In this case I should probably say that Netflix learned that making content deals is half the battle. This time they struck a deal with Hasbro (yes, the toy company that owns the rights to G.I. Joe, Transformers and others) to add numerous shows both modern and classic to their watch it now instant streaming catalog. That means we’re getting a slew of new programming in the form of G.I. Joe, Transformers and others. The new shows are available right now such as G.I. Joe: Renegade and Transformers:Prime. The older shows will be available over the next number of months.
I love, love, love the classic cartoons. The G.I. Joe cartoons conjure up such great memories for me. I know this sounds sappy but I really loved the little PSA announcements. I’ve been known to say “… and knowing is half the battle. G.I. Joeeeee” at the end of many sentences today. I have even more love for Transformers than I do G.I. Joe. One of the first movies I purchased on DVD (and one of my absolute favorites) is the Transformers cartoon movie. It’s also one of the few movies I have on my iPad as well.
I know you may all be thinking that cartoons are just for kids. (Netflix does too.) Though I’ll disagree. Yes, cartoons may be intended for children but animation allows for such unique story telling. It allows you to tell the stories you want to tell even if you couldn’t film them in real life. I’m not just talking about The Simpsons or Family guy I’m talking about cartoons like the 1994 Spiderman that aired on Fox Saturday mornings. Within the past few months I just re-watched all of them (they’re on Netflix too) and there’s some really amazing story telling that I would have never caught had I not seen it as an adult.
So be excited, or not. Regardless I think Netflix has just added a great new piece of programming to its instant catalog. Enjoy! Read the full press release at this Engadget article.