Genius Products (also known as Genius Entertainment) is a home video company based in Santa Monica, California. On December 5, 2005, Genius Products, Inc. announced a distribution joint venture with The Weinstein Company called Genius Products, LLC,[1], and The Weinstein Company would hold 70% stake of it. The transaction was approved by stockholders and was closed on July 24, 2006.[2] The high-profile movies from The Weinstein Company help Genius Products to open the doors to major retailers like Wal-Mart and Target. [3] In March 2006, The Weinstein Company announced a distribution pact with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. MGM will distribute films domestically in theaters, while the Weinstein Company will retain long-term ownership of their product. Upon a Weinstein Company or Dimension Films release on DVD, full distribution rights will revert to Weinstein under Genius.[4] In November 2006, Genius (through The Weinstein Company) announced a three-year deal with Blockbuster Video to give the video renting company exclusive rights for rentals starting on January 1, 2007.[5] However, under the First Sale Doctrine, other rental companies are able to rent the company's movies. Around January 11, 2007, Entertainment Rights and Classic Media announced a distribution deal with Genius Products, which replaced Classic Media's deal with Sony Wonder. Genius Products is also releasing DVDs for other companies, including Tartan Films, ESPN, Discovery Communications, ImaginAsian, Sesame Workshop, World Wrestling Entertainment and IFC Films.
