Show me that tear-jerking scene again, Netflix!
Netflix has confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that it is testing an “Instant Replay” button. The feature delivers a button prompt to viewers to “replay” what they just watched at the end of a scene, without any rewinding or fast forwarding necessary.
Unfortunately, however, Netflix users just aren’t that into it — some are even calling it an affront to Cinema.
During certain Netflix films like Mowgli and Dumplin‘, the LA Times reported that a button that allows an “instant replay” of the scene appears. So without having to rewind frame by frame, viewers can instantly go back to the beginning of scenes.
“We’re trying out a feature which gives Netflix members the ability to rewatch favorite scenes and memorable moments with the click of a button,” a Netflix spokesperson told the LA Times. “Right now we’re just looking to learn from it and may or may not roll it out more broadly in the future.”
Netflix is testing the feature, and it only appears in a select few pieces of content. Users report that it reads “show me that scene again,” and appears in the bottom corner of the screen, where the skip intro button is. One user said it popped up five times during the duration of the Netflix original film Dumplin’.
The feature might be great for sitcoms that deliver fast paced jokes. Or, more traditionally, sports. But on social media and Reddit in particular, Netflix viewers are not stoked about the test.
One Reddit user started off a thread complaining about the feature. u/alohasprinting writes:
Watching Dumbling (which is fairly meh) but throughout the movie a popup link of “watch this scene again” will appear. Why does Netflix insist on devaluing film even more than it does with its washdowned color grading and poorly executed original plotpoops?
Other Redditers hopped on the thread with similar thoughts.
“Same, really messed up my immersion,” u/catsinapeoplesuit wrote. “So far it’s happened right after two intense scenes. Really took me out of the moment.”
Viewers also tweeted to share their displeasure.
Scott Renshaw@scottrenshawHey @netflix, that “watch this scene again” pop-up in the middle of a movie is garbage and you should be ashamed of yourselves.
3ReV@3REVHey @netflix instant replay sucks, I dont want your crap jarring me out of my movie, might as well add a commercial. Leave that shit for sports channels. Or at least give us an opt out if you go live with this junk.
Will Netflix’s instant replay test end in an instant? Or will this just be another pop up we have to get used to? We’ll have to wait and see.
