Home Entertainment
May 27, 2003
Warner Home Video And NHL Unite For Exclusive Worldwide Distribution Of NHL Titles
(May 27, 2003 – Burbank, CA) – Warner Home Video (WHV), the leader in home entertainment, and the National Hockey League (NHL) announced today a three-year partnership for the global marketing and distribution of NHL DVD and home video titles including exclusive retail, direct and premium sales rights. Coupled with the distribution and marketing power of WHV and its parent company AOL/Time Warner, NHL Productions will co-develop a line-up of high-end, collectable DVD and video products targeting hockey fans worldwide.
The partnership will launch with the release of the 2003 Stanley Cup Championship, followed by three additional Stanley Cup releases in 2004, 2005 and 2006. With at least three new titles per year, WHV and the NHL also will produce a series of original releases that tap into the rich history and heritage of the NHL featuring the great players and teams, the history of the NHL and much more. Building on its loyal fan bases in Canada and the United States, the global partnership between WHV and NHL Productions will give hockey fans around the world an in-depth look at the heart, drive, sweat and skill that exemplifies the NHL.
“We are excited to be partnering with WHV to produce and distribute the best NHL videos and DVDs in the world,” said Patti Fallick, Vice President of NHL Productions. “Hockey fans around the globe will enjoy the benefits of NHL Production’s access as well as Warner’s impeccable reputation and quality within the home video industry.”
“WHV is devoted to producing the most comprehensive and thrilling NHL action on collector’s DVDs that will surely satisfy every hockey fan’s insatiable appetite for the sport,” said Mike Saksa, WHV head of U.S. Marketing. “By teaming up with premier sports leagues such as the NHL, WHV continues to expand its presence as a leader in the rapidly-growing sports genre for home video and DVD.”
About NHL Productions
NHL Productions is a full-service, multi-media production facility that was established by the National Hockey League in 1994. In addition to supporting NHL broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, CBC, TSN and RDS, as well as local rightsholders of the League’s 30 teams, NHLP produces network specials for the League’s broadcast partners in addition to two weekly television series: “NHL Cool Shots,” a lifestyle television program that brings behind-the-scenes hockey action and player personality to fans across North America, and “NHL Power Week,” a game highlights show broadcast to more than 217 countries outside North America.
In addition, NHLP provides original programming for the newly launched Canadian-based NHL Network: And recently wrapped production on the two one-hour shows for ESPN’s “The Season,” featuring the Detroit Red Wings.
About Warner Home Video
With operations in 78 international territories, Warner Home Video Inc. commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures Inc., Turner Entertainment Company, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment. # # #