Yahoo Movies Fury as Netflix 'tests variable speed playback' allowing users to watch films 1.5-times quicker
Netflix is testing 'variable speed' playback on its Android platform, according to reports, meaning that users could soon be able to watch movies at slower or quicker speeds, similar to that seen on podcast apps.
Many Netflix users on the Android platform began posting screenshots of the new playback options, which go up to 1.5-times normal speed.
Let's just say it's gone down pretty badly.
High-profile filmmakers and actors have been hammering the streaming studio over the test, urging it to reconsider.
Key among them was Trainwreck and Knocked Up director Judd Apatow, who really didn't mince his words.
No. That’s not how it works. Distributors don’t get to change the way the content is presented. Doing so is a breaking of trust and won’t be tolerated by the people who provide it. Let the people who don’t care put it in their contracts that they don’t care. Most all do. https://t.co/ZPQPpgTXOc
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) October 28, 2019
Others were quick to followed suit.
Whelp— another spectacularly bad idea, and another cut to the already bleeding-out cinema experience. Why support & finance filmmakers visions on one hand and then work to destroy the presentation of those films on the other??? https://t.co/T7QdYAQGHU
— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) October 28, 2019
Dear @Netflix,
This is a terrible idea, and I and every director I know will fight against it.
Sincerely,
Peyton Reed https://t.co/iPq10ywKfz— Peyton Reed (@MrPeytonReed) October 28, 2019
Stop. As the person talked about in this article I felt the need to speak out. There is NO WAY @netflix will move forward with this. That would mean they are completely taking control of everyone else’s art and destroying it. Netflix is far better than that. Am I right Netflix?🎥 https://t.co/fZDnYzvStN
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) October 28, 2019
And it seems regular folk aren't happy about it either.
My thoughts on #Netflix's supposed plans to introduce 1.5x Playback Speed: pic.twitter.com/Y76W6K81Dz
— Elliott Stott (@ElliottStott) October 28, 2019
“A Netflix spokesperson says that with the new feature enabled shows will play at twice normal speed, and all background music will be replaced with Yakety Sax” https://t.co/0n5Z5QtFGh
— pixelatedboat aka “mr tweets” (@pixelatedboat) October 28, 2019
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: T H E S E P E O P L E H A T E M O V I E S https://t.co/e4axN6OCLW
— Charles Bramesco (@intothecrevasse) October 25, 2019
Netflix introducing an option to watch their shows at 1.5x speed so everyone can cram in more content when everyone really just wants Netflix to make every series 0.5x the length. https://t.co/Z5i2OmJfA7
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) October 29, 2019
Netflix has addressed the situation in a statement, saying: “We’re always experimenting with new ways to help members use Netflix.
“This test makes it possible to vary the speed at which people watch shows on their mobiles.
“As with any test, it may not become a permanent feature on Netflix.”
