[2] Ahead of its launch the channel was subject to analysis from the European Commission, who found that the film service would neither create nor reinforce a dominant position in any market.
At its launch The Studio had access to around 1,000 films, with a selection of both classic titles, as well as newer releases.
Films from Universal Pictures included Born on the Fourth of July, Carlito's Way, Babe, Leaving Las Vegas and Shine.
NTL had hoped to launch The Studio on other platforms[5] but its failure to do so meant the channel did not reach the number of viewers a deal with another provider would have allowed.
In May 2001, NTL attempted to sell its stake in The Studio in an effort to stem heavy losses,[6] while Vivendi also began to run into trouble.