Network DVD is a DVD publishing company that specialises in classic British television. In particular, it has the rights to a number of well-known ITV programmes.
Founded in 1997, Network Distributing (formerly Network/Network DVD) started as a video sell through label specialising in archive TV programmes. Its first releases were Charley Says, Robin of Sherwood and Catweazle. It has gone on to become one of the most successful independent DVD distributors in the UK with a library of 3,000 unique film and TV properties. The company has also moved into releasing new feature films at cinemas and won two HEW Awards in 2008 for Best TV DVD release for The Prisoner 40th Anniversary Special Edition and Best Comedy DVD for The Goodies at LWT. The latter award was shared with The Mighty Boosh Series 3.
Originally specialising in the release of archive TV shows the publisher built up a strong reputation for releasing special features laden DVDs which can be seen in the likes of The Goodies at LWT and The Saint. In 2004 Network signed an output deal with Granada Ventures, giving the company the rights to release all non core ITV brands on DVD in the UK (incorporating the Granada, Carlton, ITC Entertainment, Central, HTV and Anglia libraries). At the same time Network sourced its sales function to Fremantle Media. In return Network acquired the DVD rights to the Fremantle library (including the Thames library). This means that the majority of the ITV shows such as Baywatch, Coronation Street, The Bill, The Persuaders and The Saint are released via Network Distributing rather than the commercial division of ITV.
Despite Network’s strong TV catalogue the company also has an extensive film library which includes properties from Alliance Atlantis, Rank, Rohaueur and ITC Entertainment catalogues. Notable films include Sign o’ the Times, Oliver Stone’s Talk Radio, Black Narcissus, The Last Seduction and This Sporting Life.
In 2007 the company moved into new releases following the successful re-release of The Ipcress File at UK cinemas nationwide in 2006 and the company acquired Hou Hsiao Hsien’s Flight of the Red Balloon starring Juliette Binoche, which it released at cinemas and on DVD in 2007. In 2008 it acquired four new films from the Cannes Film Festival – Afterschool, Rumba, Soi Cowboy and Tony Manero, which are all due for UK release in 2009. The company also announced a joint venture with Pokémon and it has started releasing its films on DVD in the UK. The first was Pokémon the Rise of Darkrai. Most recently Network DVD announced a distribution deal to release Strike Force Entertainment’s catalogue, which contains a number of military, aviation and music properties. The first two releases were Marc Almond in Bluegate Fields Live at Wilton’s Music Hall and Eartha Kitt Live at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
[edit] Sitcom
[edit] Comedy sketch, standup & variety
[edit] Comedy-Drama ("Dramedy")
[edit] Children's
[edit] Documentaries
[edit] TV Drama
[edit] Film DVDs
[edit] Cinema Releases
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