Today streaming video giant Netflix confirmed that it will be launching in Australia and New Zealand on 24 March, 2015.
No price has yet been announced, expected to be revealed at launch.
The service will compete against recently launched streaming services including Stan and Presto.
Previously confirmed titles at launch include House of Cards, Marco Polo, BoJack Horseman, All Hail King Julien with upcoming titles to include Bloodline, Daredevil, Sense8, Grace and Frankie, Virunga, Mission Blue, Uganda Be Kidding Me from Chelsea Handler, and Jim Jeffries’ Bare.
“Many Aussies and Kiwis have heard a lot about Netflix over the years, and we’re excited they’ll get to experience our unique blend of Netflix original content, local series and films, and popular movies and TV shows from around the world, all for a low monthly price,” said Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and chief executive officer.
Starting today, consumers in Australia and New Zealand can find the latest updates on Netflix content and social happenings via the company’s local Twitter and Instagram (@NetflixANZ), Facebook (www.facebook.com/NetflixANZ) and Tumblr (NetflixANZ) accounts.
Netflix will be available on all major Australian broadband operators. Customers of iiNet, the nation’s second-largest DSL Internet provider, will be able to enjoy hours of entertainment, including all three seasons of the political drama House of Cards, family thriller Bloodline and other movies and TV shows from the Netflix catalogue, with no fear of the usage counting against home data caps, under the first un-metering agreement announced with a major broadband provider in Australia.
At launch, Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) will be available on smart televisions manufactured by Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Philips and HiSense, and Fetch TV’s second-generation set-top box. Film and TV fans can also access Netflix on game consoles, including Sony’s PlayStation 3 (PS3™) and PlayStation 4 (PS4™), Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Xbox One, and Nintendo’s Wii U, as well as Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Apple and Android tablets and smartphones.
Mobile users who sign up for specific plans offered by Vodafone in New Zealand will receive several months of prepaid service, whilst consumers purchasing Microsoft’s next generation console, the Xbox One, at select stores will receive three months prepaid access to the Netflix service, starting 24 March and for a limited time only.
From launch, consumers will be able to purchase Netflix gift cards in denominations of $20, $30 and $50 at participating Australian retailers, including Woolworths, Coles, Big W, 7-Eleven, Australia Post and Officeworks. Netflix will offer a single-stream standard definition plan, two-stream high-definition plan and four-stream 4K ultra-high definition “family” plan. Details on monthly pricing will be available at launch.
Internet-connected users will be able to subscribe to Netflix and instantly watch a curated selection of popular movies and TV shows in high-definition or Ultra HD 4K where available. In addition to Netflix original series including Marco Polo, the dramatic thriller Sense8; Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; Marvel’s Daredevil; DreamWorks Animation’s The Adventures of Puss in Boots and All Hail King Julien, and the Academy Award-nominated documentary Virunga, members will also enjoy an exciting range of exclusive and licensed content from many of the world’s leading distributors, including Roadshow Entertainment, Beyond Distribution, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and The Walt Disney Company.
Netflix has also announced premiere dates:
Original Stand-up Comedy Specials:
Chris D’Elia: Incorrigible – April 17
Jen Kirkman: I’m Gonna Die Alone (And I Feel Fine)- May 22
Original Documentaries
What Happened Miss Simone- June 26
Original Series:
Between- May, 2015
Sense8- June 5
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp- July 17
Coming Soon:
Narcos
Club de Cuervos
