The Weinstein Company Focuses on Direct-To-Video Business With the Launch of Three Dynamic New Labels Including 'The Miriam Collection,' 'Kaleidoscope TWC' and 'Dimension Extreme'

The Weinstein Company Focuses on Direct-To-Video Business With the Launch of Three Dynamic New Labels Including 'The Miriam Collection,' 'Kaleidoscope TWC' and 'Dimension Extreme'

THE MIRIAM COLLECTION to Restore and Release Classics, Contemporary Classics and Notable Foreign Films

KALEIDOSCOPE TWC to Release Quality Family Programming

DIMENSION EXTREME to Release Provocative and Edgy Genre Films

NEW YORK, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films are pleased to announce the unveiling of three dynamic new labels; THE MIRIAM COLLECTION, a premiere label which will restore and release high quality classics, contemporary classics and notable foreign films; KALEIDOSCOPE TWC, a family friendly entertainment label under which all The Weinstein Company's upcoming family programming will be released; and DIMENSION EXTREME, which will release edgy and provocative programming including horror films, thrillers, sci-fi adventures and outrageous comedies. Each label will primarily focus on direct-to-video releases however will occasionally release films theatrically. All of the direct-to-video titles will be distributed through Genius Products (BULLETIN BOARD: GNPI) , TWC's exclusive home video distributor. The announcement was made today by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Co- Chairmen of The Weinstein Company.

Bob Weinstein stated, "When Harvey and I formed TWC, one of our main priorities was to build a strong, valuable and diverse film library filled with a unique combination of quality theatrical releases and niche direct-to- dvd titles. The launch of The Miriam Collection, Kaleidoscope and Dimension Extreme, enables us to continue doing just that.

"Harvey Weinstein continued, "Through these cutting-edge labels, we will be able to continue expanding our film library while extending our presence in the lucrative direct-to-dvd market. Kaleidoscope will build on the success we have already enjoyed in the family friendly arena with 'Hoodwinked' and 'TMNT' and Dimension Extreme will join Dimension Films as the premier destination for genre film-lovers. Also, we can think of no better way to honor our mother Miriam, than to associate her name with some of the most beloved and classic films of all time.

"Trevor Drinkwater, CEO of Genius Products stated, "Were excited to bring these three new brands to the market and based on the early success of Dragon Dynasty, we believe consumers will continue to respond positively to exceptional content branded for relevance.

"THE MIRIAM COLLECTION will issue deluxe releases of classic, foreign and modern cinema. The label will also restore and re-release older classics as well as foreign films and some modern favorites. Many of these releases will include extra features including never before seen footage that will surely satisfy the appetite of classic film lovers worldwide. The first release from THE MIRIAM COLLECTION will be the Academy Award nominated 1961 classic epic "El Cid," produced by Samuel Bronston, starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. Never released on DVD, this classic film tells the story of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz, who succeeded in driving the Moors from Spain. After "El Cid," THE MIRIAM COLLECTION will release a steady stream of past and current classics including three more Samuel Bronston produced films such as "Fall of the Roman Empire" starring Alec Guiness and Sophia Loren, "55 Days at Peking" starring Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner, and "Circus World" starring John Wayne and Claudia Cardinale. Foreign classics to be released under THE MIRIAM COLLECTION include Akira Kurosawa's last film "Madadayo," and Pedro Almodovar's "Dark Habits" and "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" The first modern classic to be released will be "The Deal," the 2003 British TV movie that follows the rise of Prime Minister Tony Blair with the same writer, director, and star of Stephen Frears' "The Queen." Additionally, each year there will be one film released under the banner "Bob and Harvey's Pick" which will be selected by Bob and Harvey Weinstein. All proceeds of this release will be given to charity.

