Monterey makes theatrical key category
INDIE FILM GUIDE: Four feature films planned for first part of '07
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 1/8/2007
JAN. 8 | Monterey Media is singing a different tune these days.
Monterey's Eye of the Dolphin will have a limited theatrical release.
The heretofore music and educational specialist is set to release four indie feature film DVDs during the first part of 2007, three of which will receive theatrical releases.
More than a year ago, Monterey started dabbling in feature films, releasing family fare Indigo and The Blue Butterfly on DVD in April 2005 and May 2006, respectively.
Now Monterey has made theatrical film a key category in its DVD product portfolio, with plans to release each year eight full-length features, including some theatrical releases.
The studio is open to all genres and topics but hopes to roll out films that are innovative and even controversial twists on familiar themes.
Karla, bowing on the big screen Jan. 7 and on DVD April 3 (prebook Feb. 27), represents a unique spin on the true crime genre.
“This isn’t something that [educational-minded] Monterey would usually handle. Karla was one of the most notorious serial killers in Canada,” says Jere Rae-Mansfield, chief financial officer and managing partner at Monterey. “She was part of the team known as the Ken and Barbie Killers. But was she part of the problem or was she under another’s control?”
Rae-Mansfield believes Steel Toes, unspooling in theaters in May and on DVD in September, will be one of Monterey’s highest-profile titles to date. Starring 2006 Oscar nominee David Strathairn, Steel Toes chronicles a Jewish public defender who decides to represent a neo-Nazi killer.
“Whatever David does has a seal of approval,” Rae-Mansfield says. “There is a lot of conflict and soul-searching with [this film]. What level of compassion can you have for someone?”
Teen-friendly Eye of the Dolphin, following a young girl struggling to adjust to life in the Bahamas, will roll out in a few movie houses in March. It launches on DVD May 1 (prebook March 27).
Honor heads exclusively to DVD on Feb. 27 (prebook Jan. 23). Though it won’t come tagged with a big-screen presence, Monterey wanted this title because of its distinct themes.
“It’s not a typical Asian martial arts film,” says Rae-Mansfield. “It’s an urban film, dealing with street gangs. We found it a compelling story.”
All of these upcoming DVD titles will be priced at $24.95 each.
