Starz and the Disney Channel will simultaneously air the premiere of concert movie HANNAH MONTANA/MILEY CYRUS: BEST OF BOTH WORLDS a month before it hits stores on DVD, per VARIETY.
It's a first for both networks. The film picked up a domestic gross of $65.3 million in a run earlier this year.
Disney has a theatrical output deal with Starz, but the Disney Channel approached Starz to try and get the movie on basic cable as soon as possible, according to Exec VP of Programming for Starz, Stephan Shelanski. The half-hour HANNAH MONTANA sitcom has been the Disney Channel's highest-rated series since it premiered in March 2006, and will be back for a third season this fall.
Disney's deal with Starz didn't allow Disney Channel to get the movie before Starz, but Shelanski said he worked out a deal that allows both nets to run it beginning July 26.
Disney Channel will show it in 3-D, partnering with Wal-Mart for free glasses incorporated into back-to-school displays. Starz will kick off its 3-D version the next day, July 27, on both Starz on Demand and Starz HD in Demand.
Shelanski said they would carefully analyze the film's ratings not only because there will be no DVD or pay-per-view window to cannibalize viewers but because the summer run will likely draw lots of HANNAH MONTANA fans out of school.
If there is a spike, Shelanski said Starz will seek out more early-window experiments.
Canada's Family Channel will also broadcast the film on July 26.
