Warner Home Video has become the exclusive worldwide home video distributor of the Peanuts library of original made-for-video and new media productions. The multi-year deal inked with United Media (United Feature Syndicate Inc.), Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates and Lee Mendelson Film Prods. will see Warner put out deluxe editions of more than 50 classic animated television specials and series episodes based on the beloved syndicated comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.
The first release will be a special edition of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, which is scheduled to hit retail on January 15, 2008. It will be followed by a deluxe edition of It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, which has a February 26, 2008 street date. The titles will be completely re-mastered and will feature newly created bonus features. The agreement also contemplates production of new made-for-video titles, as well as new short-form Peanuts content for digital distribution via wireless, EST and video-on-demand platforms.
‘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,’ comments Jeanne Schulz. ‘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.”
Peanuts is licensed and syndicated by United Media. Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates was established to work in partnership with the company on the creative and business management of the Peanuts worldwide licensing program, providing creative oversight and art direction to the 900-plus Peanuts licensees. Over the past 43 years, Lee Mendelson Prods. and Bill Melendez Prods. (Mendelson/Melendez Prods. LLC) have produced all of the Peanuts prime time specials, winning four Emmys and two Peabody Awards, and garnering sixteen Emmy nominations. The entities also produced four Peanuts theatrical feature films.
