NEWS ROUNDUP 1997-04-07NEWS ROUNDUP 1997-04-07

'Maguire' Going Sell-Through

he hit film "Jerry Maguire," which so far has pulled in $140 million at the box office, will be released direct to the sell-through market on May 29 by Columbia TriStar Home Video. Starring Tom Cruise, the movie garnered an Academy Award (for Best Supporting Actor) after receiving five nominations.

The R-rated title has a minimum advertised price of $14.95 and no suggested retail price. It will have a 90-day pay-per-view window. Order date is May 1.

"Jerry Maguire" will be backed by a "multimillion-dollar" marketing campaign, the studio said. It will include post-street date advertising, print advertising and a national radio promotion.

Point-of-purchase materials will feature modular counter and floor displays, as well as widespread distribution of posters and promotional buttons. The movie also will be available in a subtitled Spanish-language version.

Disney to Distribute Anime Set

BURBANK, Calif. -- As part of its first foray into the distribution of Japanese animation, also known as anime, Disney's video subsidiary, Buena Vista Home Video, will release 13 episodes from the popular television show "Sailor Moon."

The four-tape gift set, "Sailor Moon: The Doom Tree," will be released on April 22 from DIC Toon-Time Video, with a suggested retail price of $49.99. Each episode has a running time of about 22 minutes, with a total of about 4 hours 45 minutes for the set.

Three other "Sailor Moon" titles have been recently released by Buena Vista and DIC Toon-Time: "A Moon Star is Born," "Scouts Unite" and "Evil Eyes." Each has a suggested retail price of $12.99.

Though no longer aired on U.S. television, "Sailor Moon" still has a loyal following. For example, more than 3,000 web sites are devoted to the series.

"Sailor Moon" is the alter-ego of a 14-year-old school girl who is transformed into a heroine by her talking cat. The series is said to be more acceptable for younger children than most other anime titles, according to trade observers. The series mixes fun and action, while emphasizing friendship, loyalty and bravery, Buena Vista said.

MGM Merges Two Divisions

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has merged its home entertainment and consumer products groups, naming Richard Cohen president of the combined entity. Cohen was formerly president of MGM Home Entertainment.

Meanwhile, David Bishop has been named president of MGM Home Entertainment, reporting to Cohen. Bishop was executive vice president for video at MGM Home Entertainment.

Also, Cordelia Tappin has been promoted to vice president of marketing for sell-through, reporting to Blake Thomas, senior vice president of marketing. Tappin was formerly director of marketing for sell-through.

MVP Delivers Baby Promotion

CANOGA PARK, Calif. -- MVP Home Entertainment has scheduled a promotion for its award-winning video "Babymugs!" to coincide with Mother's Day. Any baby born from May 5 to 11 can receive a free copy of "Babymugs!" said Phil Knowles, president of MVP.

Point-of-purchase materials and entry forms will be available to retailers. To receive the video, parents must send two printed items verifying the child's birth and $3.95 shipping and handling. They may also receive one of two other MVP titles, "Doggy Faces" or "Kitty Faces," for an additional $2 shipping and handling charge.

"Babymugs!" shows close-ups of babies' faces, and is said to have a calming effect on toddlers who watch it. The company claims to be first on the market with this kind of video. Originally produced by two mothers, it received the Parents' Choice Foundation Seal of Approval.