NBC Universal News
June 26
USA NETWORK IGNITES NEW ORIGINAL SERIES
Published: June 26, 2007
USA NETWORK IGNITES NEW ORIGINAL SERIES "BURN NOTICE" WITH FIRST EVER COMMERCIAL-FREE AIRING PRESENTED BY DIRECTV
DIRECTV's Best Picture to Glow as Exclusive Presenting Sponsor of June 28 Premiere
USA NETWORK IGNITES NEW ORIGINAL SERIES
"BURN NOTICE" WITH FIRST EVER
COMMERCIAL-FREE AIRING PRESENTED BY DIRECTV
DIRECTV's Best Picture to Glow
as Exclusive Presenting Sponsor of June 28 Premiere
NEW YORK, New York, June 25, 2007 – In a first for USA Network, the premiere of the much anticipated new original series, BURN NOTICE, will air commercial- free in its entirety on June 28 at 10pm/9c, it was announced today by Scott Collins, vice president, ad sales, NBC Universal. DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television provider, has been named the exclusive presenting sponsor of the broadcast, which includes a massive fully integrated media and marketing partnership.
The commercial-free premiere sponsorship package with DIRECTV includes all marketing efforts from on-air and online to paid media and promotions.
"As the first series from USA Network to ever air commercial-free, we thought audiences would appreciate the opportunity to learn all about our lead character Michael Westen from beginning to end without interruption," said Collins. "And we're thrilled that DIRECTV embraced the show's unique premise to become our inaugural partner for the BURN NOTICE premiere."
"This is a terrific way to help reinforce our HD superiority message in anticipation of offering up to 100 HD channels by the end of the year," said Jon Gieselman, senior vice president of advertising for DIRECTV. "We are always looking for break-through ways to communicate why DIRECTV has a unique advantage over our competitors."
The sponsorship also includes:
ON-AIR PROMOTION
As the commercial-free presenting sponsor, DIRECTV's message and brand were integrated into all on-air promotional spots, driving viewers to the premiere episode. USA also included DIRECTV in the introduction as well as the customized live-action closing "Thank You" message. USA Network took its creative cues from DIRECTV's current "4th Wall" television campaign where actors recreate a scene from one of their most iconic film or TV shows and then break the "4th Wall" to talk about DIRECTV (seen in recent DIRECTV on-air spots featuring Charlie Sheen from MAJOR LEAGUE and Pamela Anderson in BAY WATCH).
Lead actor Jeffrey Donovan taped an in-character "thanks for watching" 30-second bumper that will air following the premiere. In the spot, his character Michael Westen, a blacklisted spy, is seen disabling a bugging device in his apartment. When he finishes rendering it inoperable, he turns to the camera and says "Thank you for watching this unique commercial-free presentation of BURN NOTICE presented by DIRECTV." He then throws the device into a sizzling frying pan. Additionally the viewer will be reminded of DIRECTV's sponsorship via brand snipes during the telecast.
BRAND INTEGRATION
DIRECTV will be integrated verbally and visually into two episodes during the summer season.
OFF-AIR
DIRECTV will be included as part of the BURN NOTICE launch campaign including national out-of-home, print, newspaper, radio and digital media.
ONLINE
DIRECTV is one of the presenting sponsors of the official BURN NOTICE microsite. Their sponsorship includes pre-roll and display advertising as well as ownership of the specially created Burn Notice Spy Guide which includes a DIRECTV DVR interface and showcases Michael Westen giving users "CIA 101" type tutorials on everyday life situations.
MOBILE
DIRECTV will be the presenting sponsor of the Burn Notice WAP Site and the weekly SMS Scavenger Hunt.
About Burn Notice
When spies get fired, they don't get a letter from human resources, they get BURNED. This summer, USA Network presents BURN NOTICE, a sexy, action-packed original series starring Jeffrey Donovan ("Touching Evil," "Hitch") as Michael Westen, a blacklisted spy. Series also stars Gabrielle Anwar ("The Tudors," "Scent of A Woman") as Fiona, a beautiful ex-IRA operative who happens to be Westen's ex-girlfriend. Bruce Campbell ("Evil Dead," Army of Darkness") stars as Sam, Michael's closest buddy in town, a washed up military intelligence contact who is keeping an eye on Michael for the Feds. Also starring is Emmy® Award-winner Sharon Gless ("Queer as Folk," "Cagney & Lacey") as Madeline, Michael's hypochondriac mother, who couldn't be happier to have her boy back in town. BURN NOTICE will premiere with a one-hour episode on Thursday, June 28 at 10pm/9c and will be followed by 11 one-hour episodes.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 16 million customers in the United States, through exclusive content, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed cable for six years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere, including NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM) and MLB EXTRA INNINGS(R). DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan(TM), US OPEN Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.
About USA Network
USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 basic cable network across the board in 1Q06, USA Network is seen in 90 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com <<http://www.usanetwork.com/>>. Characters Welcome.
USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division 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.
June 14
Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R) Winner Tony Shalhoub Returns as San Francisco's Most Brilliant - and Quirkiest - Detective
Monk: Season Five
All 16 Episodes of the USA Network Original Series Available in a Four-DVD Set June 26, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Miscreants, malefactors and murderers will head for the hills when Monk: Season Five debuts on DVD on June 26, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Tony Shalhoub's acclaimed portrayal of Adrian Monk, the most gifted and neurotic detective ever to be kicked off the San Francisco police force, has earned him three Emmy(R) Awards as well as a Golden Globe(R) and two SAG Awards. With a stellar supporting cast that includes Ted Levine (The Fast and the Furious, Silence of the Lambs), Jason Gray-Stanford (A Beautiful Mind), Traylor Howard (Son of the Mask) and Stanley Kamel (Domino), each funny and suspenseful installment showcases Monk's unique powers of observation, photographic memory and intuitive genius -- as well as his unparalleled ability to get on the last nerve of everyone he comes in contact with! Along with all 16 episodes from the enormously popular show's fifth season, the four-DVD set also includes the classic noir episode, "Mr. Monk and the Leper," plus special bonus features such as exclusive commentary webisodes and the pilot for "Psych," USA Network's newest hit detective series.
A hands-down favorite with audiences and critics alike since it debuted in 2002, Monk is "alternatively hilarious and touching" according to Matt Roush of TV Guide. The USA Network Original Series' winning balance of logic and lunacy has made it "consistently endearing" in the words of The Hollywood Reporter's Ray Richmond. The four-disc set is priced at $59.98. Pre-order close is May 22, 2007.
Bonus Features
The Monk: Season Five DVD set gives viewers an insider's look at the making of this unique comedy-mystery combination, with bonus features including:
-- Exclusive Episode Commentary with the Cast and Producers
-- Webisodes
-- Special Black and White Version of the classically noir episode "Mr.
Monk and the Leper"
-- PLUS -- The 90-minute pilot of the USA Network's newest comedy-mystery
hit, Psych!
SYNOPSIS
It's a jungle out there for a detective with a galloping case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as former ace investigator Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) can attest. Monk was the most inspired detective that the San Francisco Police Department had ever seen until he came head-to-head with the one case he couldn't solve: the murder of his wife Trudy. As Monk unraveled into a mountain of paralyzing phobias and personality quirks, his overwhelming dread of virtually everything finally cost him his job. Now that he's ready to return to work, the police force isn't sure it's ready for him. With the constant support of his long-suffering assistant Natalie (Traylor Howard), Monk brings his unconventional investigative methods and legendary attention to detail to some of the department's knottiest mysteries. As he divines the solution with deductions worthy of Sherlock Holmes, he also drives his co-workers batty with his ingenious and hilarious methods of circumventing his ever-present catalogue of fears.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: June 26, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $59.98 SRP
Selection Number: 61100677
Discs: 4
Running Time: 12 hours 8 minutes
Layers: DVD 9 (Single Sided)
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: NR
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, English SDH
For artwork, or screeners, please log on to our Web site at http://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 (http://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, 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
Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
http://www.universalstudios.com/
June 11
Universal Studios and Wicked Announce "'Wicked' Wednesdays" at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Entertainment Capital of L.A.
