NBC/UNIVERSAL NEWS
April 4
CHILLER KEEPS BRINGING SCARY BACK IN APRIL WITH HORROR AND THRILLER FAVORITES 'BRIDE OF CHUCKY,' 'TALES FROM THE CRYPT,' AND 'POLTERGEIST'
– Viewers can spend the month of April in fear and horror as Chiller brings them the best horror and thriller entertainment.
"Chiller has assembled an incredible selection of horror and thriller entertainment for viewers," said Dan Harrison, Senior Vice President Emerging Networks, NBC Universal Cable. "As we roll out our programming, our audience can look forward to the best in this genre."
Audiences can reunite with old friends on Sunday nights in April as familiar faces of fear return with the Bride of Chucky beginning April 8 at 9pm (ET), then count the nine lives of Stephen King's Cat's Eye on April 15 at 9pm (ET). They will revisit the Crypt Keeper from the 1988 Tales from the Crypt on April 22 at 9pm (ET) and dream with Freddy for a four-hour marathon of Freddy's Nightmares at 8pm (ET) on April 29.
A true fright fest is not complete without Friday the 13th. Viewers will feel chills searching for ghostly artifacts and haunted antiques in a Friday the 13th:The Series marathon on April 13 from 4pm to 8pm (ET).
Every Friday and Saturday night at 9pm (ET), viewers can join The Chiller Frightmare. Audience heads will spin as Steven Spielberg's legendary Poltergeist makes its debut on April 6 at 9pm and 12am (ET). Then they can check out Ali Later, before she was the split-personality superstar of NBC's Heroes, as she explores the House on Haunted Hill April 13 at 9pm and 12am (ET). On April 20, fans can tune-in to the work of the man that defined fear at 9pm and 12am (ET) for Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion.
THE CHILLER FRIGHTMARE – Fridays, beginning at 9pm ET
PREMIERES:
Poltergeist - 4/6
House on Haunted Hill (1999)- 4/13
Suspicion - 4/20
ENCORES:
Bride of Chucky - 4/27
THE CHILLER FRIGHTMARE – Saturdays, beginning at 9pm ET
PREMIERES:
Village of the Damned (1995) - 4/7
ENCORES:
Poltergeist - 4/14
Twilight Zone: The Movie - 4/21
House on Haunted Hill - 4/28
SLEUTH BRINGS VIEWERS MORE WEEEKEND MOVIES AND MORE SERIES
Published: April 4, 2007
New Series Blocks Include Simon & Simon, Magnum PI, Medical Investigation and Miami Vice
This month, April showers Sleuth viewers with weekend movies and more of their favorite series. Audiences will be entertained with marathons and added episodes of some of their much-loved programs. Viewers can set a movie date with Sleuth on Fridays at 11pm and Saturdays at 8pm that will keep them looking for clues with five great selections.
"Sleuth is bringing viewers more of what they love – the best mystery and crime movies and series," said Dan Harrison, Senior Vice President Emerging Networks, NBC Universal Cable. "With these new scheduling blocks, our audience will be able to catch their favorite Sleuth programming much more conveniently."
Look for new series blocks to include a Saturday morning stack of three new Simon & Simon episodes and a Sunday late-night stack of three Magnum, PI episodes. Also, a move on April 30 will land The Burning Zone in a new time period at 6pm (ET) replacing Medical Investigation five days a week, then spend the weekends with Homicide: Life on the Street at 11am and 6pm (ET) while weekend afternoons at 1pm (ET) belong to Miami Vice. Lastly, Conviction and Turks can be seen back-to-back all weekend with episode premieres on Thursdays at 11pm and 12am (ET).
Beginning April 1, viewers can avoid long weekend movie lines by scheduling a night in to catch up on old movie favorites. Before the month of movie mania settles in it's regular days and times, Fridays at 11pm (ET) and Saturdays at 8pm (ET), enjoy a few good laughs with the Sleuth premiere of Beverly Hills Cop III starring Oscar nominee Eddie Murphy on Sunday, April 1 at 10pm (ET). The comedy continues on April 13 with Johnny English at 11pm (ET) and the Sleuth premiere of Mystery Men starring Ben Stiller and William H. Macy on April 14 at 8pm (ET). Eddie Murphy returns with Martin Lawrence in Life on April 21 then viewers can close out the month alongside Eddie Griffin in Undercover Brother on April 28.
Premieres:
Beverly Hills Cop III - 4/1 (Sunday 10pm)
Mystery Men - 4/14
Undercover Brother - 4/28
Encores:
Johnny English - 4/13
Beverly Hills Cop III - 4/20
Life - 4/21
Mystery Men - 4/27
Gear up for a day packed full of buffoonery during the Sleuth April Fools marathon where trouble is abound. Simon & Simon jump start the adventures at 6pm and 2:30am (ET), followed by The Rockford Files at 7pm and 3:30am (ET) when Jim Rockford involves himself in a scam with an old friend. Stay tuned at 8pm and 12:30am (ET) for Magnum, PI as he deals with Higgins' illegitimate half-brother then do a little thrill seeking with Darren McGavin in Mad Buck Gibson at 9pm and 1:30am (ET). Finish the day with Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) when he returns to help his west coast friends in Beverly Hills Cop III at 10pm (ET).
Crime catches up with Sleuth viewers the week of April 2-8 during an action filled seven days of intense programming. April 2 kicks off the week starring Harvey Keitel in Clockers and continues with other feature films including The Parole Officer starring Steve Coogan on April 3, Christian Slater in Kuffs on April 4 and Jean-Claude Van Damme in Timecop on April 5.
The arresting week picks up again April 6 in a four-hour marathon of Miami Vice from 6pm-10pm (ET). The action concludes as the acclaimed six-hour mini-series Traffic has a three part premiere with Part I on April 6 at 10pm (ET), Part II on April 7 at 10pm (ET) and Part III on April 8 at 10pm (ET). Balthazar Getty, Elias Koteas and Mary McCormack star in this portrait of how drugs, weapons and even people are traded all over the world.
April is not without Sleuth staples, Murder Mondays and Action Wednesdays. Murder Mondays at 8pm and 11pm (ET) offer features such as Murder Between Friends, Relentless: Mind of a Killer, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, Kuffs and Buried Alive and Buried Alive II. Sleuth Action Wednesdays at 8pm and 11pm (ET) features include The Assassination File, Bandit: Bandit's Silver Angel, Last of the Dogmen,The Day of the Jackal and Double Dragon and Clockers.
BREACH -- THE LARGEST ACT OF TREASON IN AMERICAN HISTORY BECOMES THE GRIPPING, TAUTLY WOVEN THRILLER STARRING OSCAR® WINNER CHRIS COOPER, RYAN PHILLIPPE, LAURA LINNEY AND DENNIS HAYSBERT
Published: April 3, 2007
"A wonderfully taut cat-and-mouse thriller." - David Ansen, Newsweek
DVD and HD DVD & DVD Combo Format with Deleted and Alternate Scenes
Available On June 12, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- April 3, 2007 -- An untested FBI employee attempts to trap the deadliest double agent in U.S. history in the intense thriller Breach, coming to DVD and HD DVD & DVD Combo format on June 12, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Based on a true story, Breach boasts a powerhouse performance from Oscar® winner Chris Cooper (Bourne Identity, Syriana) as Robert Hanssen, the most notorious traitor in FBI history, convicted of selling American secrets to Moscow over a 15-year period. Ryan Phillippe (Flags of Our Fathers) costars as Eric O'Neill, the ambitious young FBI operative assigned to help capture Hanssen. Laura Linney (Man of the Year), Dennis Haysbert (Jarhead), and Gary Cole (Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby) provide star-powered support. The DVD and HD DVD & DVD Combo discs are priced at $ 29.98 SRP and $39.98 SRP, respectively. Pre-order close is May 8, 2007.
Critically acclaimed writer/director Billy Ray (Shattered Glass) penetrates the FBI's inner sanctum to reveal the top-secret search for a counter-intelligence genius whose two decades of treachery became the worst intelligence disaster in United States history. Produced by Robert F. Newmyer (Training Day), Scott Strauss (Mindhunters) and Scott Kroopf (The Last Samurai), Breach meticulously scrutinizes the shadowy game of international espionage, building to a shattering final confrontation between two men whose relationship is rooted in betrayal.
BREACH CAPTIVATES CRITICS EVERYWHERE
Critics everywhere agree Breach is a smart, riveting thriller that never lets go. Richard Roeper of "Ebert & Roeper" declares Breach is "A brilliant and tense thriller." It is "A gripping and mesmerizing story," says Chuck Thomas, "Movie Reviews and Previews." Pete Hammond of Maxim calls Breach "A spellbinding, real-life suspense thriller." It's "Electrifying," according to Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
and "Intensely riveting" says Sean P. Means, The Salt Lake Tribune.
Investigate Breach's Bonuses
The DVD and HD DVD & DVD Combo editions of Breach are packed with fascinating, behind-the-headlines bonus material including:
SYNOPSIS
Inspired by the real-life story of Robert Hanssen, Breach follows the search for an elusive mole in the top echelons of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe) is dragged from the obscurity of a low-level FBI surveillance job to work directly with one of the most powerful and trusted men at the agency. O'Neill has been handpicked to assist veteran operative Robert Hanssen (Chris Cooper) in a new division created to protect all classified FBI intelligence. The idealistic young man is dismayed to discover that his new boss is the subject of long-term, top-secret investigation and that he is expected to infiltrate Hanssen's treasonous operation. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse, O'Neill must outwit Hanssen at his own game or watch Hanssen destroy him, his family and the nation they are both sworn to serve.
For more information please visit www.breachmovie.net
CAST & FILMMAKERS
Director: Billy Ray
Written By: Billy Ray, Adam Mazer, William Rotko
Produced By: Scott Kroopf, Robert F. Newmyer, Scott Strauss
Director of Photography: Tak Fujimoto
Editor: Jeffrey Ford
Production Designer: Wynn Thomas
Costume Designer: Luis Sequeira
Music By: Mychael Danna
Cast: Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney, Caroline Dhavernas, Gary Cole, Dennis Haysbert, Kathleen Quinlan, Bruce Davison
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: June 12, 2007
Pre-Order Close: May 8, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $29.98 SRP
Selection Number: 61032276 Widescreen; 61032277 Full Frame
Running Time: 1 Hour 51 Minutes
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen; 1.33:1 Full Frame
Rating: PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language
Technical Info:
HD DVD & DVD Combo Format
Street Date: June 12, 2007
Pre-Order Close: May 8, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $39.98 SRP
Selection Number: 61032405
Running Time: 1 Hour 51 Minutes
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language
Technical Info:
For artwork, please log on to our website at www.ushepublicity.com or fax your request to Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity at (818) 866-0226.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
NBC RENEWS '30 ROCK' FOR 2007-2008 SEASON
Published: April 4, 2007
NBC ADDS '30 ROCK' TO 2007-08 PRIMETIME SEASON WITH EARLY RENEWAL OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED COMEDY
NBC will renew its critically acclaimed comedy "30 Rock" (returning to the network's lineup on Thursday, April 5, with a special supersized episode at 8:40 p.m. - 9:20 p.m. ET for the 2007-08 season, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment. The series will settle into its new time period of 9:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 12 for the remaining episodes.
"From the beginning, '30 Rock' has proven to be the kind of quality comedy that doesn't come around very often, and we are very pleased to have this show back for a second season," said Reilly. "We expect it to continue to build its increasingly loyal audience and become another of NBC's classic comedy series."
