Netflix’s Technological Demands For ‘Roma’ Release Is Preventing Small Theaters From Screening The Film

Film fans rejoiced when it was announced that Netflix had agreed to release Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma” in an exclusive theatrical run before the film hits the streaming service in mid-December. No matter what the film’s subject matter is, Cuaron has made a name for himself for not only making incredible films, but films that deserve to be seen on the biggest possible screen with the best possible sound. Unfortunately, it’s that last bit that seems to be a sticking point between Netflix and some of the independent theater chains the studio has approached.

READ MORE: Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Roma’ Is An Immensely Moving And Stunningly Personal Glimpse Into The Past [Venice Review]

Business Insider has a report that gives the reason that chains like Alamo Drafthouse, among others, are passing on the option of showing “Roma,” despite its critical acclaim and strong Oscar chances. You see, despite Netflix doing an exclusive theatrical window, which means the theater will show the film before the streaming date, the company is still asking some pretty high demands for certain theaters to show the film.

The report says that the Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn, NY passed on the film after Netflix demanded that “Roma” be shown in their only 70mm theater for four weeks, exclusively. The Drafthouse says that the 70mm theater is their largest screen and room in the entire multiplex and the exclusivity would prevent the location from showing other high-profile films on that screen during that window. Obviously, that was too much to ask, and the Alamo Drafthouse turned down Netflix’s offer.

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BI also says that another theater owner (who remained anonymous) turned down the chance to show “Roma” because Netflix demanded that the screens that theaters that show the film be equipped with Dolby Atmos Surround Sound. This adds another wrinkle that is preventing many independent theaters from being able to screen the film. “It’s complicated by Netflix’s insistence that theaters have Dolby Atmos, an extremely expensive sound system that very few theaters can afford,” the anonymous theater owner said.

Now, you may be wondering — why is Netflix demanding so much for a Spanish-language black and white film set in the 1970s? Well, even before the deal with “Roma” was made, Cuaron talked openly about the film being his most personal film to date, as well as one of his most technologically advanced. “I wanted it to be contemporary black and white and not to work with long shadows like in the 40s and 50s. I wanted digital black and white which is very advanced,” he said previously.

READ MORE: Alfonso Cuarón Talks ‘Roma’ Release Strategy & Why Netflix Is “Important” For Filmmakers

So, while film fans have to be excited about the chance to see Cuaron’s latest the way it was intended, on the big screen, it appears that it’s not going to be available at your local small indie arthouse theater. That being said, the film is being dubbed a masterpiece, so it’s probably worth the trouble of finding in a city near you.

“Roma” will hit select theaters on November 21. If you’re not able to see the film in theaters, Alfonso Cuaron’s latest will arrive on Netflix on December 14.