Lionsgate, not Criterion, to Release Diva?

Some interesting news indeed. Rialto Pictures recently released the Jean-Jacques Beineix film theatrically, which in the past has meant that Criterion would release the film onto DVD. However, it looks as if the recent licensing deal between Studio Canal and Lionsgate will change the DVD distribution window. Or, Diva is just a rare case.

(Release date: 6/13/08)

What this means?

If Lionsgate will distribute Rialto's future Studio Canal titles, then we can assume these DVDs will street much sooner after their theatrical run, as opposed to The Milky Way's two-and-a-half year gestation. The DVDs will be cheaper but will have less special features. Again, the if factor is what's important.

Or maybe the Meridian Collection has something to do with it.