The highly anticipated Martin Scorsese epic “The Irishman” arrived on Netflix on November 27, 2019, just in time for Thanksgiving weekend viewing. This wasn’t just another movie dropping on the streaming platform – it was a major moment in film history.
Why The Irishman’s Netflix Release Was Significant
The film’s journey to Netflix was actually quite groundbreaking. Here was a $159 million Scorsese masterpiece, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, choosing to release primarily through streaming rather than traditional theaters. While it did have a limited theatrical run starting November 1st to qualify for Oscar consideration, Netflix was always intended as its main distribution platform.
The Theatrical vs. Streaming Debate
Many cinephiles were initially concerned about this legendary director taking his work to Netflix. But the streaming giant gave Scorsese something traditional studios wouldn’t – complete creative control and the budget needed for the film’s extensive de-aging visual effects. The 3.5-hour runtime also made Netflix an ideal home, allowing viewers to pause and watch at their own pace.
Viewing Experience on Netflix
Since its release, “The Irishman” has remained available for streaming on Netflix, where subscribers can watch this epic crime drama chronicling the life of Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a truck driver turned hitman involved with Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and his Pennsylvania crime family. The story spans several decades, culminating in a reflection on aging, loyalty, and the consequences of a life of crime.
Impact and Legacy
The film’s Netflix release helped reshape how we think about movie distribution. It proved that prestigious, high-budget films could succeed on streaming platforms without sacrificing artistic quality. It garnered 10 Oscar nominations and showed that the landscape of film distribution was evolving.
How to Watch
If you’re planning to watch “The Irishman,” I’d recommend setting aside a full evening or breaking it into manageable chunks – the 209-minute runtime is substantial but worth every minute. The film remains available to all Netflix subscribers worldwide, and you can even download it for offline viewing on your mobile devices.
Fun fact: While some viewers joked about watching it in installments, Scorsese himself preferred people watch it in one sitting if possible, though he understood why Netflix’s platform made it convenient to break up into segments.
This combination of traditional filmmaking excellence with modern streaming convenience really showcases how the movie industry continues to evolve while preserving the art of storytelling that makes cinema so special.
