Netflix Sets Sights On Exclusive Dreamworks Rights

Netflix has been struggling lately with consumer confidence after the loss of one of its biggest streaming contracts with Sony and the 60% rate jump they dropped on subscribers just this month. The original streaming service is now said to be in talks to sign an exclusive deal for the streaming rights to Dreamworks content, Bloomberg reports.

Although Dreamworks has a contract with HBO through 2014, the rumor is that HBO has agreed to let them out of their contract two years early, opening the door to let Netflix in. Exclusive rights to the Dreamworks catalog would be big for Netflix, bringing in such well known titles as the Shrek films. The company recently renewed and expanded its non-exclusive deal with Universal, and has signed streaming deals with Paramount, Lion’s Gate and Miramax.

The question of whether or not subscribers will be willing to stick with Netflix through rate increases is directly related to the kind of content available. Customers have been vocal about the lack of selection and the lack of new releases available through the streaming service; when the rate increase was announced much of the buzz had customers wondering why they should pay more for what appeared to be a dwindling selection. If the Dreamworks deal becomes a reality, it could give the Netflix streaming catalog a much needed boost.

Still, it will take more than Shrek to keep Netflix subscribers happy; I for one would still like to see a much better selection of recent television programming available to stream. If Netflix really wants to lure away cable viewers, they will have to step up their game in that department.