The freshman comedy has earned critical plaudits since its premiere last October while Alec Baldwin, one of the series stars, won Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards for his spot-on performance as Jack Donaghy, a brash network executive. In addition, "30 Rock" has received extensive praise from the nation's television critics - including magazines such as TV Guide, Entertainment Weekly and People, that have included the comedy on many of their "Top 10" lists of favorite series for 2006-07.
Season to date, "30 Rock" is averaging a 2.7 rating, 7 share in adults 18-49 and 5.8 million viewers overall. With its most recent regular-slot telecast on March 8, "30 Rock" delivered a best-yet 89 percent retention of its 18-49 lead-in from "Scrubs" and with its six most recent regular-slot editions, "30 Rock" has retained more than 80 percent of its lead-in from "Scrubs." "30 Rock" is also one of the most upscale comedies on television, rating 28 percent higher among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100,000-plus incomes than it rates among all adults 18-49.
"30 Rock" is told through the comedic voice of the Emmy Award-winning Tina Fey (NBC's "Saturday Night Live," "Mean Girls") and features Baldwin ("The Departed," "The Cooler") as Donaghy, who has turned the show upside down with his meddling ways. Fey, as the single Liz Lemon, is living every comedy writer's dream -- head writer on a demanding, live TV program in New York City.
Her life is jolted when Donaghy interferes with her show, and bullies Lemon into convincing Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan, "Saturday Night Live," "The Longest Yard"), a wild and unpredictable movie star, to join the cast. Now Lemon must manage the unmanageable so that the show -- and her dream -- can go on.
Also rounding out the cast in the half-hour comedy are: Jane Krakowski ("Ally McBeal") as Jenna Maroney, the other star of "TGS With Tracy Jordan"; Scott Adsit as Pete Hornberger, the variety show's producer; Jack McBrayer as Kenneth the Page, the over-eager NBC Page -- a highly sought-after, entry-level position with the network; and Judah Friedlander as Frank, the crass and wisecracking writer. Rachel Dratch, also from "Saturday Night Live," appears in multiple episodes, playing a variety of different characters on the series.
"30 Rock" is from Broadway Video and NBC Universal Television Studio. The executive producers are Lorne Michaels ("Saturday Night Live"), Fey, JoAnn Alfano ("Sons & Daughters"), Marci Klein ("Saturday Night Live"), David Miner ("The Tracy Morgan Show") and Robert Carlock ("The Dana Carvey Show").
NBC UNIVERSAL UNVEILS INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION PLANS
Published: April 4, 2007
New Channels Signal Growth Ambitions In Global Networks
LONDON -- April 4, 2007 -- NBC Universal, the media and entertainment company, will launch 20 additional local television channels in 23 new countries across Europe, Asia and Latin America in a drive to more than double revenues from its Global Networks Division, it was announced today by Peter Smith, President, NBC Universal International.
Existing NBC Universal channel brands, including Sci-Fi, 13th Street and Universal Channel, will be targeted for launch for the first time in new markets across Asia, Eastern Europe, Russia and India. These channels will also be extended in the existing Global Networks territories of Western Europe and Latin America. Over the next two to three years, the company expects the channels plan will more than double annual revenues in the Global Networks Division.
Currently NBC Universal has 12 local versions of their entertainment channels in 35 countries internationally. This announcement will more than double the number of local channels to 32, reaching a total of 58 countries, beginning with the launch of Sci-Fi in Latin America and Sci-Fi and 13th Street in the Netherlands. The initiative forms part of a group-wide strategy to increase sharply the global reach of NBC Universal's filmed entertainment, networks and cable television operations, which generated total international revenues of almost $3bn last year.
The move follows the recent pledge by Jeff Zucker, NBC Universal president and chief executive, to make international growth one of his strategic priorities, alongside content creation and digital expansion. Last month, NBC Universal unveiled its first major digital step since Mr. Zucker became chief executive earlier this year, by joining forces with News Corporation to launch the largest online video distribution network ever assembled.
Mr. Zucker said, "We promised that international growth would be one of our key areas of focus and this first step underlines our determination to grow our business throughout the world."
The channel expansion follows a strategic review led by Zucker and Smith, which identified ways to increase NBC Universal's existing international presence working across all of the company's divisions.
Mr. Smith said: "We have set an ambitious growth plan for the company that will boost the international visibility of our television channels and other businesses, accelerating the global presence of NBC Universal as a whole."
The Global Networks plan is expected to see channels launched across Europe, Asia and Latin America over 2007 and 2008, including key new markets such as Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Russia and India.
Mr. Smith added: "International pay TV markets are offering opportunities for strong, focused pay channel brands. We have the experience and resource to begin a targeted launch programme in priority markets, including wider distribution and more local production in the countries where we operate. We look to markets with growing digital subscriber bases, emerging pay television consumption, new platforms and new technologies."
NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.
April 2
'Universal's House of Horrors' Transports Guests Through World of Movie Monsters, Slashers and Fiends as New Haunted Castle Attraction Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Entertainment Capital of L.A.
Universal Studios Hollywood breathes life into Universal's most notorious celluloid creatures in "Universal's House of Horrors," a new spine-chilling walk-thru attraction at "The Entertainment Capital of L.A." opening today.
Featuring an award-winning line-up of the Studios' 80-year horror film legacy, "Universal's House of Horrors" reacquaints guests with such notorious creatures as Count Dracula, Nosferatu, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Phantom of the Opera, "Psycho's" Mother Bates, and the zombies of "Dawn of the Dead" and "Land of the Dead." Guests will encounter all of these fearsome figures as they navigate the dark passages of a Gothic castle. The multi-sensory attraction will even use olfactory sensation to produce its effects: the castle has been infused with scents that capture the pungent odors of Egyptian tombs, musty antechambers and decaying life.
The "Universal's House of Horror" adventure begins at the entrance to the castle ruins in Soundstage 13. After being shepherded along the castle's drawbridge, guests will enter a corridor laden with dozens of recognizable authentic movie props and artifacts including such cinematic icons as the original corduroy blazer worn by Anthony Perkins in "Psycho," the Hannibal Lector mask from "Red Dragon," the police uniform worn by Roy Schneider in "Jaws," the books and necklaces from "Skeleton Key," the original "Chucky" doll and the Billy doll from "Dead Silence."
Original horror film posters will also adorn the area as a further introduction to over 20 infamous horror characters that now permanently reside within the "House of Horrors."
Guests will not have long to linger over these genre treasures. Attendants quickly usher them through a dark labyrinth leading into the themed areas that include Dracula's Portal, Nosferatu's rat-infested Catacombs, the Burial Crypt of The Bride of Frankenstein, The Phantom of the Opera's Lair, The Mummy's Tomb, "Chucky's" Good Guy Toy Factory, a "Psycho" Maze of Mirrors, the "Land of the Dead" Morgue, The Wolf Man's Forest, Dr. Frankenstein's Lab and the "Dawn of the Dead" Slaughter House.
Universal Studios introduced the horror genre to U.S. audiences in the early years of motion pictures when such great artists as Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney and Bela Lugosi were under contract to the company. In the decades that have followed, many of the world's greatest movie monsters came "to life" on the studio's historic back lot.
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour, the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal Cinemas and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy -- The Ride," "Shrek 4-D," "Jurassic Park -- The Ride" and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds." CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. The Universal Cinemas, which includes California's largest IMAX venue, features the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles.
Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.
Source: Universal Studios Hollywood
Web site: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
Mar 30
SCI FI LAUNCHES NATIONAL CORPSE CASTING CALL
Published: March 29, 2007
Winner Gets a Die-On Role in SCI FI Original Thriller
Premiering on SCI FI Saturday: The Most Dangerous
Night of Television
NEW YORK – March 28, 2007 - SCI FI today announced a national casting call for its fright night franchise SCI FI Saturday: The Most Dangerous Night of Television. One lucky viewer will win a Die-On role in an upcoming SCI FI original actioner, slated to premiere within the Channel's Saturday 9 pm slot, destination viewing for die-hard fans of high-octane thrillers, fantasy epics, and classic creature features. Viewers will be invited to text message to the short code 72434 with the text "DIE" to enter to win. Contenders can also enter to win at www.scifi.com/scifisaturday . The winner will be selected randomly and given a trip for two to the filming location of an upcoming SCI FI original movie. Hopefuls will have until May 26 to enter before killing their chances to win.
# # #
With two original world premiere movies each month, plus a host of other genre features, SCI FI's popular Saturday night offerings include the full range of modern science fiction fare, an exhilarating line-up of monster and disaster movies; sci fi fantasy films; and creative re-imaginings of popular theatrical franchises such as the Species, Pumpkinhead and Lake Placid movies.
"SCI FI viewers are particularly passionate about science fiction and fantasy and this is a fun way to fully engage them in their quest for pure, escapist entertainment," said Thomas Vitale, Senior Vice President of Programming and Original Movies, SCI FI. "SCI FI Saturday originals have continued to build a loyal viewership among enthusiastic audiences which is demonstrative of the growing popularity of the genre."
Compared with last year's average, SCI FI Saturday original movie premieres in 2007 are up +6% in HH ratings, up +16% in viewers P18-49s and up +16% in total viewers P2+. Beginning in January, the Saturday 9 pm slot was dubbed SCI FI Saturday: The Most Dangerous Night of Television in a unique branding campaign created in homage to the fun ferocity that had become the hallmark of the Channel's Saturday night flicks.
SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 89 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
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Mar 29
From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: Eight Classics of the Wild West on Two Trailblazing Anthologies, 'Classic Western Round-Up: Volumes One and Two'
Digitally Remastered and Available on DVD for the First Time Ever May 8, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
-- Eight immortal Westerns in two very special DVD collections: "Classic Western Round-Up: Volumes One and Two" will be on store shelves on May 8, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. A posse of Hollywood star power including Glenn Ford, Randolph Scott, Audie Murphy, Rock Hudson, Fred MacMurray, Dana Andrews, Ray Milland and Barbara Stanwyck star in two new-to-DVD lineups. Showcasing some of the most thrilling adventures ever to come out of the Old West, "Classic Western Round-Up: Volumes One and Two" are packed with gunfights, barroom brawls, cattle drives, wagon trains and romance. Each film comes with an all-new, digitally remastered picture that captures All American West in all its grandeur. These outstanding collections of memorable movies, directed by a slew of Hollywood greats including Raoul Walsh, King Vidor and Bud Boetticher, will make a perfect Father's Day gift.
"Classic Western Round-Up: Volume One" presents four action-packed westerns: "The Texas Rangers," "Kansas Raiders," "Canyon Passage" and "The Lawless Breed." "Classic Western Round-Up: Volume Two," a must-own Wild West compilation includes "The Texans," "California," "The Cimarron Kid" and "The Man from the Alamo." Both collections are priced at $26.98 SRP. Preorder close is April 3, 2007.
SYNOPSES Volume One
Journey back to the Old West for timeless adventures in the "Classic Western Round-Up: Volume 1!" Relive all the gunfights, barroom brawls and romance with "The Texas Rangers," "Canyon Passage," "Kansas Raiders" and "The Lawless Breed." Starring Hollywood favorites Rock Hudson, Fred MacMurray, Audie Murphy and Dana Andrews, this action-packed collection features some of the most exciting films ever to hit the silver screen!
"The Texas Rangers" (1936)
Two crooks (Fred MacMurray and Jack Oakie) reluctantly enlist in the Texas Rangers as a means of staying one-step ahead of the law.
"Canyon Passage" (1946)
Adventure awaits when a pack-mule express owner (Dana Andrews) escorts a young woman (Susan Hayward) home to a remote Oregon town.
"Kansas Raiders" (1950)
Jesse James (Audie Murphy) and his brothers join William Quantrill (Brian Donlevy) and his vengeful raiders in an effort to save the Confederacy.