New Summer Series Kicks Off On June 27 With Specal Appearance By 'Wicked' Star Carol Kane Plus Performances and Autograph Sessions With Cast of the Smash-Hit Musical
-- Carol Kane, Academy Award(R) nominee and Emmy(R)-winning actor and star of "Wicked," joins Universal Studios Hollywood on June 27 to introduce The Entertainment Capital of L.A.'s new summer series, "Wicked Wednesdays," offering fans of the smash musical blockbuster, "Wicked," an opportunity to enjoy special performances, meet the stars and collect autographs from the cast of the L.A. production for three very special events on June 27, July 11 and 25 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
The witchcraft begins on Wednesday, June 27 with a special appearance by Carol Kane (Madame Morrible) to introduce a "Witches of Oz"-themed performance with stars from the show performing some of the musical's most memorable songs. On July 11, "Wicked Wednesday" will feature a performance by popular cast member, Kristoffer Cusick (Fiyero) and on Wednesday, July 25, the "Ozians" of "Wicked" will round out the summer series with an ensemble performance from the musical.
All performances will be followed by an autograph session and opportunities for guests to meet their favorite "Wicked" cast member. Interactive "Wicked" activities from karaoke to face-painting will kick off each performance. "Wicked" merchandise will also be on sale.
"Wicked," the smash hit musical that the New York Times called, "one of the most successful shows in Broadway history" is now performing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, "Wicked" has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. It is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. "Wicked' is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
Winner of 15 major awards including the Grammy(R) Award and three Tony Awards(R), "Wicked" is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in; two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. "Wicked" tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.
Tickets are on sale at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or http://www.broadwayla.org/, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Groups of fifteen (15) or more can call 866-755-3075 or online at www.nedgroups.com.
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 CityWalk Cinemas and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy(sm) - The Ride," "Shrek 4-D(TM)," "Jurassic Park(R) - 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." Universal CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. Universal CityWalk Cinemas, offering the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles, features 19 screens including one of Southern California's largest IMAX(R) venues and newly renovated stadium-style seating.
Universal Studios Hollywood (http://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/
June 7
Golden Globe(R) Winner Hugh Laurie Stars as The Brilliant Yet Tough-Witted Dr. House in the 2006 Primetime Emmy(R) Nominee for Outstanding Drama Series
HOUSE: SEASON THREE
All 24 Episodes on DVD August 21, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
'House continues as one of the best shows on television.' - Kelly Jane Torrance, The Washington Times
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Two-time Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie is back as Dr. Gregory House, ornery infectious disease specialist and self-acknowledged "most brilliant mind in medicine" when House: Season Three comes to DVD on August 21, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The five-DVD set includes all 24 episodes of the Primetime Emmy(R)-nominated show's third season, plus exclusive bonus features that offer an inside look at the most compelling medical drama on television. Arriving just in time for the broadcast premiere of Season Four, House: Season Three boasts an exceptional supporting cast including Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Morrison, Omar Epps and Jesse Spencer, plus outstanding guest performances from, Kathleen Quinlan, Joel Grey, John Larroquette and more.
One of the most acclaimed dramas on television, House's superb writing and top-notch performances continue to garner critical and industry accolades. The American Film Institute's "Program of the Year" for 2005 and winner of the Peabody Award for Achievement in Electronic Media, the series has also earned a Primetime Emmy(R) Award as well as eight additional nominations. Hugh Laurie has collected two Golden Globes(R), a SAG(R) Award, a Television Critics Association Award, and an Emmy(R) nomination for his star turn as master medical sleuth Dr. House. Preorder close is July 17, 2007. The five-disc set is priced at $ 59.98.
A HOUSE FULL OF BONUS FEATURES
House: Season Three takes fans out of the waiting room and into the action with extraordinary bonus features including:
-- Alternate Take From Cane and Able: The Angry Valley Girl Version -- Half-Wit Commentary with Creator/Executive Producer David Shore and Executive Producer/Director Katie Jacobs -- Blooper Reel -- The Making of The Jerk: Anatomy of an Episode - An inside look at the making of Episode 23. -- Soundtrack Session: Hugh Laurie and The Band From TV - Join Hugh Laurie and the rest of The Band From TV as they record the smokey song "Minnie the Moocher" for the show's soundtrack. -- Open House: The Production Office - Executive Producer Katie Jacobs gives viewers a tour of the production office. -- Blood, Needles, and Body Parts: The House Prop Department -- An inside look at the property department. Synopsis
Welcome to Season Three of the most compellingly watchable drama on television, as Dr. Gregory House and his team of brilliant young doctors unravel the thorniest medical mysteries that Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital has to offer. The infuriatingly infallible Dr. House guides his proteges through controversial cases with his inimitable mixture of caustic humor, unmitigated irritation and highly unconventional diagnostic genius. With guest appearances by Kathleen Quinlan, Joel Grey and John Larroquette, House: Season Three demonstrates why this unconventional hospital chronicle has become a favorite of critics and audiences alike.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD Street Date: August 21, 2007 Pre-Order Close: July 17, 2007 Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Price: $59.98 Selection Number: 61100973 Running Time: 17 Hours 30 Minutes (1049:04) Layers: DVD-9 (Single Sided) Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) Rating: Not Rated Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, English SDH, Spanish Subtitles
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (http://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
http://www.universalstudios.com/
June 5
Universal CityWalk's Energetic 'Summer Block Party' Rocks With Non-Stop Entertainment All Summer Long, From June 28 - September 1
-- Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., kicks off summertime fun with a high energy "CityWalk Summer Block Party" showcasing a Latino music festival, an indie band showcase series, a teen idol talent search, and the ever-popular free outdoor movie night, all kicking off June 28 and continuing through September 1, 2007.
This summer there's way more new and way more to do as the "new" CityWalk celebrates long weekends starting on Thursday evenings with the return of the weekly "Big FREE Outdoor Movie" showcasing must-see films on CityWalk's iconic 15' x 20' giant outdoor screen from 7:30-10:00 p.m. This year's line-up touts a "Summer of Sequels" film slate that includes "Bruce Almighty" (June 28), "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" (July 5) and "Shrek 2" (August 23) just in time for blockbuster season. Also joining the film roster will be such family favorites as "Happy Feet," (July 19), "The Wizard of Oz" (July 26), "Over the Hedge" (August 2) "Night at the Museum" (August 9), "Charlotte's Web," (August 16) and everyone's back to school movie favorite, "Grease" (August 30).
Friday nights on CityWalk will reverberate with blast-from-the-past musical performances from the time-transcending band, The Spazmatics, who'll rock center stage along with host Richard Blade, renowned '80s DJ, from 7:30-10:00 p.m.
L.A.'s top alternative and indie bands will get an opportunity to showcase their material in an outdoor "festival" setting on Saturday nights with the new series, "Indie 103.1's Check 1 ... 2 ... LIVE!" from CityWalk with Mr. Shovel and Music Connection Magazine. The weekly indie concert series will bring LA's hottest up-and-coming bands on-stage from 7:30-10:00 p.m.
