MGM has renewed its home video distribution agreement with Fox through 2016. As part of the new agreement, Fox will also oversee electronic-sell-through for MGM movies, in addition to Blu-ray and standard DVD discs.
Previously digital distribution through iTunes and other platforms was not included in the home video partnership, which has been expanding since Fox began distributing MGM films for international home video in 1999.
Fox took over domestic distribution of MGM movies from Sony in 2006.
The deal covers not only library titles – which have been heavily marketed on home video – but new releases including the next James Bond film.
MGM recently brokered a deal with Sony for it to co-finance and theatrically market and distribute MGM's next James Bond film.
Release follows:
MGM SIGNS NEW HOME ENTERTAINMENT
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
LOS ANGELES, CA April 14, 2011 – MGM announced today that the company has renewed its worldwide Blu-ray Disc and DVD distribution pact with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment through 2016. As part of the new agreement, Fox will now oversee electronic-sell-through for MGM titles and will continue to handle MGM’s vast and extensive movie and television library, as well as distribute several upcoming new release productions in the home entertainment market, including the next JAMES BOND film, set for global theatrical release on November 9, 2012.”
“Twentieth Century Fox is a valued partner that has taken great care of the MGM library for many years with the highest degree of integrity,” said Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of MGM. “They are a tremendous asset to the studio as we look towards the future.”
“MGM and UA have made enormous contributions throughout the history of film, and we’re proud to be part of that legacy,” said Fox Filmed Entertainment’s chairmen and CEO’s Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman. “We’re delighted that we are extending our partnership with the studio under the leadership of our friends Gary and Roger.”
Twentieth Century Fox began managing MGM’s international home video distribution in 1999. The flourishing partnership expanded in 2006 when MGM signed a worldwide distribution pact with Fox. Fox’s home entertainment group has enhanced the MGM legacy by maximizing key franchises and legendary films from the library that include JAMES BOND, ROCKY and WEST SIDE STORY. Additionally, Fox leveraged MGM’s deep catalog to offer a selection of never before released classic films and TV shows via CreateSpace’s DVD On-Demand service.
“The MGM brand has become part of our DNA,” said Mike Dunn, President Worldwide, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “We are privileged to handle this incredible library of acclaimed films, many that rank as the most commercially and critically successful films of all time.”
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
