Wal-Mart gets 'Wise'
Mouse pacts with retailer on DVD distrib deal
By SCOTT HETTRICK
Disney has reached a first-of-its-kind deal with Wal-Mart to be the exclusive retailer of a new animated feature film, "The Three Wise Men," from Nov. 1 through the holidays.
Buena Vista Home EntertainmentBuena Vista Home Entertainment is distributing the 76-minute pic, produced by Animagicstudio, whose principal animators are Disney veterans of films such as "Fantasia 2000," "Hercules""Hercules" and "Tarzan," for Latino marketing and acquisition company Arenas EntertainmentArenas Entertainment, which acquired the movie from Spain-based Cartel.
The film saw theatrical release in Spain in 2003, grossing $8 million-$9 million. It also had a run in France last year, after which Arenas redubbed the movie with new voice actors including Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.
Deal is the latest in the growing number of exclusive pacts struck by retailers for DVDs, CDs and other products.
Best Buy will have an exclusive additional disc of extras for the Sept. 6 debut of the first season of "Lost" on DVD (from Disney). Disney also struck a deal recently with Best Buy to be the exclusive retailer of "Buddies," the short-lived 1996 Dave ChappelleDave Chappelle ABC series from Touchstone TelevisionTouchstone Television.
Wal-Mart recently made news by gaining exclusive rights to the entire catalog of Garth Brooks (Daily Variety, Aug. 22).
Lori MacPherson, senior VP of brand marketing for Disney's Buena Vista Home Entertainment, said the studio is selectively looking for opportunities to capitalize on Wal-Mart customers and the company's more than 2,000 U.S. stores. The studio has no plans to put major Disney animated films or other major titles exclusively at Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart representatives could not be reached for comment and MacPherson said details of the Wal-Mart deal have not been finalized.
MacPherson says any exclusives will eventually be made available to other retailers.
Mouse pacts with retailer on DVD distrib deal
By SCOTT HETTRICK
Disney has reached a first-of-its-kind deal with Wal-Mart to be the exclusive retailer of a new animated feature film, "The Three Wise Men," from Nov. 1 through the holidays.
Buena Vista Home EntertainmentBuena Vista Home Entertainment is distributing the 76-minute pic, produced by Animagicstudio, whose principal animators are Disney veterans of films such as "Fantasia 2000," "Hercules""Hercules" and "Tarzan," for Latino marketing and acquisition company Arenas EntertainmentArenas Entertainment, which acquired the movie from Spain-based Cartel.
The film saw theatrical release in Spain in 2003, grossing $8 million-$9 million. It also had a run in France last year, after which Arenas redubbed the movie with new voice actors including Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.
Deal is the latest in the growing number of exclusive pacts struck by retailers for DVDs, CDs and other products.
Best Buy will have an exclusive additional disc of extras for the Sept. 6 debut of the first season of "Lost" on DVD (from Disney). Disney also struck a deal recently with Best Buy to be the exclusive retailer of "Buddies," the short-lived 1996 Dave ChappelleDave Chappelle ABC series from Touchstone TelevisionTouchstone Television.
Wal-Mart recently made news by gaining exclusive rights to the entire catalog of Garth Brooks (Daily Variety, Aug. 22).
Lori MacPherson, senior VP of brand marketing for Disney's Buena Vista Home Entertainment, said the studio is selectively looking for opportunities to capitalize on Wal-Mart customers and the company's more than 2,000 U.S. stores. The studio has no plans to put major Disney animated films or other major titles exclusively at Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart representatives could not be reached for comment and MacPherson said details of the Wal-Mart deal have not been finalized.
MacPherson says any exclusives will eventually be made available to other retailers.