-By Mimi Turner

LONDON -- Odeon/UCI cinemas has brokered an 11th hour deal with Walt Disney to show "Alice in Wonderland" in the U.K., apparently ending the dispute that had threatened to keep the movie off Odeon/UCI screens in the U.K. and Italy.

The agreement comes on the day that the movie is due to have its world premiere in front of Prince Charles at the Odeon flagship cinema in London's Leicester Square.

Although specifics of the compromise deal were not announced, in a statement, Odeon/UCI said it had reached "an enduring agreement ... encompassing all the different aspects of both companies' commercial relationship."

Disney is still expected to launch its "Alice" DVD after 12 weeks. Disney could not be contacted for comment at press time.

Odeon, Europe's biggest exhibition group, will now roll out the much anticipated outing from director Tim Burton at its cinemas in the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Austria from March 5th.

The two companies had reached an impasse over the launch of the movie after Disney said it would not compromise on the 12-week DVD launch -- cut back from the traditional 17 weeks.

The row had been thought likely to overshadow the glittering premiere, with some reports from some sources that director Tim Burton was threatening to pull out, unhappy with the way his film had been caught in the crossfire.

At any event, with both Odeon and Disney bosses making introductory remarks on the podium in front of Prince Charles, the event was likely to have been strained.

Reps for the director said the director was "very much looking forward" to attending he premiere.
-The Hollywood Reporter