StudioCanal Classics Label Launch Features Largest Library Outside US

Canal Plus’ StudioCanal on Thursday unveiled the global launch of catalogue label StudioCanal Classics to further bolster “its ambitious editorial strategy across the StudioCanal catalogue, which is one of the most prestigious film libraries in the world.”

It boasts more than 18,000 titles, making it “the largest library outside the U.S., spanning 100 years of film history,” StudioCanal highlighted. “Over the past seven years, StudioCanal has invested close to 25 million euros ($29 million) into the 4K restoration of nearly 1,000 classic feature films. StudioCanal’s restoration strategy gives both longtime cinephiles and the Letterboxd generation the opportunity to experience classics as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen.”

StudioCanal also noted that its territory footprint spans the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia and New Zealand, with the company also distributing via partners in Scandinavia and South Africa.  

“StudioCanal continues to unlock the full value of its world-class catalogue through a dynamic and diversified exploitation strategy,” the studio explained. “An ambitious slate of prestige restorations brings iconic films to new audiences and is regularly showcased at leading international festivals, including Cannes Classics and Il Cinema Ritrovato. Supported by a dedicated international library sales team, every title benefits from tailored distribution and commercial opportunities across all media and markets.”

Among the theatrical releases from StudioCanal Classics has been Michael Mann’s Manhunter to mark the 40^th anniversary with the release of a 4k restoration, Michael Mann’s Manhunter: The Final Cut. Developed in partnership with StudioCanal, the new restoration opened in U.S. cinemas on July 24. Following its debut at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in the U.S. last month. The restoration opens in U.K. cinemas on Sept. 25 September.

Similarly, to mark the 35^th anniversary of James Cameron’s landmark sci-fi action classic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day will return to the big screen in 2D, 3D, 4DX and D-BOX, opening in theaters worldwide beginning on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Other StudioCanal Classics titles include the likes of Apocalypse Now, Basic Instinct, Paddington, Rambo, The Graduate and The Third Man.