KALEIDOSCOPE TWC will focus on releasing family friendly programming that is appropriate for children of all ages. The programming will include theatrical releases, direct-to-video releases, TV series and specials, and classic children's and family films. Upcoming titles include CG-animated "The Nutty Professor," based on the original film of the same name, with voiceovers by Jerry Lewis, who was the creator, director and star of the original; the "Unstable Fables" CG-animated series of titles of well-known classic tales including "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," "The Three Little Pigs" and "Tortoise and The Hare" - all of which are being produced by The Jim Henson Company; CG-animated "Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil," the sequel to the smash hit "Hoodwinked"; "Igor," the playful and irreverent CG-animated comedy with voiceovers by John Cusack, Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, and Steve Buscemi; and "Escape From Planet Earth," the CG-animated comedy, from the filmmakers of the Academy Award winning film "Happy Feet" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." The KALEIDOSCOPE TWC label will be comprised of new productions and acquisitions, and many exciting titles from the RHI library, and the Classic Media library.

DIMENSION EXTREME will be the home to the most intense, edgy and provocative programming that will continually push the envelope and satisfy discriminating genre fans. Horror films, thrillers, sci-fi adventures, and bawdy, outrageous comedies are a few of the genres that will drive DIMENSION EXTREME. Upcoming releases, both theatrical and direct-to-video include "Pulse 2," the sequel to last years horror/thriller "Pulse" starring Kristen Bell and Ian Somerhalder, which was one of the most rented titles in 2006; "Black Sheep," where horror meets comedy, an experiment in genetic engineering turns harmless sheep into blood-thirsty killers that terrorize a sprawling New Zealand farm; "Dirty Sanchez," a bawdy comedy where four guys set off on a world tour to enact the seven deadly sins, based on the MTV Europe series of the same name; and "Rogue," Greg McLean's ("Wolf Creek") frightening journey home to the crocodile infested waters of Australia's remote wetlands where terror lies just beneath the surface, starring Radha Mitchell and Michael Vartan.

Barry Gordon, recently appointed Executive Vice President of Home Entertainment for TWC added, "We will consistently acquire and produce only the best programming available for each label. Keeping our quality high coupled with innovative marketing and promotion, we will develop these labels into well known trade and consumer brands that will provide long-term equity for the company."

Gordon, will oversee the labels and work closely with Trevor Drinkwater, President and CEO, and his team at Genius Products. Eric Robinson, Vice President of Production and Development, will work closely with Gordon and oversee the KALEIDOSCOPE label on behalf of TWC.

ABOUT THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.

Upcoming Weinstein Company films to be domestically distributed in theaters by MGM include "The Nanny Diaries," based on the NY Times No. 1 best- selling satirical comedy, starring Scarlett Johansson and Paul Giamatti; Rob Zombie's reinvention of "Halloween" starring Malcolm McDowell and Brad Dourif; and "1408" adapted from the terrifying short story by suspense master Stephen King starring John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mary McCormack. Other upcoming films to be released by The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films include: the romantic comedy "Dedication" starring Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore; the heartfelt drama "Grace Is Gone" starring John Cusack; and Wong Kar Wai's "My Blueberry Nights" starring Norah Jones.

During the Weinsteins' tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award(R) nominations and won 60 Oscars(R), have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including "Scream," "Spy Kids" and "Scary Movie."

ABOUT GENIUS PRODUCTS

Genius Products, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GNPI) , along with The Weinstein Company Holdings LLC, together owns Genius Products, LLC, a leading independent home-entertainment distribution company that produces, licenses and distributes a valuable library of motion pictures, television programming, family, lifestyle and trend entertainment on DVD and other emerging platforms through its expansive network of retailers throughout the U.S. Genius handles the distribution, marketing and sales for such brands as Asia Extreme(TM), Discovery Kids(TM), Dragon Dynasty(TM), Dimension Films(TM), ESPN(R), IFC(R), RHI Entertainment(TM), Sesame Workshop(R), The Weinstein Company(R) and WWE(R). Genius Products, Inc. is the managing member of Genius Products, LLC.#

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Weinstein Company

CONTACT: Sarah Rothman, +1-646-862-3823, sarah.rothman@weinsteinco.com,
or Julie Cloutier, +1-646-862-3825, Julie.cloutier@weinsteinco.com, both of
The Weinstein Company

-------
Profile: intent