Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

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Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
FormerlyWCI Home Video (1978–1980)
Warner Home Video (1980–2016)
TypeDivision
IndustryHome entertainment
Founded1978; 43 years ago (1978)
Headquarters4000 Warner Boulevard,
Burbank, California
,
United States
Key people
Jim Wuthrich (president)
ProductsHome video releases
ServicesHome video
Digital distribution
OwnerWarnerMedia
(AT&T; spin-out into independent entity pending, to be merged with Discovery, Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery)
ParentWarner Bros. Entertainment (WarnerMedia Studios & Networks)
DivisionsWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
SubsidiariesStudio Distribution Services, LLC. (US/Canadian Joint-venture with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (formerly known as Warner Home Video and WCI Home Video and sometimes credited as Warner Home Entertainment) is the home video distribution division of Warner Bros. Entertainment.

It was founded in 1978 as WCI Home Video (for Warner Communications, Inc.). The company launched in the United States with twenty films on Betamax and VHS videocassettes in late 1979. The company later expanded its line to include additional titles throughout 1979 and 1980.[1]

History[]

The company launched in the United States with twenty films on Betamax and VHS videocassettes in late 1979. The company later expanded its line to include additional titles throughout 1979 and 1980.

Some of the company's early releases were time-compressed in order to save tape time and money and to compensate for long-playing cassettes being unavailable in the early days of home video. One example was 1978's Superman in which the film was released in a 127-minute format, compared to its 143-minute theatrical release. In addition, early film-to-video transfers of films from WCI were noted for being in poor quality, compared to modern day video releases. By the end of 1980, the quality of transfers had improved.

The company was noted in its early days for releases in big cardboard boxes that opened like a book, colored in black, with cast credits on the inside. Some early releases under the Warner Home Video name also used this design. In early 1981, the company switched to plastic clamshell cases, with a multicolor design, with a few releases using the cardboard boxes and the multicolor designs, and to cardboard sleeves in 1985 for packaging, eliminating plastic cases by 1986. In the mid 1990s, the studio revived the use of plastic cases for a handful of releases from Warner Bros. Family Entertainment.

Warner Bros. began to branch out into the videodisc market, licensing titles to MCA DiscoVision and RCA's SelectaVision videodisc formats, allowing both companies to market and distribute the films under their labels.[2][3] By 1985, Warner was releasing material under their own label in both formats. Titles from Warner Home Video were and continue to be distributed and manufactured by Roadshow Home Video worldwide except for Australia and New Zealand because of its film counterpart's films released by Village Roadshow.[4]

Rentals[]

Warner also experimented with the "rental-only" market for videos, a method also used by 20th Century Fox for their first release of Star Wars in 1982. Two known films released in this manner were Superman II and Excalibur. Other films released for rental use include Dirty Harry, The Enforcer, Prince of the City, and Sharky's Machine.

Notable firsts, Warner Archive Collection and distribution[]

In 1990, Warner Home Video acquired the worldwide home video rights to the MGM/UA catalog. The $125 million purchase was used to finance MGM/UA's acquisition by the Pathé Communications Corporation.[5] The intended 12½-year-long deal was cut short in February 2000, with MGM paying Warner Bros. $225 million to regain video rights to a number of its films. In exchange, Warner Bros. gained full control over the video rights to MGM's pre-1986 library, an asset the studio acquired outright from Turner, but due to a pre-existing licensing deal with MGM, was expected to expire in 2001.[6]

With the merger of Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting in 1996, Turner Home Entertainment was absorbed into WHV, with WHV inheriting Turner's video lines, including a previous deal with PBS Home Video and Cartoon Network video titles. WHV also eventually absorbed HBO Home Entertainment by the mid-2000s, after that division switched from mostly distributing third-party titles to HBO's own material.

On December 20, 1996, Warner Home Video was one of the first major American distributors for the then-new DVD format, by releasing the films Assassins, Blade Runner: Director's Cut, Eraser, and The Fugitive on DVD in Japan and on March 24, 1997 in the United States with Blade Runner also being a launch title for the region there.[7] Warner Bros. executive Warren Lieberfarb is often seen as "the father of DVD". Lieberfarb's successor, Warner Bros. executive James F. Cardwell was recognized in paving the way for WHV's strategic positioning in next generation technologies such as High Definition DVD, electronic sell-through and portable video. In 2003, Warner Home Video became the first home video releasing company to release movies only on DVD with no VHS equivalent.