Sundays on CityWalk take a Latin spin with the introduction of the Descarga en CityWalk con Telemundo y mun2, featuring a dynamic mix of live Latin bands and upbeat performances. Descarga en CityWalk will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Beginning July 4, Wednesdays on CityWalk will draw aspiring idols to its highly anticipated "Get Discovered: Teen Talent Search" where 10 contestants weekly will showcase their vocal skills before a panel of judges as they compete for a spot in an August finale, to be judged by a panel of renowned music industry professionals. The grand prize winner will be awarded a package to include a one year agency contract for theatrical and commercial representation with Brad Diffley of Mavrick Artists Agency, a professional photo shoot with Michael Higgins, a six-month scholarship to the elite training facility, Hollywood Launch, three original demo songs written and recorded by Genuine Music Group producers and a video demo reel with videographer Roger Hayes.
For more information on CityWalk's "Summer Block Party" log on to http://www.citywalkhollywood.com/ or call 818-622-1111.
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 CityWalk 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." Universal CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. Universal CityWalk Cinemas, offering the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles, features 19 screens including one of Southern California's largest IMAX venues and newly renovated stadium-style seating.
Universal Studios Hollywood (http://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.citywalkhollywood.com/
http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
June 1
'LIVE EARTH: THE CONCERTS FOR A CLIMATE IN CRISIS' TO AIR EXCLUSIVELY ON THE NETWORKS OF NBC UNIVERSAL ON JULY 7
Three-hour NBC Primetime Special Hosted by Ann Curry with Carson Daly
Bravo to Present 18-hours of Live Concert Coverage and "Best Of" Moments
Sundance Channel and Universal HD to Air Concerts Live All Day
Telemundo and Mun2 to Broadcast Specials Featuring the Hottest Latin Performers
CNBC to Broadcast Seven-hours in Primetime
MSNBC to Broadcast Exclusive Coverage Throughout the Day
Scheduled Performances Include Madonna, The Police, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Kelly Clarkson, Melissa Etheridge, Faith Hill, Fall Out Boy, Shakira, Kanye West, Enrique Iglesias and The Red Hot Chili Peppers Among Many Others
BURBANK, Calif. – May 31, 2007 – The networks of NBC Universal will come together to air "Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis" an unprecedented global event on July 7. From the producers of "Live 8," this monumental music event will bring together more than 100 of today's hottest artists and two billion people to focus the world's attention on the global climate crisis and what can be done to reduce global warming. The networks of NBC Universal will broadcast nine legendary concerts from the seven continents, all raising awareness of the solutions to the global climate crisis.
"NBC Universal is proud to be the exclusive U.S. broadcaster of this historic television event," said Jeff Gaspin, President, NBC Universal Cable and Digital Content. "By leveraging all of our properties, we will reach millions of viewers with this important call to action to combat global warming, while offering our audiences an incredible entertainment experience from today's biggest artists."
"Live Earth is about engaging a critical mass of people to tackle the climate crisis," said Kevin Wall, Live Earth founder and producer. "NBC Universal's sweeping coverage of Live Earth ensures that Americans from coast to coast will be able to tune in to the concerts and take action against the climate crisis."
Coverage on the networks of NBC Universal is as follows:
NBC will broadcast a three-hour primetime special (8-11 p.m. ET/PT) featuring highlights of performances from around the world, including live moments from the U.S. concert at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. Hosted by Ann Curry ("Today") with Carson Daly ("Last Call with Carson Daly"), the special will also feature the biggest and brightest stars of today with information on what viewers at home can do to help with environmental and conservation issues.
Bravo will present a live 18-hour broadcast and "best of" moments from the concerts from 8 a.m. ET on July 7 to 2 a.m. ET on July 8. For online users, www.BravoTV.com will feature live blogging about the show, tips and features on how to live a greener life, and a complete schedule of Bravo's on-air concert moments. And for conservationists on-the-go, Bravo offers green tips and 30-minute alerts for upcoming performances via text message.
Sundance Channel and Universal HD will air 22-hour live broadcasts and "best of" moments from the concerts from 4 a.m. ET on July 7 to 2 am. ET on July 8. Universal HD is the only channel where the entire day's concerts will be broadcast in high definition.
Telemundo will broadcast a one-hour special from 7-8 p.m. ET (July 7) and mun2 will broadcast a two-hour special from 5-7 p.m. ET (July 7). Both specials will feature the hottest Latin acts performing at the concerts including Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Mana among others.
CNBC will feature a seven-hour primetime broadcast from 7 p.m. ET on July 7 to 2 a.m. ET on July 8.
MSNBC will broadcast special coverage of this global concert event throughout the day with live reports from the concerts in New York and London.
The "Live Earth" concerts will take place in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Rio de Janeiro, Hamburg and Istanbul. Some of the hottest musical acts scheduled to perform include: Madonna, Bon Jovi, The Police, Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, Melissa Etheridge, John Mayer, Faith Hill, Shakira, Mana, Black Eyed Peas, Fall Out Boy, Enrique Iglesias, Duran Duran and many more. The 24 hours of music across all seven continents will deliver a call to action and the solutions needed to answer the call. Live Earth marks the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by The Alliance for Climate Protection and its Chair, former Vice President Al Gore, to move individuals, corporations and governments to take action. The concerts will be produced by Control Room, of which Kevin Wall is the CEO. Wall won an Emmy as worldwide executive producer of "Live 8" and has produced numerous live concert events.
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 percent owned by General Electric and 20 percent owned by Vivendi Universal.
Harry Potter "Theme Park within a Theme Park" Scheduled to Debut in 2009 --
Fans to be Immersed in the Adventures of the World's Most Popular Wizard
ORLANDO, Fla. -- May 31, 2007 -- Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create the world's first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Envisioned as a "theme park within a theme park" and titled "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.
"Over the years we've received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling's beloved stories," said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. "Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we'll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling's books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films."
"We will rely on our company's rich movie heritage and expertise in transforming film concepts into theme park entertainment experiences," said Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios. "The Harry Potter stories are among the most compelling of our time. The millions of people who have read the books and seen the movies will now be able to experience the world of Harry Potter in person."
Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters – and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films – "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. The fully immersive, themed land will enable guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and the films including the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts castle itself.
"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said J.K. Rowling.
"We have a profound sense of responsibility for the Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Bringing the magic of J.K. Rowling's written word to the motion picture screen was the first step in expanding this amazing and imaginative world. Working with Universal Orlando Resort to bring it to life in a physical environment that you can walk through, relax in and ride on is the natural next step for fans to experience and enjoy," said Alan Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Expected to open in late 2009, the new environment will feature immersive rides and interactive attractions, as well as experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizarding world's best known establishments. Also debuting will be a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in an exciting way that guests have never before experienced.
"We are going to devote more time, more money, more expertise and more executive talent from throughout our entire organization and creative team – as well as from Warner Bros., our partners – to ensure that this entire environment is second-to-none," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts.
Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products, added: "In Universal, we found the right partner whose unparalleled commitment will ensure that this is a world class destination. Their track record of success and the consistently high level of entertainment at all of their parks gave us the confidence to know that they will meet—or exceed— the extremely high expectations we all have for this project."
The Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who has worked to bring the world of Harry Potter to life in all of the feature films to date, leads the creative design for the area to ensure it remains faithful to the look and feel of the films.
"Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter's world as it is portrayed in the books and films," said Craig. "I am very excited to be working closely with the Universal Orlando team to bring the area to life."
The Universal Orlando resort destination (www.universalorlando.com) includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando's most thrilling and exhilarating theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 65 languages with more than 325 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $3.5 billion at the box office worldwide. Each of the four Harry Potter films produced to date has the distinction of making it into the all time top 20 grossing films worldwide. The fifth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™, will be released in theatres on July 13, 2007.
# # #
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
(s07)
NBC and Telemundo are co-hosting an open-casting call for English, Spanish and bilingual-speaking actors interested in becoming a part of the NBC and Telemundo talent pool beginning Friday, June 8, in Miami, Florida. For more information, location specifics and audition details, interested candidates can log-on to www.diversecitynbc.com.
