The main corporate data at a glance:

• 1977 Bertelsmann establishes Ufa ATB
• 1979 Establishment of Universum Film and start of distribution of Films on video cassettes
• 1984 Distribution under the “Ufa Video” label
• 1987 Change of name to BMG Video/Universum Film GmbH
• 1993 CLT-UF in Luxemburg buys BMG Video/Universum Film GmbH
• 1998 Universum Film becomes a company of the RTL Group, the TV and film division of Bertelsmann AG
• 2001 RTL Television take over corporate responsibility
• 2002 Entry into the theatrical market, first release: PARTY ANIMALS
• 2003 Launch of the label UFA Kids (today: Universum KIDS)
• 2005 Entry into the co-production of feature films, first project OPEN WATER
• 2007-2009 Market Leadership of Kids Non Feature
• 2008 iTunes-Cooperation for Video-on-Demand
• 2009 Anniversary: 30 years Universum Film

Universum Film has been in the home entertainment business since 1979 and is one of the market leaders at present. The company acquires film rights to release films in cinemas, on DVD, Blu-Ray and as Digital Download and is the leading independent video provider (not dependent on a studio) in the German-speaking market. 2002, Universum Film founded its theatrical entertainment department and has since then evolved into an important independent film distributor in the German market. Since 2005, Universum Film has been active in the co-production of feature films. Universum Film is a subsidiary of the RTL Group Germany.

Among German-speaking film hits Universum Film also releases international blockbusters on DVD and/or Blu-ray. The most important titles in this segment are "Earth", "P.S. I love you", "Almodovar"-Collection", "Transporter 1-3", as well as, "Brokeback Mountain". Also in Universum Film's program are classics like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "The Fifth Element".

Since 2007 Universum Film is the market leader in the segment "Kids Made for TV/Direct to DVD" with a market share of 16% and in the preschool area Universum Film obtains the market leadership with a market share of 20%. Universum Film’s wide range of titles include classics such as "Pippi Longstocking", by Astrid Lindgren, and the well known cartoon classics "Nils Holgersson", "Pinocchio", "Sindbad" and "Wickie, the Viking". Series such as ,"Caillou", "The Moon Bear", and "Little Red Tractor" are titles also released under our childrens’ label “ufa kids”. Highlight in 2009 were Czech movie classics such as "Pan Tau".

Universum Film also distributes successful TV series such as "CSI: Las Vegas", "CSI: Miami", and "CSI: New York" as well as the all-time favourites "21, Jump Street", "The Bill Cosby Show" and " Roseanne". We also offer the popular films from "Rosamunde Pilcher", "Der Doktor und das liebe Vieh", "Türkisch für Anfänger" and "Doctor's Diary" in our catalogue.

Since founding its theatrical entertainment department Universum Film has evolved into an important independent film distributor in the German market releasing films in cinemas. Universum Film has released successful titles such as "Felix 2 - Der Hase und die verflixte Zeitmaschine", "Asterix und die Wikinger", "Open Water 2", "Crank", and "The Moon Bear's great adventure". A highlight in 2008 was the spectacular BBC feature film "Earth", which evolved into a blockbuster with over 3.7 million moviegoers and was awarded with the “Green Oscar” – the “Clean Energy Award”. In 2008 Universum Film also released the fantastic drama "The Counterfeiters", which received the Oscar® for "Best Foreign Language Film". Universum´s first and very successful release in 2009 was "Transporter 3" - third part of the franchise starring action hero Jason Statham, who also starred in the adrenaline packed "Crank 2 - High Voltage". Furthermore Universum Film’s range in 2009 was completed by the animated movie "Prinzessin Lillifee", the Christmas movie "Niko - The Way To The Stars" and "Fame" - the dynamic reinvention of the legendary Oscar®-winning film of the 80ies.