"The Lawless Breed" (1953)
When famed outlaw John Wesley Hardin (Rock Hudson) is released from prison, he gives an in-depth account of his scandalous life to a local newspaper.
Volume Two
See how the West was really won in the action-packed "Classic Western Round-Up: Volume 2!" Experience all of the shootouts, fights and escapades with "The Texans," "California," "Cimarron Kid" and "The Man From the Alamo." Starring Hollywood favorites Glenn Ford, Randolph Scott, Audie Murphy and Ray Milland, this adventure-filled collection features some of the most thrilling films ever to come out of the Wild West!
"The Texans" (1938)
A former Confederate soldier (Randolph Scott) takes on new battles after the Civil War when he agrees to lead a herd of cattle to a recently completed railroad.
"California" (1946)
An Army deserter (Ray Milland) and woman with a past (Barbara Stanwyck) head to the sunshine state -- before it even was a state -- during the 1848 mass migration.
"Cimarron Kid" (1952)
When corrupt railroad officials wrongly accuse him of participating in a train robbery, Bill Doolin (Audie Murphy) joins the Dalton gang and soon becomes the legendary outlaw know as the "Cimarron Kid."
"The Man From the Alamo" (1953)
During the Texas war for independence, a survivor (Glenn Ford) of the brutal battle at The Alamo is branded a coward and sets out to clear his name.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD Volume One Street Date: May 8, 2007 Pre-Order Close: April 3, 2007 Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Price: $26.98 SRP Selection Number: 61033112; Running Time: Disc One: 3 Hours, 10 Minutes; Disc Two: 2 Hours, 44 Minutes Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided) Aspect Ratio: Full Frame (1.33:1) Rating: NR Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, English SDH, French Subtitles Volume Two Street Date: May 8, 2007 Pre-Order Close: April 3, 2007 Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Price: $26.98 SRP Selection Number: 61033116 Running Time: Disc One: 3 Hours, 11 Minutes; Disc Two: 2 Hours, 41 Minutes Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided) Aspect Ratio: Full Frame (1.33:1) Rating: NR Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, English SDH, French Subtitles
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/
Mar 27
FULL TRAILER FOR UNIVERSAL PICTURES' EVAN ALMIGHTY TO PREMIERE DURING NBC'S 'NIGHT AT THE OFFICE' MARATHON ON THURSDAY, MARCH 29
The trailer for Universal Pictures' event comedy "Evan Almighty" will debut on Thursday, March 29, during the marathon of NBC's "The Office." NBC will premiere the trailer during its "Night at the Office" event, in which airings of multiple episodes of the hit sitcom will air over the course of that evening's prime time (8 pm - 11 pm Eastern/Pacific; 7 pm - 10 pm Central).
Additionally, the feature comedy trailer will be promoted on the entertainment news program Access Hollywood during both the Wednesday and Thursday editions of the show.
Steve Carell, reprising his role as the polished, preening newscaster Evan Baxter of "Bruce Almighty," is the next one anointed by God to accomplish a holy mission in the hilarious new comedy "Evan Almighty." Blockbuster comedy director Tom Shadyac ("The Nutty Professor," "Liar Liar," "Bruce Almighty") returns behind the camera for this next episode of divine intervention. This time, however, his cast grows two-by-two.
Newly elected to Congress, Evan leaves Buffalo behind and shepherds his family to suburban northern Virginia. Once there, his life gets turned upside-down when God (Morgan Freeman) appears and mysteriously commands him to build an ark. But his befuddled family just can't decide whether Evan is having an extraordinary mid-life crisis or is truly onto something of Biblical proportions...
"Evan Almighty" also stars Lauren Graham, John Goodman, John Michael Higgins, Jimmy Bennett, Wanda Sykes and Jonah Hill. The film will be released on June 22, 2007.
About "The Office"
From Reveille and the NBC Universal Television Studio, "The Office" is executive-produced by Ben Silverman, Greg Daniels (who developed the series for American television), Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Howard Klein.
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.
Source: Universal Pictures
Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/
-With NBCU Digital2Go Offerings, Consumers Experience NBC Universal Content When and How They Want with Linear Video Channels, On Demand Long and Short Form Programming, Mobile Web, Interactive Features and Messaging-
New York – March 27, 2007 – NBC Universal today announced the launch of its NBCU Digital2Go initiative, with a robust suite of mobile offerings that allow users access to NBCU content 24/7. The new offerings include:
"With the launch of our suite of NBCU Digital2Go offerings, NBC Universal continues to be a premier content provider to mobile platforms, with a broad selection of rich, interactive mobile offerings," said Salil Dalvi, General Manager, Wireless Platforms, NBC Universal. "With the launch of our mobile web sites, NBC Universal will have a new platform to develop its direct relationship with mobile consumers."
NBC Universal and MediaFLO USA bring top NBC Universal content to subscribers of its TV-quality, mobile entertainment service on two dedicated channels, NBC2Go and NBC News2Go. NBC News2Go features live, full-length programs, including Today, Nightly News with Brian Williams and Meet the Press, as well as select programming from both MSNBC and CNBC, including Power Lunch and Hardball with Chris Matthews. Entertainment channel NBC2Go offers a select number of acclaimed NBC Universal Primetime, Daytime and Cable shows, such as Heroes, The Black Donnellys, Friday Night Lights and Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County as well as access to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
Earlier this month, NBC Universal and MobiTV announced a breakthrough deal to make full-length Primetime on demand programming available over US wireless networks for the first time. In addition to a robust Primetime and Cable video-on-demand line-up, including Heroes, Friday Night Lights, The Office, Monk (USA), Battlestar Galactica (SCI FI) and Work Out (Bravo), the two companies now offer select short form programming from Bravo, SCI FI Channel, USA Network, Telemundo and mun2 on five new ad-supported channels to subscribers.
Crisp Wireless, a mobile technology solutions and services company, currently powers 23 mobile websites for NBC Universal, including dedicated sites for many Primetime and Cable programs, such as Heroes, The Office, and Bravo's Project Runway, Top Chef and Work Out. The mobile websites include exclusive mobile offerings, such as ringtones, user generated content, polls, character or contestant blogs and storyline integrations.
Starcut USA Inc, a mobile software company, is working with NBC Universal to design, develop and launch powerful WAP services for USA Network, with show specific sites for Monk, Psych, Nashville Star and The Starter Wife. Starcut is also working with NBC Universal to release high-end WAP services for SCI FI (starting with PainKiller Jane), as well as iVillage and Access Hollywood. The services include schedules, episode guides, polls, trivia, community blogs, alerts and much more.
NBC Universal and phone-based participation media solutions provider CommerceTel have teamed up to use the phone as a real world touch point to the storyline of Heroes. Through a toll free number for Primatech Paper, as revealed on air during the January 22 episode, fans are able to interact with characters and key plot elements in new and exciting ways. Several innovations have been employed since the inception of the campaign that have ranged from user generated content, where fans can leave characters a voicemail, to opting in for frequent plot reveals via text messaging.
# # #
About NBC Universal Digital Distribution
NBC Universal Digital Distribution, a division of NBC Universal, drives the company's development of digital content and distribution in the areas of digital sales, digital platforms and wireless products. NBC Universal Digital Distribution manages product strategy and development for NBCU's content efforts by deploying it across multiple digital platforms including mobile, Internet portals, wireless carriers, emerging digital companies and nontraditional customers. In addition, NBCU Digital Distribution spearheads the company's development of industry leading technologies such as interactive television, on demand, electronic sell-through and IPTV. NBCU Digital Distribution also directs and manages the company's cable investments including A&E, The History Channel, History Channel International, The Biography Channel and the Sundance Channel.
Mar 23
NBC UNIVERSAL AND NEWS CORP. ANNOUNCE DEAL WITH INTERNET LEADERS AOL, MSN, MYSPACE AND YAHOO! TO CREATE A PREMIUM ONLINE VIDEO SITE WITH UNPRECEDENTED REACH
Charter advertisers, including Cadbury Schweppes, Cisco, Esurance, Intel Corporation and General Motors, will now reach 96% of U.S. Internet audience through this groundbreaking venture
New site will feature thousands of hours of top video for consumers
-- News Corporation and NBC Universal will launch the largest Internet video distribution network ever assembled with the most sought-after content from television and film, it was announced today by Jeff Zucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, NBC Universal and Peter Chernin, President and Chief Operating Officer, News Corporation. The video-rich site will debut this summer with thousands of hours of full-length programming, movies and clips, representing premium content from at least a dozen networks and two major film studios.
AOL, MSN, MySpace and Yahoo! will be the new site's initial distribution partners. Their users, who represent 96 percent of the monthly U.S. unique users on the Internet, will have unlimited access to the site's vast library of content. This media alliance will offer consumers free long- and short-form video and create a compelling platform for advertisers, targeting the rapidly growing audience of online video consumers. Charter advertisers include Cadbury Schweppes, Cisco, Esurance, Intel Corporation and General Motors.
"This is a game changer for Internet video," said Peter Chernin, President and Chief Operating Officer of News Corporation. "We'll have access to just about the entire U.S. Internet audience at launch. And for the first time, consumers will get what they want -- professionally produced video delivered on the sites where they live. We're excited about the potential for this alliance and we're looking forward to working with any content provider or distributor who wants to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity."
"Anyone who believes in the value of ubiquitous distribution will find this announcement incredibly exciting," said Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC Universal. "This venture supercharges our distribution of protected, quality content to fans everywhere. Consumers get a hugely attractive aggregation of a wide range of content, and marketers get a novel way to connect with a large and highly engaged audience."
At launch, full episodes and clips from current hit shows, including Heroes, 24, House, My Name Is Earl, Saturday Night Live, Friday Night Lights, The Riches, 30 Rock, The Simpsons, The Tonight Show, Prison Break, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader and Top Chef, plus hits from the studios' vast television libraries, will be available free, on an ad-supported basis, within a rich consumer experience featuring personalized video playlists, mashups, online communities and video search. Plus, the extensive programming lineup will include fan favorite films like Borat, Little Miss Sunshine, Devil Wears Prada, The Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy with bonus materials and movie trailers. Post-launch, plans will be considered for acquiring additional content as well as producing and licensing original programming for the new site's audience.
Its launch distribution partners will provide the biggest potential reach of any player on the Internet. Moreover, the new site will actively seek agreements with a variety of additional distribution partners.
"This new venture is further proof that the Internet is now a full-fledged entertainment medium, and we are delighted to serve as a major online distribution partner for the quality content produced by these media powerhouses, as well as a provider of strategic services to the new venture," said Randy Falco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AOL.
"This partnership is completely aligned with our continued investment in video on MSN and will allow hundreds of millions of our consumers to tune into a vast library of high-quality, safe and legal online video," said Kevin Johnson, President, Platform and Services Division, Microsoft. "Our alliance proves that you can deliver quality online video entertainment and protect intellectual property and copyright at the same time. We look forward to working together to explore additional opportunities to distribute this content across other Microsoft services and devices."
"By delivering the new site's content to our more than 65 million users, we can build on MySpace's position as a leading destination for online video, and enable content creators to tap into the power of social networking," said Peter Levinsohn, President of Fox Interactive Media. "The ability to embed video clips within over 160 million profile pages will empower members of the MySpace community to view, share and truly interact with some of the entertainment world's most popular content."
"We are excited to be a part of this landmark partnership that connects people to the content they care about. As the most visited site in the U.S., this deal gives Yahoo!'s users unprecedented access to their favorite shows and offers them engaging content in a premium video format," said Terry Semel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Yahoo! Inc. "We believe that this relationship underscores Yahoo!'s respect for content owners and copyrights and positions us as one of the premier distribution sites on the Web for entertainment programming."
