Netflix streaming to reach Australia, New Zealand in March

Netflix Inc., building on an expansion this year in Europe, will bring the world's largest subscription-streaming service to Australia and New Zealand in March.

Original series "Marco Polo" and "BoJack Horseman" will be available at launch along with kids' titles from DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc., Los Gatos, California-based Netflix said yesterday in statement.

Netflix, which pioneered streaming video paid monthly, has entered new markets to gain subscribers and pay for the rising cost of rights for TV shows and movies. The company plans a "sizable expansion" in 2015, Chief Financial Officer David Wells said at an investor conference a week ago. In September, the company entered six European territories, including France and Germany.

The company will offer high-definition and so-called 4K, or ultra high-definition, programming where available, it said. During the year, the selection in Australia and New Zealand will expand to include the thriller "Bloodline," Marvel's "Daredevil" and "Sense8," from the creators of "The Matrix," the company said.