'Couching Tiger Hidden Dragon 2:Green Legend' Netflix Release Date: Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beau

By Ankita Ghorpade Oct 01, 2014 10:47 AM EDT

'Couching Tier Hidden Dragon 2:Green Legend’

'Couching Tiger Hidden Dragon 2:Green Legend' Netflix Release Date: Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty

Starting with a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon calledThe Green Legend, Netflix has struck a deal with The Weinstein Co. to premiere a slew of major films simultaneously with their theatrical release.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend will make its debut Aug. 28, 2015. When announcing the deal Monday night, Netflix and Imax said it will be the first of several major films to be given a day-and-date release. The original martial arts flick was widely revered, starring Michelle Yeoh, Yun-Fat Chow and Ziyi Zhang and centering on the search for a stolen magical sword.

Yeoh will return for the sequel, with Yuen Wo-Ping directing (he choreographed fight scenes for The Matrix and Kill Bill) and principal photography underway now in New Zealand. "Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty," Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement. "We are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with IMAX, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film."

World predicted that many would boycott playing the film in Netflix territories, but noted that the sequel's Imax prospects are strong in China, where there is no Netflix. "We believe this news only helps to further validate the importance of the Imax format to the industry as a major player in the evolving industry's future," he added. Netflix's chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, has long wanted to release movies day-and-date on Netflix and in theaters, something most exhibitors are unlikely to ever allow, since they believe in preserving the theatrical window.

"Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty," Sarandos said in announcing the deal. "We are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with Imax, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film."

"We are tremendously excited to be continuing our great relationship with Netflix and bringing to fans all over the world the latest chapter in this amazing and intriguing story."