MUMBAI: National Geographic Home Entertainment division has inked a deal with Warner Home Video to distribute National Geographic documentary programs in the People’s Republic of China.
The partnership strengthens National Geographic’s presence in China, with more than 130 of the Society’s award-winning documentaries being made available to the Chinese audience through Warner Home Video’s joint venture, CAV Warner Home Entertainment, in the first year.
Set to begin distribution this fall, the titles released throughout the year will consist of single releases and collections, including the award-winning title Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure in 3-D, which will be released in standard and high-definition formats such as China Blue Hi-def and Blu-ray. Additional titles to be released in the next six months include Atmospheres: Earth, Air and Water, China’s Mystery Mummies, Kingdom of the Blue Whale, World’s Deadliest Animals and the series National Geographic’s Most Amazing Moments, among others.
"CAV Warner has a very strong marketing and sales presence in China, and National Geographic is very pleased to be working with the company to develop our Home Entertainment business in the country. Their operation provides a unique blend of knowledge and experience that will enhance National Geographic’s presence in China and bring our award-winning films and brand awareness to the public," National Geographic’s Home Entertainment group senior vice president Julie Bellonte.
Warner Bros. is the first and to date the only US studio to establish an in-country DVD business in the People’s Republic of China. CAV Warner distributes a wide range of content, including Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount, Dreamworks, local Chinese titles and independent labels directly to around 100 cities across China.
"We are very excited to be partnering with National Geographic Home Entertainment in China. National Geographic already has a strong consumer franchise in the PRC and with the current rapid expansion of high-definition television households, we believe that there will be significant consumer demand to watch this superb content in both standard and high definition," said CAV Warner Home Entertainment managing director Tony Vaughan.
