MGM DVD premiere unit readies 12 films
Additions to Legally Blonde, Stargate, WarGames franchises planned
By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 4/17/2007
APRIL 17 | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios unveiled its first slate of 12 DVD premiere movies from its recently announced direct-to-DVD division.
Aimed at young adults, the studio’s slate ranges from original productions such as corrupt-cop thriller Dark Blue, from the writer of 2 Days in the Valley, to spin-offs from the studio’s catalog, including Legally Blonde.
“We’re targeting today’s savvy media consumer who demands quality video entertainment regardless of where that entertainment experience takes place,” said Jason Weiss, VP of the direct-to-DVD division. “By leveraging film and TV franchises, which have already proven to be popular with specific targeted demographic groups, we’re able to both continually replenish our library while also maximizing revenue from our existing film and TV programming.”
MGM will build on the Legally Blonde franchise with Legally Blondes, starring British twins Camilla and Rebecca Rosso from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody as cousins of Elle Woods, the character played by Reese Witherspoon in the theatrical releases. The studio also will release figure skater film Cutting Edge 3, aimed at young women. A first DVD premiere sequel, Cutting Edge 2: Going for the Gold, was released last year.
Borrowing from its TV catalog, the studio will create a dark comedy spin-off from Showtime series Dead Like Me.
The slate is genre heavy, with a remake of 1977 supernatural suspense film Audrey Rose and two new thrillers Pet and Captive. The studio also will put out action flick AngelMaker.
MGM previously announced plans to release sci-fi adventure Species: The Awakening and high-tech themed WarGames: The Dead Code.
Last month, the studio said it would co-produce two films with distributor 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment based on the Stargate franchise. Stargate: The Ark of Truth began production April 15. Stargate: Continuum, which includes ice camp scenes shot on location in the arctic, will resume production May 15.
Stargate SG-1 star Richard Dean Anderson continues his role as General Jack O’Neil in Continuum. Fellow cast members Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Claudia Black and Michael Shanks will resume their roles in both films.
The series wraps up its 10th season this year on the Sci Fi Channel.
DVD release dates have not been announced for the films.
