Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE)will release the DVD version of the original 1969 production of The ItalianJob simultaneously with the October releaseof its hit Hollywood remake in the format.

The DVD of the original wasreleased through Paramount Home Entertainment International for Region 2 (theUK and Europe) in August 2002.

Paramount Home Entertainmentspokesman Martin Blythe told Screen Dailyit made sense to delay the release of the original to coincide with the releaseof the remake on DVD in Region 1 (North America).

"We're thrilled that ourinternational division was able to release the original on DVD because ofstrong interest in the UK."

Describing the film as "one of ourmore modest catalogue titles", he said the company anticipates a higherinterest level for the Michael Caine vehicle.

"It might have been a tougher sellhere [North America] were it not for the remake."

While PHE policy prohibits releasingspecific sales numbers, Blythe said the DVD did very well in Region 2.

Blythe said there are no plans topackage the films together. The DVD of 1969 version includes a deleted sceneand commentary by producer Michael Deeley and Matthew Field, author of "TheMaking Of The Italian Job".