On 1 November
M-Net will be launching a brand new movie channel on DStv called M-Net Stars (channel 154), which is aimed at "everyone who believes that movies should bring a twinkle to the eye", according to the channel.
M-Net already has two dedicated movie channels, Movie Magic 1 and 2, not to mention a constant stream of movies on their own channel and
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The new M-Net Stars channel will feature a wide selection of "feel-good" movies which are aimed more at a family audience than the more adult fare on MM1 and 2.
Jan du Plessis, Head of M-Net Channels, explains: "M-Net already covers the entire spectrum of top releases: action, drama, romance, comedy - you name it. But market research identified a need for another channel providing more entertaining, feel-good movies.
"M-Net Stars will predominantly feature movies suitable for the entire family. The channel will be packed with contemporary classics and firm favourites. From time to time there will be movie festivals built around themes, events or your favourite movie stars."
M-Net Stars will run 24/7 with at least one movie premiere a day. Comedy forms the backbone of the channel’s line-up, but the channel will also feature action and adventure films and big-screen dramas.
In November, funnyman Steve Martin leads the way with laugh-a-minute classics such as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Father of the Bride 1, Father of the Bride 2 and Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
Bette Middler will also feature on the new channel in November, in Hocus Pocus, Ruthless People and Outrageous Fortune.
Other Hollywood legends featured in the channel’s first month include Kevin Kline in I Love You To Death, Kirsty Alley in It Takes Two, Adam Sandler in WaterBoy, Robin Williams in Jack, Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal in Throw Momma From The Train, Tom Selleck in Three Men and a Baby, and Meryl Streep in She Devil.
November will also be official "spoof-movie" month on M-Net Stars, featuring over-the-top blockbusters such as Airplane! and Airplane! 2, Spaceballs, Top Secret! and Spy Hard.