Each distribution partner will feature the site's content in an embedded player customized with a look and feel consistent with each site, making the offering organic to each destination. The new company will offer innovative advertising sales propositions by being able to sell cross-platform -- on-air and on-line. Post-launch, sites affiliated with founding companies, including iVillage and IGN, will also have the opportunity to become distribution partners.
The new company will be located in New York and Los Angeles. A transitional management team led by NBC Universal's Chief Digital Officer George Kliavkoff, along with an experienced group of executives from NBC Universal and News Corporation, will work together to launch the site. The company's permanent management will be announced shortly, along with branding details and additional advertising partners. Each company will devote a significant marketing and promotional budget to the new site's launch.
News Corporation and NBC Universal are creating this strategic alliance at a time when Internet users and advertisers are embracing online video as never before. In January, there were 123 million unique video streamers and downloaders (comScore Video Metrix). In 2005, video streams totaled nearly 18 billion, and that amount is expected to triple by 2010 (AccuStream iMedia Research, 2006). And research firm eMarketer estimates $410 million was spent on online video advertising in 2006, an amount that is expected to almost double this year.
About News Corporation
News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of December 31, 2006 of approximately US$59 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$27 billion. News Corporation is a diversified international media and entertainment company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; magazines and inserts; newspapers; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin.
About NBC Universal
NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.
About AOL
AOL is a global Web services company that operates some of the most popular Web destinations, offers a comprehensive suite of free software and services, runs the country's largest Internet access business, and provides a full set of advertising solutions. A majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX), AOL LLC is based in Dulles, Virginia. AOL and its subsidiaries also have operations in Europe, Canada and Asia. Learn more at AOL.com.
About MSN and Windows Live
MSN® attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services.
About MySpace
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the second ranked web domain in terms of page views*, MySpace is the most widely used and highly regarded site of its kind and is committed to providing the highest quality member experience. MySpace will continue to innovate with new features that allow its members to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off. MySpace's international network includes localized community sites in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, and New Zealand.
About Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo!'s mission is to connect people to their passions, their communities and the world's knowledge. Yahoo! Is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Mar 22
From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: Just in Time for Mother's Day, Oscar(R) Winner Diane Keaton Stars With Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo in a Hilarious and Heartwarming Film About Mothers and Daughters, 'Because I Said So'
Available on DVD May 8, 2007, From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
A mother's love knows no boundaries in "Because I Said So," an irresistible comedy about the complex bond between mothers and daughters, coming to DVD on May 8, 2007 just in time for Mother's Day from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Diane Keaton ("Something's Gotta Give") brings her idiosyncratic, comic charm to the role of Daphne Wilder, a meddling mother of three beautiful, spirited daughters played by Mandy Moore ("American Dreamz"), Lauren Graham ("Evan Almighty") and Piper Perabo ("The Prestige"). Stephen Collins ("7th Heaven"), Tom Everett Scott ("That Thing You Do!") and Gabriel Macht ("The Good Shepherd") complete the cast as the men who try to win the affection of the Wilder women. A fiercely funny film about the comic mayhem that unfolds when a mother can't help doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons -- all in the name of love -- "Because I Said So" is directed by Michael Lehmann ("The Truth about Cats and Dogs," "Heathers") from a script by Karen Leigh Hopkins ("Stepmom") and Jessie Nelson ("I Am Sam"). Produced by Paul Brooks ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") and Nelson, "Because I Said So" takes a hilarious look at family dynamics and asks the universal question: when, if ever, is a mother's job done? The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP. Pre-order close is April 3, 2007.
A MOTHER'S DAY BOUQUET OF BONUS FEATURES
The perfect Mother's Day delight, the "Because I Said So" DVD keeps the laughs coming with bonus features including:
* The Making of "Because I Said So:" Take an insider's look at how the movie came to life! * Designing a "Wilder" World: Meet the creative team behind the sensational sets, fabulous clothes and decadent desserts designed for the Wilder women! * Music Video -- "World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies SYNOPSIS
Diane Keaton stars as Daphne Wilder, a mother whose love knows no bounds or boundaries. She is the proud mom of three daughters: stable psychologist Maggie (Graham), sexy and irreverent Mae (Perabo) and insecure, adorable Milly (Moore) -- who, when it comes to men, is like psychotic flypaper. In order to prevent her youngest from making the same mistakes she did, Daphne decides to set Milly up with the perfect man. Little does Milly know, however, that her mom placed an ad in the online personals to find him. Comic mayhem unfolds as Daphne continues to do the wrong thing for the right reasons ... all in the name of love. In a hilarious battle of strong wills, the mother-daughter dynamic is tested in all its fierce, wacky complexity. The girls help Daphne finally discover the truths and impossibilities of motherly love, all while trying to answer the questions: where does it begin and where should it end?
For more information, please visit: www.becauseisaidsomovie.com CAST & FILMMAKERS Director: Michael Lehmann Written By: Karen Leigh Hopkins, Jessie Nelson Produced By: Paul Brooks, Jessie Nelson Executive Producers: Scott Niemeyer, Norm Waitt, Michael Flynn Director of Photography: Julio Macat, ASC Production Designer: Sharon Seymour Editor: Paul Seydor ACE, Troy Takaki, ACE Costume Designer: Shay Cunliffe Co-Producer: Wendy Rhoads Music By: David Katay Cast: Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Gabriel Macht, Tom Everett Scott, Lauren Graham, Piper Perabo, Stephen Collins TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD Street Date: May 8, 2007 Pre-Order Close: April 3, 2007 Copyright: 2006 Gold Circle Film, LLC. All rights reserved. Price: $29.98 SRP Selection Number: 61032270 Widescreen, 61032271 Full Frame Running Time: 1 Hour and 42 Minutes Layers: Dual Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen; 1.33:1 Full Frame Rating: PG-13 for sexual content including dialogue, some mature thematic material and partial nudity. Technical Info: * English: Dolby Digital 5.1 / SDH * Spanish: Subtitles
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Web site: http://www.becauseisaidsomovie.com/
Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/
Mar 21
First-of-its-kind interactive video interview offers Amazon.com customers exclusive access to Cuarón on the eve of the DVD and HD DVD release of his Oscar®-nominated "Children of Men"
SEATTLE -- March 21, 2007 -- Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN), in collaboration with Universal Studios Home Entertainment, today announced it will host the first-ever Global Fan Summit: an exclusive, live interactive interview on its Web site with Academy Award®-nominated director/screenwriter Alfonso Cuarón. The live Web cast can be seen only at www.amazon.com/dvd and will begin Monday, March 26, at 6:00 p.m. PDT, the eve of the highly anticipated DVD and HD DVD release of his Oscar®-nominated motion picture "Children of Men." Cuarón will answer real-time questions from Amazon.com customers watching the interview from around the world. Customers can also submit questions ahead of time by visiting www.amazon.com/specialfeatures.
The live, interactive video interview is a first of its kind for the world's largest online retailer and is a natural expansion of the numerous features the site offers customers to inform them about the products Amazon sells. The Web cast will be archived at www.amazon.com/specialfeatures for future viewing.
Leading up to the DVD release of "Children of Men" on March 27, Amazon.com is now featuring exclusive early excerpts from two of the DVD's compelling bonus features, titled "Under Attack" and "Possibility of Hope." "Under Attack," offers an inside look at how the filmmakers created the movie's most breathtaking scenes. "Possibility of Hope," is Cuarón's personal documentary on how the film's revolutionary themes relate to contemporary society. These excerpts can be seen at www.amazon.com/specialfeatures.
"We are pleased to offer our customers a rare opportunity to watch and interact directly with one of today's most intriguing movie directors, Alfonso Cuarón," said Peter Faricy, vice president of movies at Amazon.com. "We continue to find new and innovative ways to help our customers make more informed buying decisions and be entertained in the process."
"By partnering with Amazon on this innovative event, we are offering DVD consumers direct access to one of today's most acclaimed filmmakers who, in the past year, has created one of the most provocative and well-crafted films of our time," said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "This is a perfect example of how by continuing to aggressively harness digital technologies, we can allow audiences to play a more interactive role in shaping and enriching their own entertainment experiences."
No children. No future. No hope. "Children of Men" is a story set in the year 2027, eighteen years since the last baby was born. Disillusioned Theo (Clive Owen) becomes an unlikely champion of the human race when he is asked by his former lover (Julianne Moore) to escort a young pregnant woman out of the country as quickly as possible. In a thrilling race against time, Theo will risk everything to deliver the miracle the whole world has been waiting for. Co-starring Michael Caine, filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón's "Children of Men" is the powerful film Pete Hammond of Maxim calls "magnificent...a unique and totally original vision."
"Children of Men" is now available for pre-order on www.amazon.com for $19.99, a savings of 33 percent.
About Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
About Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc., (Nasdaq: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as health and personal care, jewelry and watches, gourmet food, sports and outdoors, apparel and accessories, books, music, DVDs, electronics and office, toys and baby, and home and garden.
Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com.
As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, significant amount of indebtedness, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and all subsequent filings.
Mar 20
ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER RON HOWARD DIRECTS STEVE MARTIN, MARY STEENBURGEN, DIANNE WIEST AND KEANU REEVES IN THE FILM THAT FINDS HILARITY IN EVERY FAMILY
PARENTHOOD: SPECIAL EDITION
Digitally Remastered with Brand New Bonus Features Available on DVD
April 24, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Universal City, Calif., -- March 19, 2007 -- Get ready to enjoy one of Hollywood's funniest and most touching films even more when Parenthood: Special Edition comes to DVD on April 24, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally remastered with all-new bonus material, Parenthood: Special Edition is a hilarious, touching and unforgettable portrait of life's most rewarding and frustrating occupation. Two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard (The Da Vinci Code, Cinderella Man), directs from a script by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, the screenwriters behind Howard's first hit movie, Splash. Steve Martin (Cheaper by the Dozen, The Pink Panther) delivers an entertaining and poignant portrait of a man trying to be the "perfect" father to a hilariously imperfect family. The stellar cast also includes Oscar® winners Mary Steenburgen (Elf), Dianne Wiest (I Am Sam) and Jason Robards (Magnolia), as well as Keanu Reeves (The Matrix) and Rick Moranis (The Flintstones). With almost an hour of fascinating extras, including a trip behind the scenes with Howard, Parenthood: Special Edition is a must-own comedy that will be enjoyed again and again. The DVD is priced at $19.98 SRP. Pre-order close is March 20, 2007.
BONUS FEATURES TAKE FANS BEHIND THE SCENES
Parenthood: Special Edition celebrates family life with all-new interviews and bonus materials that include:
• Art Imitating Life - Director Ron Howard and the crew of Parenthood discuss their personal experiences as both parents and children and tell how the film originally came together.
• Family Reunion - Casting director Jane Jenkins has cast almost 150 films, including The Da Vinci Code and Cinderella Man. Jenkins explains how the talented cast of Parenthood was assembled and how they became a real family on the set.
• Words and Music – Discussing his extraordinary career as a film composer, including music for more than four dozen features, Randy Newman reveals his personal inspirations for Parenthood's main musical themes.
SYNOPSIS
Relive all the heart-warming moments of the unforgettable film that explores life's most rewarding occupation in Parenthood. Steve Martin stars as Gil Martin, a funny and loving husband who's also trying too hard to be the "perfect" parent to his uniquely different kids. Rick Moranis, Keanu Reeves, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen and Dianne Wiest also star in this family affair you'll want to watch again and again!
CAST & FILMMAKERS
Director: Ron Howard
Written By: Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandell
Produced By: Joseph M. Carraciolo, Brian Grazer
Director of Photography: Donald McAlpine
Editor: Daniel Hanley, Michael Hill
Production Designer: Todd Hollowell
Costume Designer: Ruth Morley
Music By: Randy Newman
Cast: Steve Martin, Keanu Reeves, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Martha Plimpton, Jason Robards
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: April 24, 2007
Pre-Order Close: March 20, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $ 19.98 SRP
Selection Number: 61032365
Running Time: 2 Hrs. 4 Mins.
Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided)
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)
Rating: PG-13
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 2.0, English SDH, French and Spanish Subtitles
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
Mar 16
SMOKIN' ACES: A HIGH-OCTANE, ALL-STAR CAST COLLIDES IN A PROPULSIVE, VIOLENT TALE OF HIGH STAKES AND LOW LIFES
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DVD FEATURES EXPLOSIVE BONUS FEATURES INCLUDING AN ALTERNATE ENDING THAT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY
THE EDGY ACTION COMEDY DEBUTS ON DVD AND HD DVD COMBO DISC APRIL 17, 2007 FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Overflowing with adrenaline-pumping action, Smokin' Aces shoots on to DVD and HD DVD Combo Disc on April 17, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. When a Mafia don places a six-figure bounty on the head of mob witness Buddy "Aces" Israel, a colorful array of assassins descend on Lake Tahoe where FBI Agents must fight to keep Aces alive long enough to testify. The energetic, violent Smokin' Aces boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes music superstar Alicia Keys in her feature film debut, Ben Affleck (Hollywoodland), Ryan Reynolds (Blade: Trinity), Andy Garcia (Ocean's Twelve), Jeremy Piven ("Entourage"), Ray Liotta (Narc), Jason Bateman (The Kingdom), Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights), Taraji Henson (Hustle and Flow), Chris Pine (Just My Luck), Martin Henderson (The Ring II), and acclaimed hip-hop singer and lyricist Common in his first big-screen appearance. Writer and director Joe Carnahan (Narc) maintains a scorching narrative pace to create a thrill-ride of a movie that entertains as it hurtles non-stop toward a final explosive shoot-out so amazing it has to be seen to be believed! The DVD also features a surprise alternate ending, more than 18 minutes of deleted scenes and an extensive array of additional bonus features.
SMOKIN' ACES CATCHES FIRE WITH TOP CRITICS
Movie reviewers from around the country declared Smokin' Aces a winner. Mark S. Allen of CBS-CW TV calls the film "the smartest, coolest action movie in years" and gushes, "This movie will blow you away!" Maxim's Pete Hammond dubs Smokin' Aces "one wild, super kinetic ride!" filled with "action, excitement, twists and attitude!" Meanwhile, Tribute Television's Bonnie Laufer calls it simply "smokin' hot."
UP THE ANTE WITH SMOKIN' HOT BONUS FEATURES
High octane bonus features keep the action moving and the laughs coming on the Smokin' Aces' DVD and HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, including:
• Cowboy Ending – Alternate Ending: Experience the climax of the movie in a new way with this explosive alternate ending.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes & Outtakes: Over 18 minutes of exciting deleted/extended scenes and hilarious outtakes.
• Shoot 'em Up: Stunts and Effects: Uncover the secrets behind Smokin' Aces' startlingly realistic gunfights and sensational stunts.
• The Line Up: Get to know more about Smokin' Aces rogues' gallery of lethal ladies, degenerate psychopaths, bounty hunters and eager assassins by cutting the virtual cards in this exciting interactive feature!
• The Big Gun: Smokin' Aces sprang from the off-beat, high-stakes imagination of red-hot action director and writer Joe Carnahan. Meet the man who created the edgy and enthralling world of "Aces" Israel and his cohorts.
• Feature Commentary with Writer and Director Joe Carnahan and Editor Robert Farazen
• Feature Commentary with Writer and Director Joe Carnahan and film actors Common (Sir Ivy), Christopher Holley (Beanie) and Zach Cumer (Warren)
Features exclusive to the HD DVD:
• U-Control Assassin Tracker: Use Google Maps to track the assassins to Reno.
• U-Control Picture In Picture: Access interactive bonus features, including cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, all without interruption to the movie experience.
SYNOPSIS
In these interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes, Mob boss Primo Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven)—a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the supervision of two agents (Reynolds and Liotta) at Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout. When word of the price on Aces' head spreads into the community of ex-cons and cons-to-be, it entices bounty hunters, thugs-for-hire, smokin' hot assassins and double-crossing mobsters to join in the hunt. With all eyes on Tahoe, this rogues' gallery collides in a comic race to hit the jackpot and rub out Aces.
For more information please visit www.smokinaces.net
Mar 14
NBC UNIVERSAL AND MOBITV ANNOUNCE FIRST-EVER WIRELESS DEAL FOR FULL-LENGTH PRIMETIME ON DEMAND PROGRAMMING
Primetime Offer to Include 'Heroes,' 'Friday Night Lights,' 'The Office,' 'Monk,' 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'Work Out'
Additional NBCU Channels to Launch on MobiTV Include Bravo, SCI FI, USA, Telemundo and mun2
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ and EMERYVILLE, CA – March 14, 2007 – NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies and MobiTV, Inc., the global leader in mobile and broadband television and music services, today announced a breakthrough deal to make full-length primetime on demand programming available over US wireless networks for the first time. In addition to a robust primetime video-on-demand line-up, the two companies will offer select short form programming from Bravo, SCI FI Channel, USA Network, Telemundo and mun2 on five new ad-supported channels to subscribers, which will debut on the MobiTV service in second quarter. CNBC and MSNBC were among the first networks launched on the MobiTV service in 2003 to create the world's first commercially available mobile television service.
"This is an extraordinary partnership with MobiTV and we're excited to be the first major network to offer our viewers wireless access to their favorite primetime shows on demand," commented Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette, president, NBC Universal Digital Distribution. "In addition, this groundbreaking deal with MobiTV will create another platform for NBCU's partner advertisers to reach their audience."
"As part of the original cast of network trendsetters who played a role in the launch of the MobiTV service back in 2003, we are honored NBC Universal chose to partner with MobiTV again, setting new trends in mobile content delivery by offering this top rated, full-length primetime programming," said Jeff Bartee, vice president content and programming for MobiTV. "This deal represents a significant milestone in the history of television and a key advancement in the mobile television category. NBC Universal has shown tremendous foresight in realizing this opportunity early, and demonstrated an ability to move aggressively in leveraging this new and rapidly growing distribution channel to better reach their loyal viewers."
Consumers will be able to access full episodes of select NBCU primetime shows starting at $1.99 for a 24-hour viewing period, although these rates are subject to change by participating wireless carriers. Current seasons of shows produced by NBCU Television Studios will be offered including "The Office" and "Heroes" from NBC, USA's "Monk," and SCI FI's "Battlestar Galactica." Several ad-supported on demand shows will also be available at no additional charge from within the MobiTV base subscription channel package including NBC's high school football drama, "Friday Night Lights," also produced by NBCU Television Studios and Bravo's new reality series "Shear Genius" and returning docu-drama "Work Out."
In another first, Telemundo will offer full-length episodes of telenovelas such as "Pasion de Gavilanes" and "Decisiones." Select video clips from its popular morning talk show, "Cada Dia" and telenovelas "Marina" and "Dame Chocolate" will also be available to viewers. In addition, bilingual cable network mun2 will offer full episodes of "The Chicas Project" as well as select clips of all network shows including "Vivo," "One Nation Under Hip-Hop," and "The mun2 Shift."
Also, NBCU will offer a live linear feed of its CNBC programming online via MobiTV's online television service available as part of a subscription service to subscribers with a broadband Internet connection.
NBC Universal Digital Distribution
NBC Universal Digital Distribution, a division of NBC Universal, drives the company's development of digital content and distribution in the areas of digital sales, digital platforms and wireless products. NBC Universal Digital Distribution manages product strategy and development for NBCU's content efforts by deploying it across multiple digital platforms including mobile, Internet portals, wireless carriers, emerging digital companies and nontraditional customers. In addition, NBCU Digital Distribution spearheads the company's development of industry leading technologies such as interactive television, on demand, electronic sell-through and IPTV. NBCU Digital Distribution also directs and manages the company's cable investments including A&E, The History Channel, History Channel International, The Biography Channel and the Sundance Channel.
About MobiTV
MobiTV, Inc. (www.mobitv.com) is leading the convergence of television, film and music across the mobile and broadband markets. The Emmy® Award winning mobile television service offers popular TV and digital music content from top networks, labels and cable providers. The MobiTV® service has more than two million subscribers world-wide and is available throughout the US, UK, Latin America, and Canada. Founded in 1999, MobiTV is a privately-held company headquartered in Emeryville, CA.
MobiTV and the MobiTV logos are trademarks, service marks, and/or registered trademarks of MobiTV, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, and product names used herein are the property of their respective owners.
FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT: A High-Octane, All-Star Cast Collides in a Propulsive, Violent Tale of High Stakes and Low Lifes - 'Smokin' Aces'
DVD Features Explosive Bonus Features Including an Alternate Ending That Will Blow You Away
The Edgy Action Comedy Debuts on DVD and HD DVD Combo Disc April 17, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
-- Overflowing with adrenaline-pumping action, "Smokin' Aces" shoots on to DVD and HD DVD Combo Disc on April 17, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. When a Mafia don places a six-figure bounty on the head of mob witness Buddy "Aces" Israel, a colorful array of assassins descend on Lake Tahoe where FBI Agents must fight to keep Aces alive long enough to testify. The energetic, violent "Smokin' Aces" boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes music superstar Alicia Keys in her feature film debut, Ben Affleck ("Hollywoodland"), Ryan Reynolds ("Blade: Trinity"), Andy Garcia ("Ocean's Twelve"), Jeremy Piven ("Entourage"), Ray Liotta ("Narc"), Jason Bateman ("The Kingdom"), Peter Berg ("Friday Night Lights"), Taraji Henson ("Hustle and Flow"), Chris Pine ("Just My Luck"), Martin Henderson ("The Ring II"), and acclaimed hip-hop singer and lyricist Common in his first big-screen appearance. Writer and director Joe Carnahan ("Narc") maintains a scorching narrative pace to create a thrill-ride of a movie that entertains as it hurtles non-stop toward a final explosive shoot-out so amazing it has to be seen to be believed! The DVD also features a surprise alternate ending, more than 18 minutes of deleted scenes and an extensive array of additional bonus features.
"SMOKIN' ACES" CATCHES FIRE WITH TOP CRITICS
Movie reviewers from around the country declared "Smokin' Aces" a winner. Mark S. Allen of CBS-CW TV calls the film "the smartest, coolest action movie in years" and gushes, "This movie will blow you away!" Maxim's Pete Hammond dubs Smokin' Aces "one wild, super kinetic ride!" filled with "action, excitement, twists and attitude!" Meanwhile, Tribute Television's Bonnie Laufer calls it simply "smokin' hot."
UP THE ANTE WITH SMOKIN' HOT BONUS FEATURES
High octane bonus features keep the action moving and the laughs coming on the "Smokin' Aces'" DVD and HD DVD/DVD Combo disc, including:
* Cowboy Ending -- Alternate Ending: Experience the climax of the
movie in a new way with this explosive alternate ending.
* Deleted/Extended Scenes & Outtakes: Over 18 minutes of exciting
deleted/extended scenes and hilarious outtakes.
* Shoot 'em Up: Stunts and Effects: Uncover the secrets behind Smokin'
Aces' startlingly realistic gunfights and sensational stunts.
* The Line Up: Get to know more about "Smokin' Aces" rogues' gallery of
lethal ladies, degenerate psychopaths, bounty hunters and eager
assassins by cutting the virtual cards in this exciting interactive
feature!
