Channel 1 Releasing Acquires Catalina

Other labels that fall under the C1R umbrella include Rascal Video, All Worlds Video, Dirk Yates Private Collection, Pure PiXXX, Electro Video, LiveandRaw.com, ChiChiLaRue.com and ClubChannel1.com.

“We are overjoyed about Catalina joining Channel 1 Releasing,” C1R partner Rob Novinger said. “The studio’s library, which includes some of the most historical gay titles ever made, remains virtually untouched. It makes the prospect of bringing them to consumers in new formats really exciting.”

Since 2001, Catalina has focused most of its efforts on restoring and digitizing classic footage for release on DVD, putting out fewer new titles. C1R plans on accessing Catalina’s vast stores of content to repackage and re-release many titles on DVD, as well as produce big-budget features under the Catalina label.

The Catalina catalog spans 30 years and contains more than 600 titles. Founded in 1978 by GAYVN Hall of Fame director/producer Bill Higgins, the studio dominated the gay industry in the ‘80s and ‘90s with titles like “Sailor in the Wild,” “Jawbreaker” and GAYVN award-winning “Powertools.” Catalina also popularized the bisexual genre with videos like “The Big Switch” and “Revenge of the Bi-Dolls.”

The roster of gay performers who were discovered at Catalina has many legendary names including Kip Knoll, Steve Rambo, John Davenport, Brandon Lee, Jeff Stryker and Matt Ramsey, who also is known as Peter North.

Chi Chi La Rue, C1R partner and prolific GAYVN Hall of Fame producer/director has a long history with Catalina, prior to founding C1R. La Rue won his first Best Director award for Catalina’s “The Rise” and also directed the late Joey Stefano in “Billboard” for the studio.

“Catalina Video is where I learned from great directors like William Higgins and John Travis. They gave me my first opportunity to direct,” La Rue said. “When I think about all of the classic titles they created, it brings back so many great memories for me. I am excited and honored to bring these truly amazing movies to fans, both old and new.”