StudioCanal UK
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Film distributor |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | London, England |
| Products | Feature films |
| Owner | Canal+ Group (100%) |
| Parent | StudioCanal |
| Website | StudioCanal.co.uk |
StudioCanal UK (formerly Optimum Releasing) is the official branch of StudioCanal in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company releases many films, including foreign, Studio Ghibli, independent, art-house, British, Irish and American films in the United Kingdom and sometimes Ireland.
When named Optimum, the company's image was that of a modern and independent distributor of new releases and back catalogues. Films were released under four strands: Optimum Releasing (new theatrical releases), Optimum Home Entertainment (new DVD and Blu-ray releases), Optimum Classic (DVD re-releases of back catalogue films), and Optimum World (new and back catalogue world cinema releases). The latter three appear to be still be in use, despite the company's name change.
Optimum released over 200 films a year and were one of the most prominent distributors in the UK independent film and world cinema market, since the closure of Tartan Films in 2008. Kill List, The Guard, and a re-release of Whisky Galore! were the last titles released under the Optimum Releasing banner.
In 2006, Optimum Releasing was acquired by French film producer & distributor StudioCanal, a subsidiary of Vivendi's Canal+ Group, thus marking StudioCanal's 1st entry into an international market. Since then, StudioCanal now distributes their back classic British film catalogue which includes many from their Carolco Pictures and EMI Films libraries through Optimum Releasing under the Optimum Classic strand. In September 2011, Optimum Releasing was renamed StudioCanal. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Tyrannosaur, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, The Awakening, and W.E. were among the first films released under the new name.
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