As previously reported by Digital Spy, Sky have announced that from November 1st 2003, its movie channel lineup will be rebranded.

The existing brand names of Sky Movies Premier and Sky Movies Max will be dropped in favour of simply calling the channels Sky Movies 1 - 9. The 'cinema' channels will also to rebranded from Sky Movies Cinema to Sky Cinema and Sky Cinema 2.

Following the rebrand film premiers will be shown on either Sky Movies 1 and 2, with upcoming premiers of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, About A Boy and Bend it Like Beckham being shown first on Movies 1, whilst Ocean’s Eleven, and Ali G Indahouse will premiere on Sky Movies 2.

The new lineup will also include more 'themed' weekends. This follows the success of the 'Long Weekends' season. These will include film premiers on Friday, Sunday or Monday evenings, as well as the tradional Saturday night premier.

Sophie Turner Laing, Sky's Director of Film Channels and Acquisitions commented "The alterations are the first in a series of measures to be rolled out over the next few months, which have been designed to enhance the relationship between Sky Movies and its viewers and simplify navigation through the service"