Cinedigm Acquires Exclusive Streaming Rights to the Steampunk-inspired Series "NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water" from GKIDS for its Anime-Centric RetroCrush

Rhea-AI Summary

Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) announced the acquisition of the iconic anime series "NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water" from GKIDS for its streaming service RetroCrush. This remastered series, available exclusively from June 2023, enhances RetroCrush's already extensive anime catalog, which includes over 100 series and 40 feature films from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. "NADIA" has a rich history dating back to the 1990s, having gained significant popularity for its compelling storytelling and animation. David Chu, Executive VP at Cinedigm, emphasized the show's timelessness, while GKIDS expressed excitement about reintroducing the series to a new audience. The acquisition is positioned as a strategy to strengthen Cinedigm's offerings in the highly competitive streaming market.

Positive

• Acquisition of a popular anime series expected to attract more subscribers.
• Enhancement of RetroCrush's anime catalog, improving competitive positioning.

Negative

• None.

LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cinedigm, (NASDAQ: CIDM), the premier independent streaming entertainment company super-serving enthusiast audiences, announced today that the Company has acquired the groundbreaking anime series "NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water" from animation producer and distributor GKIDS for its popular streaming service RetroCrush. The newly remastered version will stream exclusively on the channel beginning this June and is expected to bolster the service's already robust anime catalog.

Released in the early 1990s, the 39-episode series quickly gained a following for its unique characters and striking animation. "Nadia" pushed the boundaries of genre storytelling and helped elevate the careers of up-and-coming artists, including anime legend Hideaki Anno ("NEON GENESIS EVANGELION").

In the vein of Jules Verne's classic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," the series is set in the late 19^th century, as technological discoveries begin reshaping how people live. As crowds flock to Paris to witness mechanical marvels like the Eiffel Tower, a young inventor meets a mysterious woman who possesses a priceless treasure. But unbeknownst to either, a sinister force seeks to acquire the crystal at any cost. The young pair must brave dangerous waters, above the sea and below, if they have any hope of saving the world.

"'NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water' was a series ahead of its time," said David Chu, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Cinedigm Networks. "The animation and story are as relevant today as they were 30 years ago. This series is an incredible acquisition for RetroCrush, and we can't wait for the anime community to laugh, cry and fall in love with this series all over again." 

"GKIDS is delighted to continue to expand access to this beloved and seminal program from Hideaki ANNO," said Alison Kozberg, GKIDS Director of Home Entertainment. "We are thrilled to bring this iconic series to RetroCrush especially, where we are sure it will continue to resonate with a new generation of fans."

The deal was negotiated by Mary Gibson, Acquisitions Director, on behalf of Cinedigm and Alison Kozberg, GKIDS Director of Home Entertainment on behalf of the series.

RetroCrush is the home to the Company's best-in-breed anime channel. RetroCrush allows viewers to experience the golden age of anime with fan favorites and deep cuts across the classic anime TV and movie spectrum, including more than 100 series and 40 feature films from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Some of the leading films & series viewers will find on RetroCrush range from "Yu-Gi-Oh!", "Great Teacher Onizuka" and "Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie", to cyberpunk anime "Megazone 23" and "Cyber City Oedo 808".

ABOUT CINEDIGM
For more than 20 years, Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) has led the digital transformation of the entertainment industry. Today, Cinedigm entertains consumers around the globe by providing premium feature film and television series, enthusiast streaming channels and technology services to the world's largest media, retail and technology companies. As a leader in the rapidly evolving streaming ecosystem, Cinedigm continues its legacy as an innovator through its adoption of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, through its proprietary, highly-scalable Matchpoint™ technology platform. For more information, visit cinedigm.com. 

ABOUT SCREAMBOX
Stream. Scream. Repeat. Powered by Bloody Disgusting, SCREAMBOX delivers every type of terror imaginable -- Supernatural, Slashers, Classics, Zombies, Extreme, Psychological, Cult, Underground, Banned Movies and more. Discover horror you won't find anywhere else and visit www.screambox.com for more information.  SCREAMBOX is available to stream on iOS, Android, Prime Video, YouTube TV, Comcast and screambox.com. 

ABOUT GKIDS
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, GKIDS is the producer and distributor of artist-driven and award-winning animation from around the world. The company has scored an astounding 12 Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations with The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, Ernest & Celestine in 2014, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea in 2015, Boy and the World and When Marnie Was There in 2016, My Life as a Zucchini in 2017, The Breadwinner in 2018, Mirai in 2019, and Wolfwalkers in 2021. GKIDS handles North American distribution for the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world's most coveted animation collections with titles Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and others; as well as the critically acclaimed television series, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. Also, GKIDS is the founder and host of ANIMATION IS FILM, the annual LA-based film festival which embraces the highest aspirations of animation as a cinematic art form, and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions. www.gkids.com

PRESS CONTACT FOR CIDM:
The Lippin Group for Cinedigm
cinedigm@lippingroup.com
Julie Milstead
investorrelations@cinedigm.com

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SOURCE Cinedigm Corp.

FAQ

What series did Cinedigm acquire for RetroCrush?

Cinedigm acquired "NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water" from GKIDS.

When will "NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water" be available on RetroCrush?

The series will stream exclusively on RetroCrush starting June 2023.

How does the acquisition impact Cinedigm's streaming service?

The acquisition is expected to bolster RetroCrush's anime catalog, attracting more viewers.

What is the significance of the anime series "NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water"?

It is a groundbreaking series from the 1990s that has gained a cult following and is known for its unique storytelling.