Deal to kick off later this year with 50th anniversary release of West Side Story, plus launch of restored Kes.

Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM) and Park Circus have struck a deal for Park Circus to be the repertory theatrical sales representative for MGM’s library of films.

The deal kicks off as of July 1, and covers all territories outside the US and Canada.

Nick Varley, who negotiated the deal on behalf of Park Circus, said, “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement that will see many of these key classic film titles coming back to cinemas around the world. Through innovative marketing and the continued use of digital cinema technology, our specialised expertise in selling classic films to exhibitors and distributors will ensure that we are able to maximise the full potential of the MGM catalogue. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with MGM.” 

The 4,000-title library includes the James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky films, as well as classics such as West Side Story, The Apartment and Silence of The Lambs.

Some of the first projects to be released theatrically (and shown at festivals) in 2011 will include the 50th anniversary release of a restored digital West Side Story, followed by a new resotration of Ken Loach’s classic Kes.

In addition, Park Circus will partner with MGM HD Television on both titles.