Kino Lorber

History

In 2009, Lorber HT Digital acquired Kino International and therefore merged together to form Kino Lorber. Kino Lorder would use separate labels, like Alive Mind and Kino Video. The company specialized in theatrical and DVD business.

Kino Lorber launched its "Kino Lorber Studio Classics" line of films in 2014. Its licensing deal with MGM allowed them access to MGM's library of remastered and high-definition films. It released approximately 40 films by the end of 2014, including the Billy Wilder films Witness for the Prosecution and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. In 2017, Kino Lorber entered into a partnership with Zeitgeist Films to co-acquire films for theatrical release and taking over home entertainment distribution of their library.

In 2019, Kino Lorber launched a digital streaming service known as "Kino Now." Described as an "arthouse iTunes," it allows the purchase and rentals of films in its distribution library. During the COVID-19 pandemic lock-downs in 2020, Kino Lorber launched an online distribution service to stream new films in partnership with closed theaters. Known as "Kino Marquee," the service was seen as a way to help closed theaters generate revenue during the pandemic, splitting revenue equally with participating cinemas.

In 2021, Kino Lorber launched "Kino Cult," a free ad-supported streaming channel for genre films. It also entered into a distribution and acquisition agreement with Milestone Films, a New York–based film company known for restoring and distribution of American classic films.

On August 29, 2023, Kino Lorber announced via email that "Kino Cult" was being replaced by "The Midnight Picture Show," "a new free streaming service featuring more movies from the deliciously dark and devilishly bizarre side of cinema."

Releases

TBD