Feature News

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Anchor Bay Entertainment announced today that it has acquired DVD distribution rights in North America for the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) (UFC(R)) brand and will begin rolling out the high-octane sport titles in September of this year in the U.S. Canada will begin releasing titles in 2010. Offering 12 to 14 live PPV events annually, along with televised specials, a reality series, toys, trading cards, and official gear, UFC(R) has become an international phenomenon. Formed in 1993, the UFC(R) brand is in its 16th year of operation as a professional mixed martial arts organization.

"We think UFC(R) is a perfect fit for our company and we're looking forward to giving fans more than they expected with each release," said Anchor Bay Entertainment President, Bill Clark. "We're known for cutting-edge entertainment and this is the hottest sport around - many of these fighters have already become cult heroes."

Added UFC President, Dana White, "UFC(R) is not a team sport, but I think ABE and the UFC(R) will make for a great team. We have very loyal fans that want to watch their favorite fights again and again; these releases will give them the ability to do that. Fans also expect a level of quality from our brand and we know that Anchor Bay Entertainment is the right company to uphold that high standard."

Anchor Bay Entertainment plans to roll out the highly rated UFC(R) television events 60 days after airdate with over 300 minutes of material; this will include the main event fight, four co-featured fights and five preliminary fights. In addition, each release will include bonus materials featuring behind the scene footage that will give viewers a fly-on-the-wall perspective.

Response to the UFC(R) brand of MMA has been extraordinary, resulting in a fan base that has grown exponentially through the years. A UFC event in Montreal, Canada attracted more than 21,000 people -- the largest audience in North America to witness a mixed martial arts event. UFC(R) has seen its popularity continue to reach new heights as the sixth season of the hit reality series The Ultimate Fighter(R) delivered top ratings in adult males 18-34 and 18-34 demographics for the Spike TV(TM) cable network.

The UFC(R) organization is regulated and recognized by the world's most prestigious sports regulatory bodies including the California, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania State Athletic Commissions. The UFC(R) organization strives for the highest levels of safety and quality in all aspects of the sport.

Under the strong leadership of owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta III, and expertise of President Dana White, the UFC(R) brand continues to thrive across a spectrum of live event sports, television production and ancillary business development.

About Anchor Bay Entertainment

Anchor Bay Entertainment is the home entertainment division of Starz Media, LLC. It includes the Anchor Bay Films and Manga Entertainment brands. It distributes feature films, children's entertainment, fitness, TV series, documentaries, anime and other filmed entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray formats. It is the exclusive distributor in the U.S. of the theatrical titles from Overture Films. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, Anchor Bay Entertainment has offices in Troy, MI, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Starz Media (www.starzmedia.com) is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Capital Group.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Tim Williams
    Sue Procko Public Relations
    323-653-5153 x226
    timw@sueprockopr.com