Lionsgate to Distribute Discovery Content in the U.S. for Home Video

SANTA MONICA: Lionsgate has entered into a long-term partnership with Discovery Communications to distribute its programming on DVD and Blu-ray in the U.S.

The first release under the pact will be the February 23 Blu-ray and DVD release of Racing Extinction, the landmark documentary which had its worldwide premiere yesterday on Discovery Channel in more than 220 markets. The agreement spans DVD and Blu-ray distribution of Discovery’s portfolio of series and specials from its network brands, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Investigation Discovery.

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Discovery, home of some of the most exciting brands on television, and delighted to bring their diverse and growing portfolio of programming to our home entertainment consumers,” said Lionsgate’s home entertainment president, Ron Schwartz. “Racing Extinction is a powerful and topical documentary by an acclaimed filmmaker that has taken television audiences by storm, and it reflects the world-class quality of Discovery’s great pipeline of content.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Lionsgate, which operates one of the industry’s leading home entertainment businesses, and eager to leverage their marketing prowess and distribution expertise for titles across our portfolio,” added Rebecca Glashow, the senior VP of digital distribution and partnerships at Discovery Communications. “Lionsgate is a strong partner and Racing Extinction is an ideal title to launch our partnership and create new opportunities for both our companies.”