* The Big Gun: "Smokin' Aces" sprang from the off-beat, high-stakes
imagination of red-hot action director and writer Joe Carnahan. Meet
the man who created the edgy and enthralling world of "Aces" Israel and
his cohorts.
* Feature Commentary with Writer and Director Joe Carnahan and Editor
Robert Farazen
* Feature Commentary with Writer and Director Joe Carnahan and film
actors Common (Sir Ivy), Christopher Holley (Beanie) and Zach Cumer
(Warren)
Features exclusive to the HD DVD:
* U-Control Assassin Tracker: Use Google Maps to track the assassins to
Reno.
* U-Control Picture In Picture: Access interactive bonus features,
including cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, all without
interruption to the movie experience.
SYNOPSIS
In these interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes, Mob boss Primo Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven) -- a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the supervision of two agents (Reynolds and Liotta) at Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout. When word of the price on Aces' head spreads into the community of ex-cons and cons-to-be, it entices bounty hunters, thugs-for-hire, smokin' hot assassins and double-crossing mobsters to join in the hunt. With all eyes on Tahoe, this rogues' gallery collides in a comic race to hit the jackpot and rub out Aces.
For more information please visit www.smokinaces.net
www.smokinaces.net
Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Consumers to Receive Up To $15 Million in Free Tickets For Film's Opening Weekend, March 30 - April 1, 2007
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif, and MINNEAPOLIS -- March 13, 2007 -- Best Buy and Universal Pictures will give away up to $15 million in tickets to the March 30 weekend's nationwide theatrical release of Sobini Films' Peaceful Warrior. The innovative offer was announced today by Adam Fogelson, president of marketing, Universal Pictures, and Jill Hamburger, vice president of entertainment, Best Buy.
Tickets for the first weekend's showings of the inspirational film adaptation of Dan Millman's perennial best-selling novel, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, will be given away through a dedicated web portal, www.bestbuy.com/peacefulwarrior. From March 18 through April 1, customers who visit Best Buy locations across the United States will receive information on the giveaway, and visitors to www.bestbuy.com will be directed to www.bestbuy.com/peacefulwarrior, where they will be able to obtain up to 10 free tickets. Information for the ticket giveaway will also be available in Best Buy stores and through Best Buy's Reward Zone program.
"We wanted to find a way to give this film—and films like it—a real chance to compete in this marketplace," stated Fogelson. "This movie's inspiring and positive message connects powerfully with people, but it simply isn't possible to reduce or market it efficiently or economically in the customary ways. We wanted to allow consumers a chance to sample the film and opted to redirect money from a traditional marketing campaign and instead purchase and provide tickets to moviegoers directly. We marshaled the various disciplines at Universal Pictures, found an enthusiastic partner in Best Buy and secured support from exhibition chains willing to experiment with us."
"We are excited to take part in this innovative effort," said Hamburger. "At Best Buy, we understand the passion our customers have for movies, and we are also strong supporters of the artists and the creative spirit behind the motion picture industry. By providing free tickets to Peaceful Warrior, we are serving both of these goals and helping expose our customers to a movie that may otherwise not get the attention it deserves."
"We are beyond thrilled that audiences will be given a chance to experience a film that remains a passion project for everyone involved," said Sobini Films' Mark Amin and Cami Winikoff, producers of Peaceful Warrior. "Universal and Best Buy are trying something completely innovative, and we are so grateful for their dedication to give our film the chance to reach an audience that was otherwise not possible."
Sobini Films' Peaceful Warrior will have a wide national release on March 30, 2007, in association with Universal Pictures and Lionsgate. The film is based on the inspirational best-seller Way of the Peaceful Warrior. The novel and the film chronicle the semi-autobiographical story of author Dan Millman's life-altering relationship with an unlikely mentor whose teachings about spirit over strength profoundly affected not only Millman but also untold readers in the two and a half decades since the book was first published.
The film had a limited release in 2006 through Lionsgate, after which producers Mark Amin and Cami Winikoff brokered a deal between Universal and Lionsgate for this unique second-chance opportunity with Universal's Adam Fogelson, with whom they share a longstanding professional relationship.
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Those interested in the giveaway can visit Best Buy locations starting March 18 for information on how to obtain up to 10 free movie theater tickets to the first weekend of Peaceful Warrior's wide release on March 30 - April 1. Members of Best Buy's Reward Zone program will get early access to the tickets from March 15 through March 17.
While visiting www.bestbuy.com/peacefulwarrior, customers will be directed to an online ticket request site, where they will be asked to enter their zip code. From there, customers will select a participating theater in their area. After selecting the theater, one or more passes will be generated that will allow up to 10 people to be admitted into that theater.
"This truly is an example of an offer with no strings attached," explained Fogelson. "We simply wanted to provide the opportunity for as many people as possible to see the film for free on its first weekend, with the hope that their word of mouth and enthusiasm might sustain interest for Peaceful Warrior. We are grateful that Best Buy joined with us in this experiment, and that theater owners also were willing to give this idea a chance to succeed."
ABOUT PEACEFUL WARRIOR
A moving tale about the power of the human spirit, Peaceful Warrior is based on Dan Millman's perennially best-selling autobiographical novel, Way of the Peaceful Warrior. In the film, Scott Mechlowicz plays Dan, a talented-yet-arrogant college gymnast with Olympic dreams and a golden future. The athlete thinks he has it all: bookcases of trophies, endless friends, fast rides and disposable relationships. But all that is about to change.
One day, Dan's world is turned upside down after a chance meeting with a mysterious stranger he comes to know as Socrates (Nick Nolte)—a man who holds the power to tap into new worlds of strength and understanding. After he suffers a debilitating injury, with the mystical help of Socrates and an elusive young woman named Joy (Amy Smart), Dan will grow to realize that strength of spirit is what leads a man to his true greatness.
From a screenplay by Kevin Bernhardt, Peaceful Warrior is directed by Victor Salva and produced by Mark Amin, Cami Winikoff, Robin Schorr and David Welch.
ABOUT BEST BUY CO., INC.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through more than 1,150 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com) and Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education.
ABOUT SOBINI FILMS
Sobini Films was formed in early 2001 to independently finance and produce specialized and mainstream theatrical motion pictures. Spearheading the company with Mark Amin is Cami Winikoff, who serves as the company's president. Sobini has the opportunity to finance its own development and packaging of motion pictures. The company maintains a first-look deal with Lionsgate Entertainment, where Amin is vice chairman of the board.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.
Mar 13
NBC SPORTS TO BROADCAST CHAMPIONSHIP OFF ROAD RACING IN 2007
NEW YORK – March 13, 2007 – NBC Sports and Championship Off Road Racing (CORR) have partnered to add CORR to NBC's diverse array of sports programming.
NBC will broadcast CORR races on the following days: April 28, May 27, July 29, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Dec 8.
Bill Weber will provide play-by-play for CORR on NBC, with Wally Dallenbach serving as analyst. Marty Snider will serve as pit reporter, alongside Kelli Stavast. NBC's CORR broadcasts will use new technology that tracks the competing trucks and displays speed, acceleration, time behind the leader and RPM, providing viewers with up-close, wheel to wheel coverage and all the information they need to follow the race.
Developed in 1983, Championship Off Road Racing brings high action four wheel motorsports, including two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive trucks, on closed course off road tracks. The 2007 CORR season includes seven events in Los Angeles and San Diego, Calif.; Dallas, Tex. and Las Vegas, Nev.
Mar 12
IT'S 'GAME NIGHT' FRIDAY ON MARCH 16 WHEN NBC'S HIT GAME SHOW '1 VS 100' SIGNS OFF FOR THE SEASON FOLLOWED BY THE RETURN OF NETWORK'S POPULAR NEW GAME SHOW 'IDENTITY'
"1 vs 100" Contestant Battles Wits with "The Apprentice" Alumni and Original "Grease" Feature Film Cast for a Chance at $2 Million
"Identity" -- the Ultimate Game of Who's Who -- Returns with the Most Perception-savvy Contestant to Date
BURBANK - March 12, 2007 – It's Friday night "game night" when NBC airs the season finale of its hit game show "1 vs 100" and returns its newest game show sensation "Identity" to the schedule with back-to-back episodes on Friday, March 16.
"1 vs 100" signs off the season at 8-9 p.m. (ET) with a contestant facing a special mob that includes NBC's "The Apprentice" alumni and original cast members from the 1978 hit feature film "Grease." Following from 9-10 p.m. (ET) is the next installment of "Identity," where one contestant faces 12 strangers and a list of 12 traits to identify them for a chance to win $500,000, before moving to its regular time slot (Fridays, 8-9 p.m. ET) the following week on March 23.
During the "1 vs 100" finale, Shannon a morning show radio host of Louisville, Kentucky will play for a top prize of $2 million, by trying to outsmart the mob, which includes original "Grease" cast members Jeff Conaway (Kenickie) and Susan Buckner (Patty Simcox), members of the rock 'n' roll band Sha Na Na (Reggie, Donny York, Jocko and Screamin' Scott), as well as "The Apprentice" alumni - - Omarosa, Kelly Perdew and Sean Yazbeck. The series is hosted by Bob Saget ("America's Funniest Home Videos").
The fun-filled night of play continues when NBC brings back "Identity," the ultimate game of who's who where keen perception and instincts can lead to a top prize of $500,000. In the premiere episode, the game's most intuitive contestant yet, Christina, who leads a non-profit Shakespeare program in the LA school district and is from Sacramento, California, faces 12 strangers and a list of 12 traits to identify them. She will pick from traits -- ranging anywhere from a National Scrabble Champion to a Prison Correction Officer -- and try to match them with one of the 12 strangers. The amount of money that she accumulates will increase with each correctly identified stranger. If all 12 are matched up correctly, this perceptive contestant may be rewarded with the grand prize of $500,000.
The series is hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian/magician Penn Jillette ("Penn & Teller").
"1 vs 100" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. Scott St. John ("Deal or No Deal") is the executive producer.
"Identity" is a production of Reveille. Ben Silverman ("Ugly Betty," "The Office") and H.T. Owens ("Nashville Star," "Date My Mom") serve as executive producers along with Andrew Golder ("Win Ben Stein's Money," "Solitary") and Tim Puntillo ("Friend or Foe," "Fight for Fame"). Mark Koops and Chris Grant of Reveille serve as co-executive producers.
Mar 8
IKEA Designs Telenovela Bedrooms, Latina Style
IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, today announced it has teamed up with Telemundo, a leading producer of innovative and high quality content for Hispanics in the U.S., for the network's highly anticipated novela, "Dame Chocolate." IKEA has fashioned two bedroom sets that will be featured throughout the novela, designed to reflect the culturally distinct style of two of the Latina characters. "Dame Chocolate" is broadcast Monday through Friday at 7pm ET/PT.
In collaboration with Telemundo Studios, IKEA worked closely with the producers of "Dame Chocolate" to create specially designed bedrooms for the characters "Samantha", played by Karla Monroig, and "Grace", played by international star Kristina Lilley. The novela follows the adventures of a young girl caught between two irresistible forces: love and chocolate. When her grandfather -The Chocolate King - dies, she learns she is the only one left with the secret to the chocolate recipe that earned him his empire and his millions. "Dame Chocolate" is led by a stellar cast including Carlos Ponce, Genesis Rodriguez, María Antonieta de las Nieves ("La Chilindrina"), Héctor Suárez, Kristina Lilley, Ricardo Chávez, Khotán, and Karla Monroig, among others.
The set designs consist of IKEA modern furnishing designs appealing to the contemporary tastes of the Latina women. In addition, the rooms are carefully accessorized with a unique range of bright colors and bold designs and materials that help create an atmosphere as the telenovela's storyline unfolds. (Sample IKEA set design photos and product list are attached).
