Warner Home Video Announces an Exclusive, Worldwide Home Entertainment Distribution Agreement for Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz

Warner Home Video (WHV) has entered a multi-year, exclusive worldwide home video distribution deal with United Media (a.k.a.United Feature Syndicate, Inc.), Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, and Lee Mendelson Film Productions for Peanuts, the acclaimed syndicated comic strip which generated highly successful television programs revered by generations of viewers globally. The distribution deal includes the Peanuts library and original made-for-videos for home video and new media distribution based on the Peanuts work of Charles M. Schulz. The announcement was made today by Jeff Brown, WHV, SVP and General Manager, TV, Family and Animation.

“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,” said Jeanne Schulz, wife of Peanuts creator Charles M. 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.”

Doug Stern, President and CEO of United Media, the company that licenses and syndicates Peanuts stated, “As we continue to oversee the extraordinary legacy of Charles M. Schulz with our long term partner Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, it made strategic sense to align ourselves with a creative distribution partner like Warner Home Video. A perfect match for Peanuts, Warner Bros. has demonstrated to us and the industry its enormous global reach, creative foresight, marketing expertise, as well as its ability to understand classic properties.”

Under the terms of the agreement, WHV 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 15, 2008, followed by a deluxe edition of It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, scheduled for release February 26, 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.

All of the programs encompassed by the deal were written by Charles M. Schulz 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.

Executive Producer Lee Mendelson says, “On behalf of Bill Melendez and our respective staffs, as we continue our 43rd year of Peanuts production for television, we excitedly look forward to our new association with Warner Home Video. With both our library and new media, we are pleased to bring the genius of Charles Schulz to new generations in 21st century technology.”

Regarding the announcement, Brown said, “This agreement is a testament to Warner Home Video’s dedication to bringing some of the world’s most foremost and cherished properties to consumers. We have tremendous passion for Peanuts and look forward to the opportunity to build this perennial brand by reinvigorating the home video library via product and packaging innovation, potentially creating original content based on Schulz’s work and building digital distribution on new media platforms.”

“Warner Bros. is the only major studio with a dedicated business unit for non-theatrical properties,” commented Ken Ziffren, attorney for Peanuts right holders. “Their understanding of the value of this evergreen brand, respect for what Charles Schulz has created and presence in the video market makes them a great partner. It’s been a pleasure working with them in crafting this deal.”