Amazon buys new Woody Allen film while Netflix hides Crouching Tiger sequel from critics

These are strange times for streaming, as rival services take opposing approaches to exclusive film rights

Amazon has bought the rights to Woody Allen's next film, but will release it in US cinemas before it premieres the title on the company's Amazon Prime streaming service, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

In the latest sign the company is keen to abide by the longstanding "theatrical window" that separates big-screen releases from home video competition, Amazon Studios announced that the untitled 1930s-set comedy would receive a nationwide release in multiplexes this summer before arriving on Prime once it has finished its run. The film's small-screen release will be at least three months after its last screening in cinemas, in a move which appears designed to assuage cinema chains.