Bolstering its position in the library film sector, MGM has bought a package of 11 Woody Allen films.

The titles were those made between 1982 and 1992 under the studio's production arrangement with Orion Pictures and include A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy, Broadway Danny Rose, Purple Rose Of Cairo, Radio Days and Zelig. MGM is buying all rights in perpetuity. Including a clutch of eight from United Artists, the new package takes MGM's Allen collection to 19.

It expects to release them on DVD in 2001, after it has given DVD premieres this year to Bananas, Manhattan and Sleeper.

Allen is currently committed to produce three features with budgets estimated at $25m each co-financed by DreamWorks SKG and German video group VCL (Screendaily, April 12, June 21).