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Weinsteins launch three new labels: Imprints to focus on direct-to-DVD efforts
By DADE HAYES

The Weinstein Co. has acquired the restored version of Dario Argento's 1977 horror pic "Suspiria" for the launch of one of its three new labels.

"Suspiria," which was unspooled in a special screening during Cannes, will be released on Dimension Extreme, a label for horror, comedy, thriller and sci-fi titles. The other two labels are the Miriam Collection for restorations, prestige and foreign pics and Kaleidoscope TWC for family fare.

All three will focus on direct-to-DVD efforts but will also occasionally do theatricals. Kaleidoscope TWC, for example, will handle all upcoming Weinstein Co. family titles.

All video titles will continue to go through Genius Products, TWC's sole video distrib.

Harvey Weinstein said, "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."

The first Miriam Collection release will be Oscar-nommed 1961 epic "El Cid." To follow will be Akira Kurosawa's 1993 film "Madadayo," Pedro Almodovar's 1983 movie "Dark Habits" and "The Deal," a 2003 Brit telepic about Tony Blair by the same writer, director and star of "The Queen." The label will also feature an annual release tabbed Bob and Harvey's Pick whose proceeds will go to charity.

On tap for Kaleidoscope TWC are a CG-animated "Nutty Professor," featuring voice work by Jerry Lewis, and "Unstable Fables," a CG pic produced by the Jim Henson Co. that will incorporate "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," "The Three Little Pigs" and "The Tortoise and the Hare."

Division Extreme will release "Pulse 2," a sequel to last summer's horror pic; "Dirty Sanchez," a "Jackass"-style comedy title from Britain; and "Wolf Creek" co-helmer Greg McLean's "Rogue."

justeleblanc wrote:I wonder if they'll get there hands on a decent version of Bunuel's Belle de jour.

Matt wrote:I wouldn't expect new transfers of anything; I expect they'll just be re-branding existing Wellspring/Fox Lorber discs. Miramax was never known for their attention to quality in DVD production.