STUDIO UNIVERSAL

At a launch on September 22, Universal Networks International (UNI) and MultiChoice briefed members of the media that the new UNI movie channel Studio Universal will reach 47 countries across the continent through DStv, offering DStv subscribers “Hollywood at Home”.

The main focus here is stars – the kind of mega movie stars that can command major salaries and whose movies invariably become smash hits.

Studio Universal will be available on the DStv Premium and DStv Compact bouquets on DStv Channel 119 and will offer viewers a host of blockbuster action and comedy movies, in addition to a range of themed film nights.

Colin McLeod, MD EMEA Emerging Markets, Universal Networks International said "Given Universal Networks International’s successful collaboration with DStv via Universal Channel, it is natural that we extend our relationship to encompass a movie channel dedicated to the best of recent Hollywood movies. The Studio Universal brand capitalizes on its strong heritage via Universal Pictures International (UPI) – which has been producing movies for nearly a century. We are sure DStv subscribers will love this new channel that combines top films from UPI and other studios."

Studio Universal will launch at 19h00 (SA time) on September 30, with a line-up of well-known and successful blockbusters from the Universal Pictures catalogue such as the thrilling The Fast and the Furious starring Vin Diesel, the action-packed Miami Vice with Academy Award®-winner Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell and the hit romantic comedy Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason starring the incomparable Renee Zellweger.

Aletta Alberts, General Manager Content, MultiChoice: “Movies are a key driver for pay-TV viewers. We are always looking to strengthen the DStv channel line-up by offering our subscribers more high value content. We believe that Studio Universal will enrich the DStv platform – giving our DStv Compact and DStv Premium viewers a dedicated blockbuster movie channel.”

Other big movies featured on the channel will include the hilarious Norbit starring Eddie Murphy as multiple characters; espionage thrillers The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy with Matt Damon; romantic musical drama Save the Last Dance with Julia Stiles and gripping political drama The Interpreter with Hollywood heavyweights Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman.

Internationally, Studio Universal is available in Italy and across Latin America, reaching more than 25 million cumulative subscribers, in three languages.

MultiChoice is one of the outstanding examples of a pioneering South African company, owned by Naspers, an international player providing entertainment, technology and e-commerce services.