On September 26, 2006, Warner Home Video became the first company to release a title in three formats on the same day and date with the home release of The Lake House on DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD. With Paramount Home Entertainment switching from neutral in the high definition video camp to solely to HD DVD in September 2007, Warner Home Video was at the time the only major distributor to support both high definition formats, though this changed at the end of May 2008. From June 2008, Warner Home Video released new high definition content on Blu-ray only, becoming the last major Hollywood studio to drop HD DVD after Toshiba discontinued the HD DVD format.[8]

In 2008, once its parent company became a unit of Warner Bros., New Line Home Entertainment was then folded into Warner Home Video. Warner Home Video, however, continued to use the NLHE logo on Blu-ray and DVD reprints on titles before Valentine's Day. But as of 2019, new releases of the said catalog use the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment logo.

In 2009, Warner Home Video introduced the Warner Archive Collection, which allows the public to order custom-made DVDs of rarely seen films and TV series from the Warner and Turner libraries. The films are also available as digital downloads. Warner Archive DVDs and downloads can be ordered online on Warner's website, on Amazon.com or Turner Classic Movies-affiliated DVD website Movies Unlimited. (Although Movies Unlimited sells these archive titles, it usually takes 2–3 months before the DVD is available for order after Warner releases it on their website.)[9]

In October 2012, Paramount Home Media Distribution and Warner Home Video signed a distribution deal, allowing Warner Bros. to gain U.S. and Canadian DVD, Blu-ray, UltraViolet, Flixster, and DVD-manufacturing-on-demand distribution rights to over 600 Paramount Pictures titles as well as new Paramount titles. The deal went into effect on January 1, 2013,[10] and expired in 2017.

On January 1, 2015, the company replaced Cinedigm in distribution of content from WWE Libraries in a deal with WWE, including content from former corporate sibling World Championship Wrestling.[11]

On January 14, 2020, Universal and Warner Home Video announced that they would partner on a 10-year multinational joint-venture, merging their physical operations in North America. Universal will distribute Warner Bros.' titles in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan; while Warners will distribute Universal's titles in the U.K., Italy and Benelux.[12] On April 7, 2020, the European Commission approved the merger.[13] The company was later named Studio Distribution Services, LLC.[14] Since the DVD release of Animaniacs: Season One on June 1, 2021, SDS' logo had taken the WBHE logo's place on the home releases' back covers.[15]

Catalog[]

Mainstream[]

The company currently releases titles from the film and television library of Warner Bros. as well as programs from other WarnerMedia companies, including WarnerMedia Studios & Networks, WarnerMedia News & Sports, HBO, New Line Cinema, DC Comics, Telepictures, Hanna-Barbera, and Turner Entertainment Co. Distribution is currently handled by Studio Distribution Services, LLC., a joint venture between WBHE and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

North American deals[]

Since 2016, WBHE also licenses certain titles, many are catalog, independent and arthouse films such as Barry Lyndon, Dreams & Blowup to The Criterion Collection.

WBHE currently has North American distribution deals with Samuel Goldwyn Productions,[16][17] Viz Media,[18] and WWE.

In 1981, it signed a deal with NBC Enterprises to release its titles under the NBC Home Video label.[19]

From July 1, 2000 to 2017, Warner Home Video served as distributor of BBC Video releases in North America.[20] Starting in 2017, the BBC began self-distributing its titles in North America. Warner Home Video formerly distributed titles from PBS Home Video and PBS Kids until 2004,[21][22] Big Idea Productions from 2002 to 2004,[23] LeapFrog from 2003 to 2005 (when video distribution moved to Lionsgate),[24] The Wiggles from 2007 until 2011 (when video distribution moved to NCircle Entertainment),[25] Sesame Street from 2010 to 2018 (when distribution moved to Shout! Factory),[26] American Girl,[27] National Geographic Society in the U.S.,[28] and product from the NBA,[29] the NFL,[30] and the NHL.[31]

