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If there’s one person alive who wants to preserve the integrity and purity of cinema, it’s Martin Scorsese. In 1990, the director of such classic films as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas founded The Film Foundation, whose mission is precisely that (i.e., preservation and education).

Scorsese has spoken of growing up watching great widescreen films (including How the West Was Won) in the days when TVs were square and thus chopped off the ends of the original movie. When he saw these films in the cinema, he saw what he (and every other TV viewer) had been missing.

These days, when all TVs are widescreen, you could say Scorsese emerged victorious from that battle. However, he never imagined competing with TV screens before his movies had a chance to be seen in theaters.

With his new film The Irishman, Scorsese finds himself in that unlikely predicament. However, those who want to see the picture in all its glory on the big screen will have the chance to do so, starting November 1. The day before Thanksgiving, it will commence streaming on Netflix.

‘The Irishman’s’ limited release begins November 1

Al Pacino, Martin Scorsese, and Robert De Niro attend ‘The Irishman’ International Premiere. The screening took place during the 63rd BFI London Film Festival, October 13, 2019. | Alberto Pezzali/NurP hoto via Getty Images

In the same way the streaming service released the sparkling Roma in 2018, Netflix will kick off its new prestige film with a limited theater engagement. That run begins November 1 in the U.S.

Because Netflix wouldn’t commit to the standard three-month engagement theater chains require, you’ll find the movie in independent movie houses. That’s led to some treats, like the film showing on Broadway in the historic Belasco Theater.

If the film really packs in audiences and Netflix feels compelled to keep the run going, you may see it extended. However, for now, expect this film to disappear from theaters by the end of November.

From that point on, anyone with a Netflix subscription will be able to view Scorsese’s best-reviewed film of all time in the comfort of their home. And you won’t pay any admission price.

‘The Irishman’ arrives on Netflix November 27

Martin Scorsese attends the “The Irishman” premiere at la Cinematheque on October 17, 2019 in Paris. | Dominique Charriau/Getty Images For Netflix

As families are settling in for Thanksgiving (or whatever you might do on the fourth Thursday of November), The Irishman will be available to watch on Netflix. In fact, it arrives the day before, on November 27.

From there, fans can check in and watch it whenever they please. And there’s definitely advantages to that. Owen Gleiberman, Variety’s film critic, pointed out how well the film could work as a miniseries. (It lasts longer than three hours, after all.)

Most importantly, Scorsese’s latest film wouldn’t exist without Netflix. During his promotional tour for the film, the legendary director said that loud and clear. The streaming service stood alone in offering to back the film — no matter the cost.

That allowed Scorsese the freedom to shoot whatever picture he liked. By the rumble coming from film critics and fans, it sounds like he didn’t blow the opportunity.

Also see: Why Joe Pesci Quit Acting Until Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Irishman’

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