Netflix adding newer films from Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate to "watch instantly" library

In its first major move toward significantly expanding its “Watch Instantly” catalog, Netflix has just struck a deal that will allow it to begin streaming movies from Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate starting September 1. Newer features like Iron Man 2 will become available three months after they’re available on cable TV—a much shorter window than was available previously: In the past, pay TV networks could lock up the rights to films for as long as nine years after their theatrical release, which is why the bulk of movies available for instant streaming are much older than that. The securing of newer releases is part of an estimated $1 billion deal made with little-seen cable channel Epix, which owns the rights to films from those three studios; a cursory glance at titles available through Epix suggests Netflix may soon be able to stream movies like Paranormal Activity, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Star Trek, and The Godfather trilogy, to name just a few.