In Canada, it previously distributed releases from Seville Pictures and Equinox Films.[32]

Worldwide deals[]

In 1981, Warner Home Video released United Artists titles on video overseas.[33] This deal was extended up to 2000 via its deal with MGM-Pathe.[5]

Alongside the announcement of the Warner Bros./Universal NA physical home media joint-venture, Warner Bros. announced that they would begin handling home video distribution of Universal titles in the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in the first quarter of 2021, while Universal announced that they would begin handling home video distribution of Warner Bros. titles in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan in the third quarter of 2020.[12]

Europe[]

In the United Kingdom, Warner Home Video formerly distributed most of the DVD releases of Icon Home Entertainment,[34] and also distributed Icon releases in Australia.[35] as well as titles from Le Studio Canal+'s catalog in the 1990s to the early 2000s through the Canal+ Image label. In 2021, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will distribute home media releases of Pathé's film library in the UK and Ireland (except certain films in the French division such as Benedetta), taking over from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. The deal does not extend to Pathé's French division.[36]

In Poland, Warner Home Video served as the distributor of most Warner Bros. and Turner Entertainment movies on VHS and DVD from 1993 to 2007, before being closed. Since 2007, Warner Bros.' home video distribution in Poland is being handled by local distributor Galapagos Films, Inc.[37]

Asia-Pacific[]

In 1996, Warner Home Video had reached a deal on releasing Twister, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Maverick, The Fugitive and three Batman films in China through Shenzen Advanced Science Enterprise Group.[38] In 2005, Warner Home Video also operated a joint venture distribution unit in China with China Audio Video (CAV) known as CAV Warner Home Entertainment to distribute Warner Bros.' films along with Universal & Paramount titles in Region 6 DVD format in China.[39][40]

In Singapore, Warner Home Video, alongside Warner Bros.' content, also formerly served as the distributor of titles acquired, produced and/or distributed by Golden Village and Shaw Organisation beginning 1999. Since then, they started self-distributing their output. As of 2017, Poh Kim Corporation Pte. Ltd started handling distribution of WHV product in Singapore.[41]

In Australia, Warner Bros.' films and WHV output were distributed through Roadshow Entertainment, which also served as the Australian theatrical distributor of Warner Bros. films. However, Warner Bros. announced in September 2020 that its long-time distribution deal with Village Roadshow would end, with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment taking over as distributor beginning in 2021.[42]

Previously, Warner Home Video's output is distributed through various local distributors in East and Southeast Asia such as Deltamac in Hong Kong and Taiwan, CVD International in Thailand, Movie Magic Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, Studio World in the Philippines and Vision Home Entertainment in Indonesia.

References[]

