Warner Bros. to Distribute 'Peanuts' Animation
October 22nd, 2007 1:18 PM by Aaron H. Bynum
News of the 'Peanuts' Property
An entertainment brand that spans a seemingly infinite variety of media and an entertainment brand that has braved numerous eras of emotional, political and social thought, the Peanuts work of Charles M. Schulz often represents the most memorable moments a growing child can experience. Between a near-bald young boy and his ace pilot beagle, a blanket carrying philosopher, a master pianist, a girl who will wear sandals in any season of the year and much more, Peanuts has provided readers with a spectrum of humor over the past fifty plus years. Now, it appears that much of the media based on Schulz's imaginative stories will see its most collective and organized distribution yet.
In an announcement made recently, Warner home Video--in an agreement with United Media (or, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.), Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates and Lee Mendelson Film Productions--has entered an agreement that will see the Peanuts brand successfully distributed. The agreement is an exclusive, multi-year, worldwide home video distribution deal. The many memorable television specials, video releases and new media that further brought to life Charlie Brown and his many friends will see their most promising availability yet. Digitally remastered releases of classic holiday specials, the potential for newly produced Peanuts projects for a digital media platform and much more are on tap.
"As we continue our efforts to maintain the integrity of my husband Charles Schulz's work, partnering with Warner Home Video was the logical choice," Jeanne Schulz, wife of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, commented in a news release.
"After meeting the Warner creative team, it's clear that they have an understanding and respectful dedication to classic animation, which we think will make them a great distribution home for Peanuts."
Schulz's legacy, as a cartoonist whose dedication to his medium was well known, is made all the more permanent with memorable animation sequences that establish through moving pictures the innumerable idiosyncrasies of his Peanuts characters.
Warner Bros. intends to reach the appropriate audiences with newly anticipated releases of now classic Charlie Brown animation, further establishing a connection with old and young generations alike. Doug Stern, President and CEO of United media, who undertakes the responsibility of licensing and syndicating Peanuts, openly stated that Warner Bros. is "a perfect match for Peanuts."
Under the terms of the agreement, Warner Home Video will exclusively distribute multiple Peanuts DVD titles, which include over 50 classic television specials and television series episodes. The first of these releases includes a deluxe edition of "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown," scheduled for release on January 15th, 2008, followed by a deluxe edition of "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown," scheduled for release February 26th, 2008. The titles will be offered to consumers completely re-mastered, in all-new deluxe editions, with newly created bonus features. Each title will feature a new updated look while maintaining the integrity and feel of classic Peanuts.
Charles M. Schulz wrote all of the programs encompassed by the deal, with Bill Melendez directing and Lee Mendelson as Executive Producer; all three are multiple Emmy-award winners. The agreement also contemplates production of new made-for-video titles as well as new short-form content based on the Peanuts work of Charles M. Schulz for digital distribution via wireless, EST and video-on-demand platforms. Mendelson /Melendez Productions, LLC will be associated with some of these projects.
About the Peanuts brand: Peanuts is one of the most beloved entertainment brands of all time. What began in the funny pages in 1950 has developed into an enduring classic. The tales of Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Good Ol' Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang reach fans through a variety of media including newspapers, TV, home video, theater, the internet, wireless, video games, music, and books. Over 18,000 comic strips celebrate numerous themes, countless images and well-known expressions that have become part of the American - indeed global - vocabulary. Whether you're a fussbudget like Lucy, philosopher like Linus, Flying Ace like Snoopy, or a lovable loser like Charlie Brown, there is something to touch your heart or make you laugh in Peanuts.
About Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates: Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates was established to work in partnership with United Media on the creative and business management of the Peanuts worldwide licensing program, providing creative oversight and art direction to the over 900 Peanuts licensees. Creative Associates is located in Santa Rosa, California, where the Peanuts creator maintained his studio for over thirty years. On the same property Schulz built an ice arena, cafe, and gift shop. In August 2002, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center opened adjacent to his studio. The museum fulfills its mission to preserve, display, and interpret the life and art of Charles M. Schulz by offering rotating exhibitions of original art and personal artifacts, showcasing Schulz and his cartoon creations Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts Gang.
Source: http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1528
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown: Deluxe Edition @ Dvd Empire