The open call audition is designed to add diverse and fresh faces to NBC and Telemundo's expanding talent pool. Both networks will be represented by talent executives who oversee casting and talent development for all entertainment programming respectively.
"NBC and Telemundo are always seeking bright new faces for our growing series commitments and multiple new platforms that can deliver new content to our increasingly diverse audiences," said Marc Hirschfeld, Executive Vice President, Casting, NBC Entertainment. "We want to offer new opportunities to the incredible actors in South Florida and eventually, to new untapped markets beyond as we seek to find the exciting stars of tomorrow."
"This open-casting process further broadens the horizons of our respective audiences and reflects our commitment to find and develop new Hispanic talent," said Don Browne, President, Telemundo. "We want to partner with NBC to attract crossover talent from the vibrant Greater Miami area and find the new stars of the future for our original productions."
Following date and location details include:
Friday, June 8 at 10 a.m. (early attendance recommended)
Sawgrass Mill Mall (The Oasis)
12801 W. Sunrise Blvd.
Sunrise, Florida 33323
About NBC Entertainment:
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's roster of popular scripted series includes fresh, critically-acclaimed comedies like two-time Emmy nominee Scrubs, Emmy nominee The Office, starring Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Steve Carell, and My Name Is Earl, the #1 new scripted series of the 2005-2006 television season among adults 18-49, as well as hit dramas like Heroes, the #1 new drama of the 2006-07 season in 18-49, the powerful Law & Order franchise, representing the longest-running crime series and the second-longest-running drama series in the history of television, and the venerable ER, which has received more Emmy nominations than any other show in television history.
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 percent of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 142 markets, 36 broadcast affiliates and nearly 684 cable affiliates. The NBC Universal Television Stations division owns and operates 15 Telemundo stations and one independent Spanish-language television station (KWHY, Los Angeles).
The network's schedule features a wide range of original programming, including popular novelas, talk shows, sports and news, reality, entertainment, and music programs. Telemundo is the only U.S. Spanish-language network to present a prime-time programming schedule consisting entirely of its own original programming. As a part of the vast NBC Universal family, Telemundo is able to offer viewers many programming synergies such as Spanish-language broadcasts of the Miss Universe Pageant and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, among others.
NBC LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT WITH MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY SUPERSTAR MARTINA MCBRIDE, 'AMERICAN IDOL' WINNER JORDIN SPARKS, 'AMERICAN IDOL' CONTESTANTS BLAKE LEWIS AND MELINDA DOOLITTLE ON NBC'S ANNUAL 'MACY'S 4th OF JULY FIREWORKS® SPECTACULAR,' WEDNESDAY, JULY 4th (9-10 p.m. EST)
Natalie Morales, NBC's "Today" National Correspondent and Tiki Barber, "Today" Correspondent and "Football Night in America" Studio Analyst Host the Live Telecast
NEW YORK – May 31, 2007 – NBC celebrates the nation's 231st birthday extravaganza with performances by superstar Martina McBride, 'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks, American Idol contestants Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle on the live broadcast of the "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular." Hosted by Natalie Morales, NBC's "Today" National Correspondent and Tiki Barber, "Today" Correspondent and "Football Night in America" Studio Analyst, the show will air on Wednesday, July 4th, 9-10 p.m. EST (all time zones).
Multi-platinum recording artist and award winning entertainer McBride will open this year's "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular" with her hit single "Anyway" from her ninth studio album Waking Up Laughing. McBride is currently headlining her national arena tour. This marks NBC's eighth consecutive exclusive broadcast of the "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular."
Season six 'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks and fellow contestants Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle will all perform one song together as a tribute to the Nation's birthday. They are kicking off their American Idol summer tour on July 6th, 2007 from Sunrise, Florida.
The country's largest Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza will feature nearly 35,000 brilliant shells exploding over New York City set to a sweeping original medley performed by The New York Pops. Over 1,000 pyrotechnic shells are fired every minute, when the first shells explode and begin their choreographed pyrotechnic dance. Painting the sky this year will be new shells from around the globe, the highlight of the Macy's Fireworks is always the famed Golden Mile, a multi-layer explosion which stretches across the skyline filling it with a golden sparks from 1,200 feet in the air to the water's edge.
"On this very important day, it is our esteemed honor to bring the rich tradition of the Macy's Fireworks Special to viewers around the country, once again the celebration will be a must watch for viewers of all ages." Said Doug Vaughan Vice President NBC News and Entertainment Special Projects.
"Macy's Fireworks is always rated the #1 show in America by the American Pyrotechnic Association, and with the show we've got planned, 2007 will be no exception," said Robin Hall, Macy's Fireworks executive producer. "We'll be launching a show filled with eye-popping color, intense sound and breathtaking new effects." He continued, "Macy's Fireworks will again be the biggest fireworks show in the nation, a pyrotechnic marvel choreographed to a sweeping, heroic score brilliantly played by the New York Pops."
The backbone of every Macy's Fireworks show is the musical score that sets the framework for pyrotechnic art in the sky. 'In Our Children's Eyes', this year's score is performed by The New York Pops under the direction of Rob Fisher, and features patriotic works, iconic movie themes, and uniquely American popular songs. From 'Yankee Doodle,' 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame,' and 'Oh! Susanna.'
The musical dance in the sky will also features new musical works composed by Macy's Creative Director, William Schermerhorn and Tony® Award-winning Broadway composer Stephen Flaherty and is performed by Tony® Award winners Andrew Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys), Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon), and Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls).
The magic in the sky begins with the group at Macy's events and the explosive family of Fireworks, the Souza's. Gary and James Souza, and the entire Sousa Fireworks team of Rialto, CA have helped create the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show for over 25 years. The show comes together after months of globetrotting in search of the newest, most unique firework shells, a year of design meetings and over a week of installation, all to set off the grandest show in America.
The 2007 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are sponsored in part by Anheuser-Busch, Ball Park®, Energizer, The Hershey Company and Planters®; and are presented in partnership with The City of New York, and The Downtown Alliance for New York.
Morales, joined "Today" as a National Correspondent in February 2006. Prior to joining "Today", she was an anchor and correspondent at MSNBC since March 2002. While working for "Today" and MSNBC, she has contributed to NBC News' coverage of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino and the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, as well as several major breaking news stories including Hurricane Katrina and the recovery efforts; the Tsunami disaster; the death of Pope John Paul II; the Battle for White House in 2004; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and the Columbia Shuttle explosion. Hispanic Magazine named her one of the "Top Hispanics to Watch" in 2005 and one of the "Top Trendsetters" of 2003.
Barber, came to NBC in February 2007 and serves as a correspondent for NBC News' "Today" and an analyst for NBC's "Football Night in America." Barber started his broadcasting career prior to retiring from professional football, serving as a correspondent on Fox News Channel's morning show "Fox & Friends" and hosting a radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio, "The National Sweep," which covered politics, news, sports and entertainment. Guests on the show ranged from Senator John McCain to Daniel Kurtzer, the former ambassador to both Israel and Egypt, to Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor.
McBride, a multi-platinum recording artist just released her ninth studio album Waking Up Laughing in April and is currently headlining her national arena tour which recently sold out New York's Radio City Music Hall as well as other venues across the country.
Sparks, a 17-year-old high school student from Glendale, Arizona, is the Winner of 'American Idol' Season Six. Awarded "Overall Spotlight Winner" for the Gospel Music Academy in 2004, Jordin is consistent in her mission of telling meaningful stories through songs.
Lewis, 25, grew up in Bothell, Washington and began singing at the age of 5. He first auditioned for 'American Idol' in Seattle having never seen an episode of the show. He is the first runner-up for Season Six of 'American Idol.'
Doolittle, 29, grew up in Brentwood Tennessee and began singing in the seventh grade. A music major from Belmont University in Nashville and a former back-up singer. Melinda was the second-runner up for season six of 'American Idol.'
