Universal Pictures UK Scores Rastamouse DVD Rights

TORONTO: Universal Pictures UK is to release the first Rastamouse DVD on October 3 following a deal with DHX Media.

The CBeebies stop-animation series’ DVD will feature six episodes and three sing-alongs. Rastamouse is based on the critically acclaimed books by Genevieve Webster and Michael De Souza, and the series was launched on CBeebies in January 2011.

The series is produced by Greg Boardman and Eugenio Perez of Three Stones Media, in association with Dinamo Productions, Little Roots and DHX Media, which handles worldwide TV sales (excluding the U.K.) and worldwide licensing and merchandising.

“We’re delighted to be releasing Rastamouse on DVD,” said Jessica Horne, the A&R manager for Universal Pictures UK. “In a crowded market, this is a pre-school series with a genuine USP. Rastamouse is the coolest licensed character on the market and the show’s humor and musical content really connect with preschoolers and their parents.”

Josh Scherba, the senior VP of distribution at DHX Media, added: “There is a significant demand for Rastamouse DVDs in the U.K. and in Universal we feel that we have the right partner on board to handle the home entertainment element of the brand. With the album available via EMI and toys set to hit the market through Character Options in the autumn, there is a growing consumer presence for the brand in the U.K., which is supported by a strong performance of the series on CBeebies.”