6th 2009 6:54PM
I am glad to see that Columbia/Sony wants to profit even if it is from its competitor. This is a good business move and I for one apologize for flaming sony so quickly when this furor first erupted.
No... fuck Sony... and thanks for all the movies!!!
Chris @ Jan 6th 2009 6:58PM
Ah, First 360 fanboy and now here. The sony movies were only unavailable for about a week. Ive been watching them for a while now. Little slow on the news... But alas, not like there was a press announcement or anything about it.
AoE @ Jan 6th 2009 7:48PM
Chris, read the second paragraph. Much like you and I, the writers/editors at X3F and Joystiq were ALSO aware that most of the Sony content was available in Nov... it's that telling second paragraph that explains why this is a story now. ;)
Rudolphe @ Jan 7th 2009 5:07AM
Would've been funny if MS countered by not allowing new Vaio's to ship with MS products, and stopping PS3's from streaming video from windows PC's. Counter petty with more petty! See who would hurt more...
robert @ Jan 7th 2009 10:20AM
it was all just a matter of licensing, sony wasn't being petty.
it really had nothing to do with it being on the 360, why is that so hard for some of you to understand?
Rudolphe @ Jan 7th 2009 12:14PM
uuh yeah it did. they were still available on pc and the other players.