Metrodome Distribution has taken UK, Ireland and Australia/New Zealand rights to Trevor Nunn and Chris Hunt's new adaptation of King Lear, starring Ian McKellen.

The stage-to-screen Royal Shakespeare Company production was recorded in high definition at Pinewood Studios.

The deal was negotiated between Metrodome CEO Peter Urie, general manager distribution Sara Frain and business affairs manager Kate Edwards for Metrodome, and by Richard Price and Nigel Whitehouse for RPTA Limited.

London-based Metrodome struck the multi-territory deal to work closely with Australia/New Zealand distributor Rialto Distribution, which plans an early 2009 launch.

Metrodome will release on DVD in the UK from Oct 6, followed by a Blu-Ray release on Dec 26. Channel 4 will broadcast on UK television on Christmas Day.

The cast also features Frances Barber, Monica Dolan, Romola Garai, William Gaunt, Jonathan Hyde, Sylvester McCoy, Ben Meyjes and Philip Winchester.

Urie said:'We are delighted to have put together this multi-territory deal for King Lear, and to be working closely with Rialto on this prestigious title. Metrodome continues to expand its ambitions as a company and work with other international distribution partners.'

Richard Price of RPTA noted: 'I am pleased to be working with Metrodome again. They have handled several of our stage-to-screen productions previously including Merchant of Venice, Othello, Nicholas Nickleby and Oklahoma!'

Kelly Rogers, CEO of Rialto added: 'This is an exciting acquisition not only in terms of a prestigious British production, but also to be associated with Metrodome who are a class act and a company finely tuned to the current market requirements. We are thrilled to be working together. '

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