Universal to distribute Fox home entertainment in New Zealand

Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE) today announced a new sales and distribution agreement, whereby Universal will distribute Fox’s entire home entertainment slate in New Zealand.

The agreement will come into force in August 2011, following the expiration of Fox’s current home entertainment agreement with Village Roadshow in the territory.

Under the three-year term, Universal Pictures Australasia will distribute all of Fox’s DVD and Blu-ray product - including all releases from MGM Home Entertainment. Upcoming titles scheduled for release from Q3 include Rio, Water for Elephants and the Blu-ray launch of the Star Wars Saga.

Eddie Cunningham, President, UPIE, commented: “We are delighted to form this new distribution partnership with Fox and our local team, under Michael Coley’s leadership, look forward to supporting Fox and working with their excellent portfolio of new releases and catalogue in New Zealand.”

“We have had a wonderful relationship with Roadshow NZ and appreciate all that they have done for our business over many years. Our decision to align with Universal is consistent with our business challenges of maximising our revenue streams both locally and internationally,” stated Steven Leighton, SVP Northern Europe and Asia Pacific, TCFHE.