Discovery Strikes DVD Output Deal for U.K. & Ireland

SILVER SPRING: Discovery Enterprises International and Demand Media have secured a three-year DVD output agreement that covers the U.K. and Ireland.

The deal includes DVD and Blu-ray releases for new Discovery Networks’ programming, as well as continuing series that are already in the Demand Media stable. Demand Media will release additional seasons of hit shows such as Deadliest Catch, Born Survivor: Bear Grylls and Whale Wars, as well as new programming such as Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking, Gorilla School and Last Days of the Dinosaurs. One-off specials, including King Tut Unwrapped and Discovering Ardi, will also be included.

“Our partnership with Demand Media extends Discovery’s valuable high-quality content to both loyal fans and new consumers who can continue to enjoy Discovery’s broad range of signature series and specials at home, anytime, anywhere, at their leisure,” said Jo Edwards, the VP of licensing at Discovery Enterprises International.

“The deal is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue the rolling release plan that we have developed over the last couple of years as well as coming up with some really fresh ideas on how to push Discovery brands further within the home-video market,” commented director James Akerman. “We have a great relationship with Discovery and with the added focus that this deal brings we are looking forward to maximizing sales on some really exciting new products and deliverables.”