IKEA will feature the "Dame Chocolate" stars' bedroom designs at select IKEA stores in Califorina, Texas, and New Jersey, among others. Customers can buy the furnishings to replicate the designs from the telenovela in their homes. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win a gift certificate to recreate the "Dame Chocolate" IKEA bedroom designs. In addition, over the next several weeks viewers will see program vignettes showcasing the bedrooms' design furnishings and design tips. The vignettes are hosted by the telenovela celebrities Karla Monroig ("Samantha") and Kristina Lilley ("Grace").
"We are thrilled to work with Telemundo on the bedroom set designs for 'Dame Chocolate'," said Maria Lovera, IKEA deputy marketing manager. "Our designs on the telenovela capture and inspire the distinct spirit that Latinas build into the décor of their homes. Bringing sets from 'Dame Chocolate' into IKEA showrooms allows Latinas to recreate the world of the telenovela at home. Notably, we are proud to provide a wide range of beautiful, quality and affordable home furnishings that reflect their culture and life style."
"As producers of our own content, we offer a wide variety of innovative solutions and opportunities to our clients to feature and market their products," said Steve Mandala, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Telemundo and NBC Universal Networks. "This partnership with IKEA is just another example of the special integration capability only Telemundo can offer."
The integration of the set designs into "Dame Chocolate" is just one way IKEA is reaching out to the Latina community. An integrated marketing campaign includes television, radio, print, out-of-home advertising, store events, and public relations to educate Latina customers on the IKEA shopping experience as well as the wide range of home furnishings and solutions.
About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings
of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. As part of this commitment to create a better everyday life for the many people, IKEA incorporates environmentally and socially responsible efforts into day-to-day business, strives to be an employer of choice, and continually supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. The unique and family friendly IKEA shopping experience currently can be found at more than 250 IKEA stores in 34 countries, including 29 in the U.S., where other stores are being planned in: Brooklyn, NY; Draper, UT; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR; Somerville, MA;
Sunrise, FL; and West Chester, OH. To visit the IKEA Web site or for information about working at IKEA, please go to http://www.IKEA-usa.com. To visit IKEA's Spanish-language microsite, please go to http://www.enamoratemasdetuhogar.com.
About Telemundo
Telemundo, a U.S. Spanish-language television network, is the essential entertainment, news and sports source for Hispanics. Broadcasting unique national and local programming for the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, Telemundo reaches 93% of U.S. Hispanic households in 142 markets through its 16 owned-and-operated stations, 36 broadcast affiliates and nearly 684 cable affiliates. Telemundo is wholly owned by NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
Mar 6
'DATELINE' PUTS AMERICANS' VIGILANCE TO THE TEST IN THE HIDDEN CAMERA INVESTIGATION, 'WILD BILL: BREAKING AND ENTERING,' WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 AT 7PM
Published: March 6, 2007
NEW YORK – March 6, 2007 – As the nation continues to hear the horror stories of children being abducted, homes being invaded, and alerts to be aware of, "Dateline" has put Americans' vigilance to the test with the help of "Today's" security consultant, Bill Stanton. Time and again, we are told to be on alert and look out for our neighbors, but how often do we really speak up if we see something suspicious taking place? Stanton believes Americans are in more danger and more vulnerable than they need to be because, according to Stanton, "people go through life with blinders on." He says we can all be a little safer if some simple rules are followed.
In the hour-long hidden camera investigation, "Wild Bill: Breaking and Entering," reported by Rob Stafford and airing on Wednesday, March 7 (7:00 PM/ET), Stanton goes on a pseudo crime spree in an effort to make viewers safer and smarter when it comes to the workings of a criminal mind. In broad daylight, he attempts to steal a car, break into a home, and then a hotel room and -- in one of the most jaw-dropping moments -- with the permission of their parents, he tries to lure unsuspecting children playing at the park to his car. The broadcast also takes a look a look at what you can do to protect yourself if you witness a crime in progress.
On www.dateline.msnbc.com viewers can find resources and tips for keeping kids safe and staying secure in hotels. In addition, Stanton will respond to viewer comments live after the show on the blog, "Inside Dateline."
David Corvo is the executive producer of "Dateline NBC."
(Mondays – Fridays, 12:35 a.m. ET – 1:35 a.m. ET)
Monday, March 5: Al Gore, Paul Giamatti, Beastie Boys
Tuesday, March 6: Hugh Jackman, Tim Russert (NBC's "Meet the Press"), Gnarls Barkley
Wednesday, March 7: Matthew Perry (NBC's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"), Xzibit, The Rapture
Thursday, March 8: Gisele Bundchen, Jim Cramer, Madeleine Peyroux
Friday, March 9: Martin Scorsese, Harland Williams, The Decemberists
XMonday, March 12: David Hyde Pierce, Kate Mara, Dr. Dog
Tuesday, March. 13: Chris Rock, Christopher Meloni (NBC's "Law & Order: SVU"), Musical Guest Mary Weiss
Wednesday, March 14: Andy Richter (NBC's "Andy Barker, P.I."), The Shins
Thursday, March 15: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Harland Williams, Neil deGrasse Tyson
Friday, March 16: Jeff Goldblum (NBC's "Raines"), Ivanka Trump (NBC's "The Apprentice: Los Angeles"), Pete Yorn
Monday, March 19: Tom Arnold, Rainn Wilson (NBC's "The Office"), Jesse Malin
Tuesday, March 20: Bernie Mac, Chris Hansen (NBC's "Dateline"), Daughtry
Wednesday, March 21: Don Cheadle
Thursday, March 22: Adam Sandler, Sarah Thyre, Lindsey Buckingham
Friday, March 23: Liv Tyler, Neil Patrick Harris, The Fratellis
XMonday, March 26: Robin Williams, Christan Slater, Panic! At The Disco
XTuesday, March 27: Borat, Jack McBrayer (NBC's "30 Rock"), Mastodon
XWednesday, March 28: Will Ferrell, Tom Everett Scott, Death Cab for Cutie
XThursday, March 29: Martha Stewart, Brain Posehn, My Morning Jacket
XFriday, March 30: Howard Stern, Jim Gaffigan
X denotes changes or additions.
These listings are subject to change.
Mar 5
Newly designed website offers holistic "TODAY" experience
www.todayshow.com
MSNBC.com announces a new "TODAY" experience online now available at TODAYshow.com. The redesigned site launches today giving "TODAY's" growing online audience a fully-immersive "TODAY" experience with a new look, new editorial content and new interactive features. TODAYshow.com focuses on the people of "TODAY" - newsmakers, celebrities, anchors, correspondents, production staff, viewers at home and online, even the fans outside Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza.
"Since MSNBC.com launched in 1996, the 'TODAY' section has been a critical part of NBC News' online presence," said Charlie Tillinghast, President of MSNBC.com, "but we recognize that the 'TODAY' brand and its fan base deserve a distinctive destination rather than existing solely as an MSNBC.com subsection. We've created a unique 'TODAY' environment with its own URL and a standalone experience."
"The expansion of 'TODAY' on MSNBC.com is a testament to the momentum of 'TODAY,' both on-air and online," said Steve Capus, President of NBC News. "A dedicated site combining the forces of 'TODAY,' MSNBC.com and now iVillage really gives our viewers a powerful online complement to our already morning-leading broadcast."
TODAYshow.com features new topical sections, a daily "TODAY" blog, a weekly behind-the-scenes video blog from Al Roker, new columnists, message boards, in-depth stories about newsmakers and highlights from iVillage.com.
• Four new topic sections include People, Participate, Travel and Pets. In People, photos, interviews, and profiles of the guests and contributors that make "TODAY" unique will be available. Participate encourages user interaction with the show and with other users via blogs, message boards, live votes and email.
• "All Day" (www.allday.msnbc.com), "TODAY's" exclusive new blog, gives viewers a virtual window to Studio 1A and the people who make America's favorite morning show come alive. It is updated several times a day with posts from "TODAY" talent, producers, correspondents and contributors and invites viewer comments to create an active conversation between "TODAY" and its audience.
• Co-anchor Al Roker will contribute weekly video blogs that go behind-the-scenes at "TODAY," introducing the people and places that are seldom seen by the public.
• In his new weekly "Travel Detective" column, long-time "TODAY" contributor Peter Greenberg shares his travel secrets and answers viewer questions.
• Select content from NBC sibling iVillage.com rounds out the offering with links to tools such as the popular Makeover-O-Matic and the 3-D Pregnancy Calendar for moms-to-be.
"IVillage is thrilled to be a part of MSNBC.com's relaunch of TODAYshow.com," said Deborah Fine, President of iVillage Properties. "There is a natural synergy between the audiences of iVillage and 'TODAY' and this is an ideal place to collaborate and best serve that audience."
"'TODAY's' online component and community is such an important and vital part of the show," said Jim Bell, Executive Producer of "TODAY." "It's exciting to expand on the interactive experience that we've shared with our audience, their presence online plays such a significant role with the 'TODAY' franchise whether it be by voting in our wedding series or sounding off about a segment - the interaction is invaluable."
"TODAYshow.com better expresses the personality and diversity of America's favorite morning ritual, 'TODAY.'" said Randy Stearns, MSNBC.com Deputy Editor. "We strive to be a treasured destination where people come each day to find the information they crave, and to participate in an ongoing conversation about the topics they care about most."
Mar 4
Earlier this morning "NBC Nightly News" anchor and managing editor Brian Williams arrived in Baghdad.
Below is his current post on the Daily Nightly (www.dailynightly.msnbc.com)and below that, a transcript from his appearance this morning on "Meet the Press." He will be reporting thoughout the week on "NBC Nightly News," "Today," MSNBC, and online at MSNBC.com
WHY I CAME TO BAGHDAD
Posted by Brian Williams, Anchor & Managing Editor (01:58 am ET, 03/4/07)
After much planning and many hours of traveling since our departure from New York on Friday evening, we have arrived in Baghdad for several days of coverage.
The decision to come here was mine. The trip was under consideration for months and has been several weeks in the planning. It is the story of our time, it dominates our news coverage night after night, and as a journalist I believe it's important to see and touch this story first-hand. It is my third trip to Iraq since the start of the war, and this one comes at a critical time in my view. The recent change in the tempo of the violence and the decision to send more U. S. troops were both major factors in my decision. We have taken all the security precautions possible, and we will do nothing to put ourselves in any undue danger.
After I made the decision to come, NBC signed off on the trip, from the very highest levels on down, and then the planning started. It was our goal to visit before the coming anniversary of the start of the war. I'd be lying to say that the wounds suffered by my friends Bob Woodruff and Kimberly Dozier didn't weigh heavily on my mind. My own family has been profoundly affected by Bob's ordeal -- and it will stay with us and help guide our actions. I saw both Bob and Kimberly just days ago, and we intentionally delayed our trip so as not to conflict with Bob's documentary last week and the launch of the book that he and his wife Lee have written.
While in Iraq, I'm surrounded by the best possible team -- all of whom volunteered for this duty. Producer Subrata De is here (you will be seeing her photos and reading her postings) as is producer John Zito, who was embedded with U. S. forces during the war. We have an outstanding technical crew, including Craig White, who was David Bloom's cameraman during the war, and who was just here with Robert Bazell while shooting the series of reports, "Wounds of War <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17423428/>."
Also with me is retired 4-star U. S. Army Gen. Wayne Downing -- a former member of President Bush's White House anti-terrorism staff, and the former head of U. S. Special Operations. Gen. Downing was traveling with me during a helicopter mission at the start of the war, which was forced down by insurgent fire, which in turn forced us to spend three days in the desert under the protection of the Third Infantry Division. It is great to have him on this trip, both for his technical assistance and for his companionship.
