The Circuit

Art film distrib Janus and the Criterion Collection have nabbed North American theatrical and home vid rights to Götz Spielmann's "Revanche," ahead of its AFI FEST unspooling on November 1. 

In an unusual move, Janus will release the pic to theaters in March 2009 followed by a DVD rollout via sister company Criterion.

Spielmann's dramatic thriller preemed at the 2008 Berlin Intl. Film Festival and is Austria's foreign film Oscar entry.

Though well known for its massive classic film library, Janus hasn't released a first-run film in 30 years.  Janus topper Peter Becker saw "Revanche" at the 2008 Telluride film fest and began discussions with Spielmann.

"It was a completely unusual gesture because acquiring first-run films is not something we're going to be doing on an ongoing basis," said Becker. "There are lots of good people out there acquiring movies. This came from a groundswell of support from my staff."

"It's one of the most visually commanding films," he continued. "Speilmann directs with such strength.  I think there will be broad appeal for this film."

Becker said his staff are well positioned to release the new pic through existing relationships with arthouses that rely on Janus for their repertory calendar.  They distribute approximately 10 films a year.

Founded in 1956, U.S. cinephiles know the ubiquitous Janus Films logo as their introduction to such foreign helmers as Ingmar Bergman, François Truffaut, Federico Fellini, and Akira Kurosawa. 

"Revanche" screens at AFI FEST on November 1 and 2.  Screening info here.

Peter Debruge contributed to this story.