'American Idol' tour tickets are available for purchase at www.americanidol.com
The telecast is a production of NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Macy's. Bob Holmes is the executive producer.
USA NETWORK ACQUIRES RIGHTS FROM DISNEY-ABC DOMESTIC TELEVISION TO #1 MOVIE IN THE WORLD, WALT DISNEY PICTURES' "PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END"
NEW YORK – June 1, 2007 – USA Network has acquired the cable television rights from Disney-ABC Domestic Television to the record-breaking #1 movie at the global box office, Walt Disney Pictures' PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END. Taking in more than $404 million worldwide in its opening weekend, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END scaled new heights at the box office with an unprecedented 29,000-screen release. The announcement was made today by Jane Blaney, USA's senior vice president, programming.
Under the agreement, USA has the network window premiere beginning in September 2009.
"This acquisition completes USA's ownership of rights to the 'Pirates' trilogy, and we couldn't be more thrilled," said Blaney. "It's one of the most popular franchises in film history and our viewers have made it clear that it's a favorite of theirs."
The 2006 premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl" was the biggest theatrical movie in USA's history and the highest-rated movie in five years in the P25-54 demo. The premiere and its subsequent three primetime runs have established "Pirates" as the top movie on cable since its debut on USA.
Last year, USA announced acquisition of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," the record-shattering second film in the series.
Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush reunite in the film from Walt Disney Pictures' in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Films. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END picks up where the record-breaking 2006 smash hit left off, with our heroes Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) allied with Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones' locker. With the terrifying ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, and its commander Davy Jones under the control of the East India Trading Company, there is havoc on the Seven Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, the heroic trio must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning Pirate
Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). Now headed beyond the very ends of the earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final titanic battle – as not only their lives and fortunes, but the entire future of the freedom-loving Pirate way hangs in the balance. The film was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski from a screenplay written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio.
About Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Disney-ABC Domestic Television is the domestic distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, providing motion pictures and television programming to pay cable, basic cable, video-on-demand (VOD), pay-per-view (PPV), mobile, broadband and broadcast television. Disney-ABC Domestic Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Disney Enterprises, Inc
About USA Network
USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 basic cable network across the board in 2006, USA Network is seen in 90 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division 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.
'GALACTICA' ROARS TOWARD STUNNING FINALE
Executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick have decided that season 4 of Battlestar Galactica, SCI FI Channel's Peabody Award-winning original series, will be its last. They will use the 22-episode season, currently in production, to draw the saga of humanity's struggle for survival to a close.
"This show was always meant to have a beginning, a middle and finally, an end. Over the course of the last year, the story and the characters have been moving strongly toward that end and we've decided to listen to those internal voices and conclude the show on our own terms," stated Eick and Moore. "On a personal level, it's been a creative privilege and an honor for all of us who work on the show and we know we'll be lucky to ever see its like again. And while we know our fans will be saddened to know the end is coming, they should brace themselves for a wild ride getting there – we're going out with a bang."
"We respect the producers' decision to end the series and are proud to have been the home of this groundbreaking show. We have always known that Ron and David had a plan for 'Galactica' and trust that fans can look forward to a truly amazing final season," stated Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, SCI FI.
Production on the final 22 hours of season 4 is currently underway in Vancouver. An extended two-hour episode, "Razor," will premiere in November 2007, setting the stage for the rest of the season to commence in 2008.
Redefining the space opera with its gritty realism, Galactica's intensity, issues-driven topicality, and command performances have garnered it unprecedented critical acclaim. In addition to winning a prestigious Peabody Award, the series has been honored as one of the 10 Outstanding Television Programs of the Year by the American Film Institute (AFI) for two years running and the #2 sci-fi project – television or film – of the past 25 years by Entertainment Weekly. Battlestar is also responsible for introducing the expletive "frak" into the pop culture lexicon.
Battlestar Galactica is from NBC Universal Television Studio and is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick. Its stellar cast is led by Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park.
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.
May 18
From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: The #1 New Series(1) Everyone Is Talking About, 'HEROES: SEASON 1'
Seven-Disc Set Featuring the Never-Before-Aired 73-Minute Premiere Episode
Available on DVD and HD DVD August 28, 2007 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
'The Ride Is Thrilling' - TV Guide
-- Ordinary people with extraordinary abilities link a group of complete strangers that may determine the future of the world when "Heroes: Season 1" comes to DVD and HD DVD August 28, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The most acclaimed and addictive new series of the 2006-2007 television season, "Heroes: Season 1," which was created by Tim Kring ("Providence," "Crossing Jordan"), features an extraordinary ensemble cast that includes Sendhil Ramamurthy ("Blind Guy Driving"), Milo Ventimiglia ("Gilmore Girls"), Adrian Pasdar ("Judging Amy"), Hayden Panettiere ("Bring It On: All Or Nothing"), Ali Larter ("Final Destination"), Noah Gray-Cabey, ("My Wife & Kids"), Leonard Roberts ("Smallville"), Santiago Cabrera ("Empire"), Tawny Cypress (NBC's "Third Watch"), Greg Grunberg ("Alias"), Masi Oka, (NBC's "Scrubs"), Jack Colman ("Dynasty"), James Kyson Lee (NBC's "Las Vegas"), Zachary Quinto ("24"), Ashley Crow (NBC's "American Dreams"), Cristine Rose (NBC's "Friends"), Jimmy Jean-Louis ("Monster-in-Law"), Eric Roberts ("Less than Perfect") and Malcolm McDowall ("Entourage"). Electrifying intrigue, compelling mythology and soaring imagination make the NBC epic drama the must see event of the year. Praised for its "propulsive, surprisingly and emotionally charged storytelling" by Entertainment Weekly, "Heroes" nabbed the People's Choice Award for Favorite New Drama Series and a Golden Globe(R) nomination for Best Drama Series of 2007, even before completing its first season. "Heroes" is television's number-one new show of the 2006-2007 season.
"'Heroes' is one of those rare television series with such broad popular and critical appeal that it has become an instant cultural phenomenon," said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Digital Platforms. "With the extraordinary array of compelling bonus content offered on both the DVD and HD DVD respectively, this title, which has already generated tremendous anticipation among consumers, is well poised to be one of the greatest, must-have DVDs of the year."
The seven-disc DVD set is packed with revealing bonus features, including five featurettes, over 50 deleted scenes plus the 73-minute Tim Kring cut of the original series premiere that has never aired on television and much more. The seven-disc DVD version is priced at $59.98 S.R.P. Preorder close is July 24, 2007.
SUPERHUMAN EXTRAS
"Heroes: Season 1" reveals some of the show's hidden secrets with interviews, mini documentaries and extensive profiles, including:
* Unaired Pilot: The Tim Kring Cut with Audio Commentary -- A full 73
uninterrupted minutes of the original, unaired, extended pilot
episode, as Heroes' creator Tim Kring first envisioned it, with a
character never seen.
* The Making of "Heroes" -- From concept to pop culture phenomenon, a
behind-the-scenes look at the hottest new series on television
* Special Effects -- The secrets behind the eye-popping visuals that give
the Heroes their amazing powers.
* The Stunts -- A back stage look at the show's hair-raising stunts.
* Mind Reader -- Matt Parkman's mind reading abilities reveal your inner
Hero with a series of simple tests.
* Profile of Artist Tim Sale -- A look at the Eisner Award-winning comic
book artist (Spiderman, Batman, Daredevil) behind much of the
Manga-influenced artwork used in the show.
* The Score -- Go behind the scenes with Wendy Melvin and Lisa Coleman
(of Prince's The Revolution) as they create their ASCAP Award-winning
musical score.
