Warner Home Video Goes 'Peanuts'
Snoopy and Charlie Brown have found a home with the world's largest home video distributor.
Warner Home Video has closed an exclusive home video deal with United Media, Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates and Lee Mendelson Film Prods. for 'Peanuts,' the beloved syndicated comic strip. The distribution deal includes the 'Peanuts' library, home videos and new media based on the work of Charles M. Schulz.
Maintaining the integrity of that work was of paramount importance to Schulz's widow, Jeanne, and she feels that Warner meets her criteria. "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.'"
Under the terms of the agreement, Warner will exclusively distribute multiple 'Peanuts' DVD titles, including more than 50 classic TV specials and series episodes. The titles will be completely re-mastered deluxe editions with newly created bonus features.
Over the past 43 years, Lee Mendelson Prods. and Bill Melendez Prods. have produced all 'Peanuts' prime time specials, winning four Emmys and two Peabody awards.
'Peanuts' is one of the most acclaimed entertainment brands ever. Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the 'Peanuts' gang reach fans through newspapers, TV, home video, theater, the internet, wireless, video games, music and books.
"We have tremendous passion for 'Peanuts,'" said Jeff Brown, WHV's SVP and general manager (TV, Family and Animation), "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."
Lee Mendelson said, "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."