Hallmark Channel Acquires 99-Picture Slate of Classic Family Disney Movies From Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Acquisition Deal Includes Disney's "The Shaggy Dog," "Flubber," "Old Yeller," "The Parent Trap," "The Incredible Journey," "The Princess Diaries," "Freaky Friday" and "The Santa Clause"

(March 26, 2008) Hallmark Channel has acquired the rights to 99 family-friendly movies from Disney-ABC Domestic Television, some of the greatest family films of all time. The deal was announced today by Michelle Vicary, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Scheduling.

The newly acquired movies will play on Hallmark Channel and on its sibling channel, Hallmark Movie Channel -- a new 24-hour channel which airs the greatest family movies of all time. The expansive list of baby boomer favorites includes Disney's "The Shaggy Dog," "Flubber," "Old Yeller," "The Parent Trap," "The Incredible Journey," "The Princess Diaries," "Freaky Friday," "The Santa Clause," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "That Darn Cat," "The Love Bug," "The Shaggy Dog," "Mighty Joe Young," "Babes in Toyland," "The Cat from Outer Space," "Gus," "Return to Snowy River," "Snowball Express," "White Fang," "The Apple Dumpling Gang" and "Swiss Family Robinson."

"We are thrilled about this deal, one of our most ambitious ever," said Vicary. "This acquisition is another big step in our growth. It will help us expand our library of programming, drive ratings and lower our demos. Most of all, these movies are perfectly suited for the Hallmark brand of family-friendly programming and for the boomer generation, and will therefore help us attract advertisers and spur distribution for both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel."

Hallmark Channel is known for its original movies and events, including the recent highly-rated movie "The Good Witch," starring Catherine Bell, and popular acquisitions including "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Little House on the Prairie" and "Murder, She Wrote."

-- Posted March 26, 2008