  1. ^ Prince, Stephen (2002). A New Pot of Gold: Hollywood Under the Electronic Rainbow, 1980–1989. Berkeley: University of California Press. pp. 10. ISBN 9780520232662. OCLC 47990049.
  2. ^ "MCA Discovision Library". blam1.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2002.
  3. ^ "RCA and Warner Home Video in Video Disc Agreements". March 30, 1982.
  4. ^ Eller, Claudia (December 10, 1997). "Warner, Village Roadshow Plan 20-Movie Joint Venture". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b Lev, Michael (October 24, 1990). "THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Pathe Settles Time Warner Dispute". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  6. ^ Peers, Martin (March 16, 1999). "MGM presses stop on WB homevid deal". Variety. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  7. ^ Taylor, Jim (March 21, 1997). "DVD Frequently Asked Questions (with answers!)". Video Discovery. Archived from the original on March 29, 1997. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  8. ^ Barnes, Brooks (January 5, 2008). "Warner Backs Blu-ray, Tilting DVD Battle". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  9. ^ Burr, Ty (March 28, 2009). "Classic movies made to order in the Warner Archive Collection". The Boston Globe. Boston.com. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  10. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (October 4, 2012). "Warner Bros. to Distribute 600 Paramount Movies on Home Video". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  11. ^ Graser, Marc (November 19, 2014). "Warner Bros. Locks Down Multi-Year Deal to Distribute WWE Homevideo Titles (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 15, 2020). "Universal & Warner Bros. Form Home Entertainment Joint Venture". Deadline. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  13. ^ "European Commission Approves Warner, Universal Home Entertainment Joint Venture – Media Play News".
  14. ^ Hunt, Bill (April 23, 2021). "BILL'S ON THE LATEST HOME THEATER UNITED PODCAST, PLUS AN APPLE DIGITAL PURCHASE LAWSUIT & WARNER AND UNIVERSAL COMBINE THEIR PHYSICAL MEDIA OPERATIONS". thedigitalbits.com. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  15. ^ Animaniacs: Season One DVD, retrieved August 10, 2021
  16. ^ "Warner Bros Licenses Samuel Goldwyn Titles For Home Video Push". Deadline. March 30, 2012.
  17. ^ "Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Acquires Rights To 70 Films From The Samuel Goldwyn Library". Blu-ray Movie Discussion, Expert Reviews & News.
  18. ^ "VIZ Media and Warner Home Video Forge Distribution Alliance – WarnerMedia". www.warnermediagroup.com.
  19. ^ "Monitor" (PDF). Broadcasting. November 9, 1981. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  20. ^ "BBC Worldwide Americas And Warner Home Video Announce Distribution Deal". Warner Bros. June 28, 2000. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  21. ^ "Paramount To Distribute PBS Vids". Billboard. January 16, 2004.
  22. ^ "Paramount To Distribute PBS Vids". Billboard. January 16, 2004. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  23. ^ Godfrey, Leigh (June 5, 2002). "Big Idea And Warner In Video Distribution Agreement". Animation World Network. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  24. ^ "Warner Home Video Enters Into Distribution Agreement For Multiple Titles With LeapFrog Enterprises "Best Educational Toy Of The Year"* Manufacturer". WarnerBros.com. October 21, 2003. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  25. ^ "WarnerBros.com – "The Wiggles: Getting Strong!" DVD From Warner Home Video – Press Release". www.warnerbros.com.
  26. ^ "WarnerBros.com – Warner Home Video And Sesame Workshop Announce An Exclusive Home Entertainment Distribution Agreement For "Sesame Street" – Press Release". www.warnerbros.com.
  27. ^ "American Doll in video deal". UPI.
  28. ^ "Press Room". National Geographic.
  29. ^ https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/news/“greatest-moments-nba-history”-dvd-warner-home-video[dead link]
  30. ^ "WarnerBros.com – Warner Home Video Teams Up With NFL Films For Marketing & Distribution Of NFL Titles – Press Release". www.warnerbros.com.
  31. ^ "WarnerBros.com – Warner Home Video And NHL Unite For Exclusive Worldwide Distribution Of NHL Titles – Press Release". www.warnerbros.com.
  32. ^ "TVShowsOnDVD.com – Goodbye". www.tvshowsondvd.com.
  33. ^ "Happy Birthday VHS, Part II: The Forgotten Pioneers (Part I: Intervision)*". MovieMail. February 19, 2013. Archived from the original on March 6, 2013.
  34. ^ Dawtrey, Adam (August 4, 1999). "Icon, WB ink homevid deal". Variety.
  35. ^ "DVD.net". www.dvd.net.au.
  36. ^ Yossman, K.J. (June 7, 2021). "Warner Bros, Pathé Strike U.K. Distribution Deal". Variety.
  37. ^ "Rynek DVD: Galapagos zamiast Warner Home Video" [DVD market: Galapagos instead of Warner Home Video] (in Polish). August 6, 2007. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  38. ^ "Warner reaches Chinese home-video deal". United Press International. July 30, 1996.
  39. ^ "Warner Home Video Announces Historic Joint Venture With China Audio Video". Warner Bros. February 4, 2005.
  40. ^ "A Guide to Chinese DVDs (authentic, bootleg and grey zone)". . October 20, 2007.
  41. ^ "Poh Kim Video: Last surviving home-video retailer refuses to bow out". Straits Times. May 2, 2017.
  42. ^ "Warner Bros Ends Australian-Distribution Alliance With Village Roadshow". Deadline Hollywood. September 21, 2020.

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