* 50 Deleted and Extended Scenes
SYNOPSIS
Mohinder Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy), a genetics professor from Chennai, picks up his late father's research and makes an astonishing discovery -- a seemingly random group of people around the world are developing astonishing super powers. From a drug-addicted artist (Santiago Cabrera), who paints the future and an ambitious politician (Adrian Pasdar) who can fly, to a New York cop who hears other people's thoughts (Greg Grunberg) and a Japanese computer programmer (Masi Oka) who can distort the space time continuum, these new Heroes seem to have a shared destiny. Creator Tim Kring ("Crossing Jordan") fashions a complex new world full of hidden clues, breathtaking plot twists and suspense-filled conundrums for an exhilaratingly fresh story about average people who are confronting the existence of inexplicable super powers. Also starring Milo Ventimiglia, Hayden Panettiere, Ali Larter, Noah Gray-Cabey, Leonard Roberts, Tawny Cypress and Jack Colman, "Heroes: Season 1" is packed with special bonuses that take viewers deeper into this rich and riveting series. Relive the excitement or discover it for the first time with "Heroes: Season 1" on DVD and HD DVD.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: August 28, 2007
Pre-Order Close: July 24, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $59.98 S.R.P.
Selection Number: 61101031
Discs: 7
Layers: DVD9 (SD)
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (1:78:1)
Rating: NR
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
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.
(1) Source: Nielsen Research Media
Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Web site: http://www.nbc.com/Heroes
Web site: http://www.heroesthedvd.com/
May 15
NBC UNIVERSAL PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT 'EVAN ALMIGHTY' IN MULTI-NETWORK 'ROADBLOCK' THIS THURSDAY, MAY 17
Season Finale of 'The Office' Will Be Followed by First Look at All-New Footage From the Upcoming Event Comedy Motion Picture Starring Steve Carell
NBC Universal will present an exclusive first look at the upcoming Universal Pictures event comedy "Evan Almighty" in a simultaneous "roadblock" on 10 of its networks tomorrow night, Thursday, May 17. This first-ever opportunity to see new material from the motion-picture comedy will be offered for the first time anywhere at 8:58 p.m. EST/PST on NBC, MSNBC, SciFi, Bravo, USA, Universal HD, CNBC, Mun2, Chiller and Sleuth.
On NBC, the first look comes at the conclusion of the season finale in the hit third season of "The Office," starring Steve Carell, who also toplines "Evan Almighty."
Following the on-air premiere, an extended preview from "Evan Almighty" will be available exclusively at DotComedy.com (www.dotcomedy.com). With this exclusive debut, DotComedy will launch its "Steve Almighty" microsite, a compelling and hilarious online experience which will present new video content every day featuring the comedy of Steve Carell, including material from "Evan Almighty," "The Office," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and other sources. Users should return every day to see the new "Steve Carell Clip of the Day" and enjoy the archived content.
About "Evan Almighty"
Steve Carell, reprising his role as polished, preening newscaster Evan Baxter of "Bruce Almighty," is the next one anointed by God to accomplish a holy mission in the hilarious new event comedy "Evan Almighty." Blockbuster comedy director Tom Shadyac 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...
Universal Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment Present-in Association with Relativity Media-A Shady Acres/Barber-Birnbaum/Original Film Production of a Tom Shadyac Film: Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman in "Evan Almighty," starring Lauren Graham, John Goodman, John Michael Higgins, Jimmy Bennett, Wanda Sykes, Jonah Hill. Music for the film is by John Debney; the costume designer is Judy Ruskin Howell. Co-producers are Jonathan Watson, Amanda Morgan Palmer and Ori Marmur; the film editor is Scott Hill. "Evan Almighty's" production designer is Linda DeScenna; the director of photography is Ian Baker. Executive producers for the comedy are Ilona Herzberg, Dave Phillips and Matt Luber. It is produced by Tom Shadyac, Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Neal H. Moritz and Michael Bostick and based on characters created by Steve Koren & Mark O'Keefe. "Evan Almighty" is from a story by Steve Oedekerk and Joel Cohen & Alec Sokolow and a screenplay by Steve Oedekerk. It is directed by Tom Shadyac.
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 DotComedy.com
DotComedy is NBC Universal's broadband channel devoted to exclusively to comedy. The site features a robust offering of original video series and shorts, as well as unparalleled access to NBC's famed late night comedic programming. A 2007 Webby Award Official Honoree, DotComedy is the home of viral video hit "The Easter Bunny Hates You."
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.
Source: NBC Universal
Universal Studios Hollywood Heats Up the Excitement and Cools Down the Crowds, Lets Guests Chill With Re-Launches of Two Newly-Transformed World-Class Rides as the Entertainment Capital of L.A. Readies for Predicted Summer Heat Wave
-- With a record-breaking heat wave on Southern California's horizon, Universal Studios Hollywood has transformed its two most popular rides and is making significant enhancements to many of its park attractions to make The Entertainment Capital of L.A. the coolest place to be in Southern California this summer.
The world-famous Jurassic Park ride has been transformed into a water ride, becoming wetter than ever with the addition of thousands of gallons of water, new "soak-to-the-bone," 60'-high water blasting geysers, drenching special effects and additional water-gushing Dilophosaurus dinosaurs.
A major enhancement will also transform "Revenge of the Mummy -- The Ride," America's top indoor roller coaster, which will accentuate the cool quotient by lowering the mercury to a bracing 60 degrees within the Mummy's tomb, then enveloping guests in a liquid nitrogen blanket that will drop thermometers to a frigid 45-degrees. The ride's new finale will also assail guests with an explosion of thousands of flashing strobes and special effects lighting, a hair-raising new finish that will contribute to a truly chilling new experience.
Other areas of the park are also being re-fitted for the warm weather. Newly added water-misters and shaded queue lines will add to guests' comfort. "Nickelodeon Blast Zone" will continue to keep kids of all ages cool. At ground level, the towering 30' tall Nickelodeon rocket will unleash more than 10,000 gallons of recycled water per hour from several water-blasting engines. A deluge of water, poured from two 500-gallon over-headwater buckets, will shower bystanders with over 12,000 gallons of water per hour. (If guests prefer to enjoy the splash from afar, they can opt to watch from a conveniently located "dry zone.")
Guests can also beat the heat at the popular "WaterWorld: A Sea War Spectacular," where the quest for "dry land" is typically a water-logged experience. "Coke Soak" offers another water-logged experience and temperatures at "Terminator 2: 3D," and "Special Effects Stages" never rise above a comfortable 65-degrees.
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/
May 14
NBC DELIVERS THE QUALITY ONCE AGAIN THIS FALL, INTRODUCING FIVE AMBITIOUS NEW DRAMAS, AN INVENTIVE COMEDY AND A VARIETY OF INNOVATIVE UNSCRIPTED PROGRAMS FOR ITS 2007-08 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
Published: May 14, 2007
 | |
'BIONIC WOMAN,' 'CHUCK,' 'JOURNEYMAN,' 'LIFE' AND 'LIPSTICK JUNGLE' JOIN NBC'S DRAMA LINEUP; 'THE IT CROWD' IS ADDED TO THE COMEDY ROSTER; 'THE SINGING BEE' AND 'WORLD MOVES' HIGHLIGHT NBC'S NEW ALTERNATIVE SLATE
NBC "BULKS UP" WITH 30 COMBINED HOURS OF 'HEROES' AND NEW SPIN-OFF 'ORIGINS,' 30 HALF-HOURS OF 'THE OFFICE' INCLUDING 5 ONE-HOUR EPISODES, AND 25 EPISODES OF 'MY NAME IS EARL'
JERRY SEINFELD IS BACK ON NBC WITH 'BEE MOVIE' "MINISODES"
THE ALL-TIME CLASSIC 'LAW & ORDER' ENTERS ITS 18TH SEASON AND CRITICAL FAVORITE 'FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS' RETURNS WITH A SHIFT TO FRIDAY NIGHTS; ACCLAIMED COMEDY 'SCRUBS' IS BACK FOR A SEVENTH SEASON
'BIONIC WOMAN' AND 'LIFE' TO BE RE-PURPOSED ON SCI FI AND USA NETWORKS, RESPECTIVELY
NEW YORK - May 14, 2007 -- NBC will enhance its current roster of critically acclaimed and creatively ambitious programs with a new 2007-08 primetime lineup that features five new dramas, one new comedy and a variety of fresh unscripted programs, complemented by a host of innovative programming moves, it was announced today at NBC's presentation to advertisers and the media at New York's Radio City Music Hall.