We will try our best to report what we see, including the texture of military life here, which is seldom reported back home in any depth. Again: we are here to take stock of this story, and see it for ourselves. We have two superb correspondents in our Baghdad bureau, Richard Engel and Tom Aspell, who will continue to cover the day-to-day life and warfare on the streets they know so well.
My thanks to all the people who got us here and are keeping us safe. My thanks to my friends back at NBC News in New York -- who will turn what we report -- into a great broadcast each night we're here.
We'll see you on the air from Baghdad.
"MEET THE PRESS WITH TIM RUSSERT," March 4th 2007
Tim Russert: Before we go, let's go live to Baghdad, while most of us slept, NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams made his way, in the dark of night, he is in Iraq- Brian Williams, tell us what you plan to report on today, and throughout the week.
Brian Williams: Well, Tim, thanks. And first of all, we thought it was a good time to take another good, hard look at the situation here.
The situation on the ground, as you know, there has been a change in the tempo of the violence of late, which brings us to check in on the progress of the so-called troop surge.
As you know, some elements are already here, and not far from our current location here in Camp Victory, they are clearing a lot of ground, for the new home of the third infantry division, doing another tour here.
So, we'll look at all of this, we'll look at safety, life on the streets. You notice no body armor required, where we're talking to you, that's a change from past years. So the safety issue has changed, we'll take a good hard look at all of it.
We should quickly add, we've taken every precaution to guarantee our own safety, and that of our team while we're here.
So we'll see you each night, most of the week, live here, from Baghdad. Tim, for now, back to you.
Tim Russert: Brian Williams, all week long, talking to the military leadership, in Iraq, both U-S and Iraqi soldiers on the ground. We look forward to a week of reports, Brian, please be safe.
Mar 3
Exclusive Seven and a Half-Minute Scene from Spider-Man™ 3 Debuts Online at NBC.com Following Cliffhanger Episode of "Heroes"
Spider-Man™ 3 Scene to be NBC.com's First HD Stream
As Peter Parker's Aunt May once said, there's a hero in all of us. That will be true as Monday, March 5, becomes a night of heroes – Columbia Pictures, in anticipation of the release of Spider-Man™ 3 on May 4, will air an exclusive one-minute clip from the film during the broadcast of a cliffhanger episode of NBC's top-rated new show "Heroes," then premiere seven and a half minutes from the film online, exclusively on NBC.com, for 24 hours.
As "Heroes" moves towards the exciting conclusion of its second story arc of its first season, viewers of the show and Spider-Man fans will get a look at Spider-Man™ 3 with a brand-new 60-second clip from the movie that contains a cliffhanger of its own. Then, immediately following the broadcast, Web-crawling viewers and moviegoers can go online to catch the premiere of a revealing seven and a half-minute film sequence that will have viewers on the edge of their seats as it is streamed in high definition at NBC.com.
"'Heroes' and Spider-Man both share a common theme: everyday people and how they deal with finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances," said Valerie Van Galder, President of Domestic Marketing for the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group. "Because of that, this is a great programming marriage – it makes for a night of event television and a rare opportunity to see a scene from one of the summer's most highly anticipated movies. We couldn't be more excited to unveil seven and a half minutes of the movie to help whet the appetites of Spider-Man fans everywhere."
"We're so pleased to be teaming up with Columbia Pictures to present our audience with such an exciting event," said Vivi Zigler, Executive Vice President, NBC Digital Entertainment and New Media. "This partnership not only gives our users an exclusive sneak-peek at Spider-Man™ 3 – a film they will undoubtedly want to see – but also increases the richness of their experience by allowing them to stream it in HD, a first for NBC.com."
The one-minute Spider-Man™ 3 clip will drive viewers to NBC.com to see the exclusive seven and a half-minute scene from the movie, which is NBC.com's first-ever HD-streamed presentation, on any platform. The event will be promoted with ads in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and TV Guide, as well as online and on the radio. It will also be heavily promoted on NBC.
Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man™ 3 reunites the cast and filmmakers from the first two blockbuster adventures for a web of vengeance, love, and forgiveness that will transport worldwide audiences to thrilling new heights on May 4, 2007.
In Spider-Man™ 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well. Under the influence of the suit, Peter's pride and overconfidence take hold and he begins to neglect the ones he cares about the most. As two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution, Spider-Man's greatest battle is the one within himself – he will need to rediscover who he is and what makes him the hero people love.
Columbia Pictures Presents A Marvel Studios/Laura Ziskin Production Spider-Man™ 3 starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Rosemary Harris, and J.K. Simmons. The film is directed by Sam Raimi. The screenplay is by two-time Oscar® winner Alvin Sargent and the screen story by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The producers are Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Grant Curtis. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Joseph M. Caracciolo.
About Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.
About NBC Entertainment and NBC.com
NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network's primetime, late-night, and daytime schedules. NBC's quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, ratings success, particularly among young, upscale viewers, and numerous awards, including more Emmy Awards than any network in television history.
NBC.com is the most visited broadcast television site and the online home for the most affluent and educated broadcast television audience including unique offerings, such as interactive content, text and video blogs, and more.
Mar 2
RICHARD DREYFUSS TURNS WIZARD IN SCI FI'S 'TIN MAN' MINI
Six-Hour Miniseries From RHI Entertainment Slated for December Premiere
NEW YORK -- March 2, 2007 -- Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss (Poseidon, Mr. Holland's Opus) has joined the star-studded cast of SCI FI Channel's upcoming six-hour miniseries Tin Man (working title) from RHI Entertainment. He joins Zooey Deschanel and Alan Cumming in this wildly re-imagined fantasy take on Frank Baum's classic book, The Wizard of Oz. Slated to begin production next month in Vancouver, the mini will premiere on SCI FI this December.
Dreyfuss will take on the role of the Mystic Man, a powerful wizard who holds the key to revealing the destiny of the one woman who can save The Outer Zone (the O.Z.) – a fantastical realm rife with wonder, but oppressed by dark magic. He joins co-stars Zooey Deschanel and Alan Cumming (previously announced).
A sometimes psychedelic, often twisted and always outrageous take on the book, SCI FI's Tin Man follows DG on the adventure of a lifetime. Plunged headlong into another world, DG (Deschanel) must discover her true identity, battle evil winged-monkey-bats, and attempt to fulfill her destiny. Her perilous journey begins on the fabled Old Road that leads to a wizard known as the Mystic Man (Dreyfuss). Along the way, she is joined by a decidedly strange trio of companions – "Glitch," (Cumming) an odd man missing half his brain; "Raw," a quietly powerful wolverine-like creature longing for inner courage, and "Cain," a heroic former policeman (known in the O.Z. as Tin Men, for their tin badges) seeking vengeance for his scarred heart. Ultimately, DG's destiny leads her to an emotional and terrifying showdown with the scintillatingly wicked sorceress Azkadellia, whose ties to DG are closer than anyone could have imagined. DG's life, as well as the very future of the O.Z., hangs in the balance.
Tin Man will be executive produced by Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr. Co-writers Steven Long Mitchell and Craig Van Sickle (Medical Investigation, The Pretender) will also serve as executive producers on the project. Nick Willing (Jason & The Argonauts, Alice in Wonderland) will direct.
A legend of stage and screen, Richard Dreyfuss has relied on intelligence, energy and incredible talent to gain and keep his place among the leading actors of the American cinema. Three of his films, in fact, were recently included in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest 100 films of all time. He received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor for his portrayal as the teacher in Mr. Holland's Opus. At age 29, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Goodbye Girl. Dreyfuss most recently appeared in director Wolfgang Petersen's film Poseidon, alongside Kurt Russell and Josh Lucas. On television, he has starred in Lansky for HBO, The Education of Max Bickford on CBS, and The Day Reagan Was Shot and Coast to Coast, both for Showtime. Dreyfuss recently finished a term as a Senior Associate Member of St. Antony's College at the University of Oxford.
RHI Entertainment, LLC is the global leader in the production and distribution of groundbreaking miniseries and movies for television. Since the company's inception, under the guidance of Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr., RHI has produced and distributed over 4,000 hours of quality television programming, received 104 Emmy Awards and outperformed the competition annually in viewer ratings. Currently, RHI provides 40-60 new television movies and miniseries a year to networks worldwide.
SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 86 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
TERROR KNOWS NO BOUNDS AS THE PRODUCERS OF THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE UNLEASH THE ACTION-PACKED, BLOODY THRILL RIDE
THE HITCHER
Available on DVD and HD-DVD
May 1, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- March 1, 2007 -- A young couple becomes trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse when the blood-drenched, action-packed thrill ride The Hitcher comes to DVD and HD-DVD on May 1, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Sophia Bush (John Tucker Must Die, "One Tree Hill") and Zachary Knighton (The Prince and Me) star as college students who are terrorized and framed for a killing spree by a sociopathic drifter, portrayed with chilling intensity by Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Flightplan). In his feature film debut, director Dave Meyers deftly creates a brutally intense, heart-pounding saga that will keep viewers on the edges of their seats all the way to the bloodcurdling climax. The Hitcher is available on DVD and HD DVD Combo format. Both include spine-tingling deleted scenes and bonus features that ramp up the fear factor in this unforgettable movie.
The latest unmissable psychological horror movie from producer Michael Bay (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Amityville Horror), The Hitcher is packed with hair-raising plot twists and electrifying stunts that make it the most terrifying DVD of the year. The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP. Pre-order close is March 27, 2007.
EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT BONUS FEATURES
The Hitcher DVD includes a truckload of exclusive bonus features that make it a must own title for all horror/action aficionados, including:
• Dead End – Wake up with Zach Knighton in his hotel room on the day of his character's big death scene.
• Road Kill: The Ultimate Car Crash – Comprehensive footage of the amazing, hard-hitting car stunts featured in the film.
• Fuel Your Fear: The Making of The Hitcher – This fascinating featurette goes behind closed doors with the filmmakers to find out how they created the tension and terror of The Hitcher.
• Chronicles Of A Killer – Follow the murderous rampage of an evil and cunning serial murderer with mock news stories that follow in John Ryder's blood-drenched footsteps.
• Deleted Scenes
SYNOPSIS
A road trip takes a deadly turn in this terrifying thriller about a young couple (Sophia Bush and Zachary Knighton) tormented by a psychotic hitchhiker (Sean Bean) who forces them to face their fears head-on. The open road becomes a battleground of blood and metal in the race to reveal the chilling truth about this relentless killer. No one knows who he is, what he's after, or how to stop this "truly twisted villain"*. Watch the madness unfold with intense edge-of-your-seat chase sequences that drive this sinister film to a deadly ending you won't soon forget!
*Christy Lemire, The Associated Press
CAST & FILMMAKERS
Director: Dave Meyers
Written By: Jake Wade Wall, Eric Bernt (based on the 1986 screenplay by Eric Red)
Produced By: Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Alfred Haber and Charles R. Meeker
Director of Photography: James Hawkinson
Editor: Jim May
Production Designer: David Lazan
Costume Designer: Leeann Radeka
Music By: Steve Jablonsky
Cast: Sean Bean, Sophia Bush, Zachary Knighton, Neal McDonough
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: May 1, 2007
Pre-Order Close: March 27, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $29.98
Selection Number: 62033276 (widescreen), 62033277 (full frame),
Running Time: 1 Hour 24 Minutes
Layers: Dual Layer
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: R (for strong bloody violence and terror)
Languages: English and French Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HD DVD/DVD COMBO
Street Date: May 1, 2007
Pre-Order Close: March 20, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $39.98
Selection Number: 62100066
Running Time: 1 Hour 24 Minutes
Layers: HD-30
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: R (for strong bloody violence and terror)
Languages: English and French Dolby Digital Plus5.1; Subtitles: English SDH, French
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivend
