Local adult entertainment institution All Worlds Video announced last week that it has been acquired by Channel 1 Releasing. With the merger, Channel 1 becomes the world’s largest gay-owned and operated adult entertainment company catering specifically to gay audiences.

All Worlds Video has been a fixture in San Diego since the release of their first video, Sgt. Swann’s Private Files, in 1985. Since then, the company has grown significantly and become one of the major labels in the gay adult entertainment industry. Recent All Worlds releases have included The Seven Deadly Sins series, There Goes the Neighborhood and Desperate Husbands.

All Worlds Video was founded by local businessperson and philanthropist Rick Ford. He has become a popular figure around San Diego and is a well-respected name in the adult film business, having received numerous accolades including the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s GayVN awards, which honor achievements in the gay adult entertainment industry. Ford continued as president of All Worlds until its sale last week.

“I have been considering stepping back from my position here at All Worlds over the past year,” Ford said. “But I wanted to be sure that what I had created here would go on. I had several offers from interested parties, but in the end, I felt that Chi Chi LaRue and the partners at Channel 1 Releasing were the right fit for the company.”

LaRue is no stranger to fans of All Worlds Video. The prolific director has helmed some of the company’s best selling videos over the last 15 years, including My Sister’s Husband, Americans in Paris and Billy Herrington’s Body Shop. Earlier this year, LaRue’s Wrong Side of the Tracks was awarded the Best Picture trophy at the GayVN awards.

“I feel like I’ve been a part of the All Worlds family for a long time now,” LaRue told the Gay & Lesbian Times. “One of the first movies I ever made was for All Worlds, and I think I’ve done some of my best work for them.”

LaRue also made it a point to note that he intends to maintain the All Worlds brand. “I want to keep Rick’s legacy going,” LaRue said. “I am so excited. I want to make All Worlds bigger, brighter and more fabulous.”

As its ownership transitions, All Worlds Video will continue to function with minimal changes. There are, however, alterations on the horizon. LaRue confirmed reports that Channel 1 Releasing intends to move the All Worlds label to Los Angeles, where Channel 1 is headquartered.

“Right now, everything is staying the same,” LaRue said. “But eventually, everything will move to Los Angeles. It just makes sense to have everything in the same location. There is no timeline for that move, though.”

Despite the change in ownership, Ford said he will still be a part of All Worlds in the future, and will continue to produce All Worlds’ series of amateur videos entitled the Dirk Yates Private Collection. Ford will also be involved with the dirkyateslive.com Web site.

“I am excited by the ideas they have, their skills in the ever-changing technology of media delivery and their enthusiasm in continuing the work of so many creative people that have passed through our doors,” Ford said of Channel 1 Releasing.

Under the deal to sell All Worlds Video, Channel 1 Releasing has acquired the rights to the company’s name and catalogue of movies. The All Worlds Resort in Palm Springs, however, is not included in the agreement. Ford retains ownership of the popular vacation destination.