"Last year we promised a return to the NBC legacy of quality, and in terms of awards, buzz and critical acclaim, that's just what we delivered," said NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly. "We've got the class and next season we're ready to add some mass, with new shows that build on the creative accomplishments of last season and are as broad as they are good. Combine the energy of these new programs with the bulked-up strength of our existing NBC hits and you’ve got a lineup that's poised to take us to the next level."
"We've always been a company that's embraced new ideas and introduced innovations ahead of the pack," said Marc Graboff, President, NBC Universal Television, West Coast. "Today's advertisers want programs that excite viewers and command real passion both on our broadcast airwaves and in the digital/online realm, and that's what our new fall schedule is all about."
NBC’s 2007-08 lineup features the new dramas "Journeyman" (Mondays, 10-11 p.m. ET), a romantic-mystery from the Emmy Award-winning producers of "The West Wing," concerning a San Francisco newspaper reporter (Kevin McKidd, "Rome") who inexplicably begins to travel through time and alter people's lives; and "Chuck" (Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET), a comedic spy thriller about an unassuming computer geek who is unexpectedly catapulted into a new career as a government agent after spy secrets are mysteriously embedded into his brain.
Also new this fall is the drama "Bionic Woman" (Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET), a re-imagination of the classic from David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica") and Jason Smilovic ("Kidnapped"). “Bionic Woman” stars Michelle Ryan ("EastEnders") as a young woman whose life is radically altered and empowered after a car crash. Additionally, "Life" (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) features a complex police detective (Damian Lewis, "Band of Brothers") who’s given a second chance on the force after serving years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
The new dramedy "Lipstick Jungle," from bestselling author Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), is set to debut in January 2008 on Sundays (10-11 p.m. ET). Created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Helene, ("How I Met Your Mother"), the series involves the lives of three high-powered friends (Brooke Shields, "Suddenly Susan," Kim Raver, "24," and Lindsay Price, "Beverly Hills, 90210") who are determined to achieve their dreams and to do it on their own terms.
The latest new comedy from NBC is "The IT Crowd," based on the acclaimed British series that takes a behind-the-scenes peek at the misunderstood techies (Joel McHale, "The Soup," and Richard Ayoade, "The IT Crowd" -- U.K.) who toil in the Information Technology department of a large, impersonal corporation. “The IT Crowd” is scheduled to join the NBC schedule during the course of the 2007-08 season.
Among today’s additional announcements, each representing a unique opportunity for NBC’s clients to attach their messages to original and quality content that goes beyond the 30-second spot, are:
*NBC “bulks up” with 30 combined episodes of "Heroes" and “Heroes: Origins,” an innovative new spin-off that each week will introduce a new character -- one of whom will be chosen by viewers through the “Heroes” website on NBC.com to become a cast regular the following season.
*The network has ordered 30 half-hours of the hit series "The Office," including five hour-long episodes, and also has increased the season order for "My Name Is Earl" to 25 episodes.
*Jerry Seinfeld, star of the classic NBC mega-hit "Seinfeld," returns to the network to create and star in 20 unique live-action comedy “minisodes” inspired by his experiences creating the upcoming DreamWorks animated feature film "Bee Movie," in theaters November 2. NBC Universal will also have the exclusive U.S. broadcast and cable network rights to the film, which features Seinfeld as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a disillusioned bee. Produced by Seinfeld and DreamWorks, the 20 comedy shorts will give viewers a glimpse at Seinfeld's behind-the-scenes antics during production of the movie. The “minisodes” will run on NBC's primetime schedule this Fall, as well as on NBC.com, on designated days before and after the release of the film.
*Series renewals include the Peabody Award-winning drama "Friday Night Lights," now shifting to Friday nights (10-11 p.m. ET); "Scrubs," also a Peabody winner, for a seventh season; and the venerable, Emmy-winning "Law & Order," for its historic 18th season (see separate NBCUMV.com release).
*NBC’s acclaimed Thursday “Comedy Night Done Right” lineup will next year lead off with “My Name is Earl” at 8 p.m. (ET), which will be followed by “30 Rock” at 8:30 p.m., the Peabody Award-winning “The Office” at 9 p.m. and “Scrubs” at 9:30.
*New NBC series "Bionic Woman" and "Life" will be re-purposed on SCI FI Channel and USA Network, respectively, shortly after their original telecasts on NBC.
*NBC will kick-start the weekend on Fridays (8-9 p.m. ET) with “Game Night,” a rotation of game shows that features "1 vs 100" (hosted by Bob Saget) for eight weeks, followed by six weeks of the new variety competition series "The Singing Bee" in the fall. The program is a competition that challenges contestants to accurately sing the lyrics to popular songs -- even when the band stops playing.
Also at today’s presentation in New York, the network unveiled several new "NBC 360" digital initiatives that will help maintain the NBC Universal Television Group's leadership in the creation and execution of innovative digital opportunities across its multiple media platforms (see related NBCUMV.com releases).
Later in the fall, NBC plans to introduce the unscripted series, "World Moves," a talent competition program from executive producer Randy Jackson (“American Idol”) that features dance teams from around the world auditioning for their shot to come to Los Angeles and compete for a global championship and an international touring contract.
After "Sunday Night Football" concludes its season in January 2008, the network will unveil a new regular line-up. After the return of "Dateline NBC" (7-8 p.m. ET) will be the 18th season premiere of "Law & Order" (8-9 p.m. ET), followed by the fourth season debut of "Medium" (9-10 p.m. ET) and the premiere of the sexy new dramedy "Lipstick Jungle" (10-11 p.m. ET).
NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2007-08
*New programs in CAPS (with the exception of "ER")
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "Heroes"
10-11 p.m. "JOURNEYMAN"
TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. "The Biggest Loser"
9-10 p.m. "CHUCK"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "BIONIC WOMAN"
10-11 p.m. "LIFE"
THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl"
8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock"
9-9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. "Scrubs"
10-11 p.m. "ER"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "1 vs 100"/"THE SINGING BEE"
9-10 p.m. "Las Vegas"
10-11 p.m. "Friday Night Lights"
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
9-11 p.m. Drama Series Encores
SUNDAY (Fall 2007)
7-8 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"
SUNDAY (January 2008)
7-8 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. "Medium"
10-11 p.m. "LIPSTICK JUNGLE"
2007-08 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
New Dramas
"JOURNEYMAN" -- From Emmy Award-winning writer-producer Kevin Falls ("The West Wing") and Emmy Award-winning director-producer Alex Graves ("The West Wing"), "Journeyman" is a romantic mystery-drama about Dan Vasser (Kevin McKidd, "Rome"), a San Francisco newspaper reporter and family man who inexplicably begins to travel through time and change people's lives. Along the way, he also must deal with the difficulties and strife at work and home brought on by his sudden disappearances. However, his freewheeling travels through the decades reunite him with his long-lost fiancée Livia (Moon Bloodgood, "Day Break") -- which complicates his present-day life with wife Katie (Gretchen Egolf, "Martial Law") and their son. Reed Diamond ("Homicide: Life on the Street") and Charles Henry Wyson ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") also star. "Journeyman" is a production of 20th Century Fox Television. Falls is executive producer and writer; Graves is executive producer and director of the pilot.
