u/khairunzmn

I have always felt crossed between movies and tv episodic shows but what if there was a balance between the two that makes both audiences happy? This feels like perhaps a huge missed opportunity for modern cinema.

What if studios released movies in cinemas as the main “event” version, but any additional footage, character arcs, subplots, or deeper world-building they filmed could later become an extended cut exclusively on their streaming platform?

Not just deleted scenes or behind-the-scenes extras. I mean a genuinely expanded version of the story.

For example, a movie could release theatrically at 2.5 hours for pacing and broader audiences, but later become a 4 to 6 episode extended edition on streaming using the extra footage they already shot.

Theatrical release = the cinematic event.
Streaming release = the deeper, more immersive version.

I feel like this could solve multiple issues at once:
- Keeps movies important and worth going to cinemas for
- Gives streaming platforms meaningful exclusive content
- Lets filmmakers explore stories more deeply without forcing a massive runtime
- Makes franchises and biopics feel less rushed
- Gives fans two different experiences instead of replacing one with the other
- Makes shareholders happy when audiences subscribe to see more haha

A biopic like Michael is a good example. Some lives and stories are simply too big to fully explore in one film, even if the movie itself is great. Sometimes I leave cinemas feeling emotionally invested but wishing certain moments had more room to breathe.

At the same time, I love that movies feel condensed and eventful. There is something wonderful about everyone gathering for one focused cinematic experience instead of everything becoming a long series.

But imagine a balance between the two instead of what is currently a sort of big divide.