"CHUCK" -- From executive producer, Josh Schwartz ("The O.C.") and executive producer-director McG ("Charlie's Angels," "We Are Marshall") comes a one-hour, comedic spy thriller about Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi, "Less Than Perfect") - a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government's most vital secret agent. When Chuck opens an e-mail subliminally encoded with government secrets, he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. Now, the fate of the world lies in the unlikely hands of a guy who works at Buy More. Instead of fighting computer viruses, he must fight assassins and international terrorists. With the government's most precious secrets in Chuck's head, Major John Casey (Adam Baldwin, "My Bodyguard") of the NSA assumes the responsibility of protecting him. His partner is the CIA's top agent (and Chuck's first date in years) Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strzechowski, "Gone"). They'll keep him safe by trading in his pocket protector for a bulletproof vest. Also starring are Joshua Gomez ("Without a Trace") as Chuck's best buddy Morgan and Sarah Lancaster ("What About Brian?") as Chuck's ever-supportive sister Ellie. Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak wrote "Chuck," which is produced by College Hill Pictures and Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television.
"BIONIC WOMAN" -- Struggling as a bartender and surrogate mom to her teenage sister, Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan, "EastEnders") didn't think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death's door, Jaime's only hope for survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price. With a whole new existence and a debt to re-pay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it's Jaime's journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman. Also starring are: Mae Whitman ("State of Grace") as Becca, Jaime's younger sister; Miguel Ferrer ("Crossing Jordan") as Jonas, the man who employs Jaime's boyfriend; Chris Bowers ("Rescue Me) as Will, Jaime's boyfriend, who performs the operation; Will Yun Lee ("Witchblade") as Jae, the specialized operations leader; and Molly Price ("Third Watch"), as Ruth, Jonas' second-in-command. "Bionic Woman" is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio and executive-produced by David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica"), Glen Morgan (“The X-Files”), Michael Dinner ("Kidnapped") -- who also directed the pilot -- and Jason Smilovic ("Lucky Number Slevin"). Laeta Kalogridis ("Birds of Prey") is also an executive producer on the pilot.
"LIFE" -- From Rand Ravich and Far Shariat, the executive producers of the feature film "The Astronaut's Wife," and David Semel, who directed the pilot of NBC's "Heroes," "Life" is a new drama about a detective who is given a second chance. Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") stars as complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after years in prison, thanks to close friend and attorney Constance Griffiths (Melissa Sagemiller, "Sleeper Cell"), after serving time for a crime he didn't commit. The cast also includes Sarah Shahi ("Rush Hour 3") as Charlie’s skeptical, demanding partner, Robin Weigart (HBO's "Deadwood") as their hard-hitting lieutenant, and Adam Arkin ("Chicago Hope") as former cellmate Ted Early. "Life" is an NBC Universal Television Studio production. Rand Ravich is executive producer and writer; Far Shariat is executive producer; David Semel is executive producer and director on the pilot
"LIPSTICK JUNGLE" -- Based on the best-selling novel by Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), this fun dramedy follows three high-powered friends as they weather the ups and downs of lives lived at the top of their game. Nico (Kim Raver, "24"), editor-in-chief of a hot fashion magazine, wants to replace her boss as CEO. Movie exec Wendy (Brooke Shields, "Suddenly Susan") finds even her most earnest efforts may not be enough to balance career and family. And free-spirited designer Victory (Lindsay Price, "Beverly Hills, 90210") longs to make her dreams come true, and maybe find Mr. Right along the way. Armed with humor and strength, these three modern New York women support one another through the triumphs and tears that are all part of making it big in the Big Apple. Written by executive producers DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler (both for "How I Met Your Mother," "Three Sisters") and based on the book by Bushnell, "Lipstick Jungle" is from NBC Universal Television Studio. The pilot is directed by Gary Winick ("13 Going on 30").
New Comedy Series
"THE IT CROWD" - Ever wonder what's up with those quirky techies who come to fix the office computer when no one's around? "The IT Crowd" is an offbeat series, based on the critically acclaimed British comedy, that offers a humorous behind-the-scenes peek at the people who truly keep the office humming. Roy (Joel McHale, "The Soup") and Moss (Richard Ayoade, "The IT Crowd" -- U.K.) are the misunderstood masters of their high-tech domain, but they lack the people skills to befriend anyone but each other. Their company's head is Denholm (Rocky Carrol, "Chicago Hope"), who wants the IT department to stay segregated and forever banished to the basement. Executive producers are Moses Port ("Just Shoot Me"), David Guarascio ("Just Shoot Me"), Joe Port (NBC's "The Office"), Joe Wiseman ("The Office"), Graham Linehan ("The IT Crowd" -- UK) and Steve Tao ("Red Doors"). Gail Mancuso ("Scrubs," "30 Rock") directed the pilot. "The IT Crowd" is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio.
New Alternative Series
"THE SINGING BEE" - "The Singing Bee" is a variety-competition show that challenges contestants to accurately sing the lyrics to popular songs -- even when the band stops playing. In this karaoke showdown, there’s no middle ground for partially correct answers -- contestants must be perfect or they're out. Family-friendly, broad in appeal and conducive to playing (and singing) along at home, “The Singing Bee” features popular, recognizable music that inspires hilarious wrong answers and amazing performances by those rare contestants who somehow manage to get every word right. "The Singing Bee" is produced by the Gurin Company and Juma Entertainment, LLC. The executive producers are Phil Gurin (NBC's "Miss Universe" franchise) and Robert C. Horowitz ("Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials Top 40 Countdown").
"WORLD MOVES" -- From executive producer Randy Jackson (“American Idol”) and the creators of the World Hip Hop Championship comes one of the most visual and captivating performance competition shows ever to hit TV. Thousands of dance teams from around the world will audition for their shot to come to Los Angeles and compete for a global championship and an international touring contract. The live television event features young teams of five to seven members demonstrating their athleticism, creativity and innovative choreography in a presentation that highlights both the competition and the personal drama unfolding within each team. Viewers from across the globe will vote via the Internet, by text message, or by phone to eliminate one team each week. Ultimately, it's not just about winning a competition; “World Moves” involves stories that change lives and bring the world together. From Warner Horizon Television, the series is executive-produced by Jackson ("American Idol," Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment), Rob Lee (President, Bayonne Entertainment, "Blow Out," "House of Carters"), Howard Schwartz ("Hip Hop International, World Hip Hop Championship), Karen Schwartz (Hip Hop International, World Hip Hop Championship) and Harriet Sternberg (Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment).
May 10
NBC NEWS' TIM RUSSERT REPORTS EXCLUSIVE NEW DETAILS CONCERNING THE PRESIDENT, THE WAR AND HIS OWN POLITICAL PARTY TONIGHT ON 'NBC NIGHTLY NEWS'
 | |
COURTESY 'NBC NIGHTLY NEWS.'
BRIAN WILLIAMS:
We mentioned this earlier tonight, we're also able to report new and exclusive details on the politics of the war in Iraq, specifically involving President Bush and members of his own party. For that, we're joined by our Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert. Tim, what do we know?
TIM RUSSERT:
Brian, all eyes on the Republican party. How long will they support the President's position on the Iraq war? Yesterday may have been a defining, pivotal moment. At 2:30 in the afternoon, in the private quarters of the White House - the Solarium room, eleven Republican congressmen had a private meeting with the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Chief Political Advisor Karl Rove, and White House Press Secretary Tony Snow and others. This delegation was headed by Mark Kirk of Illinois and Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania
In the words of one of the participants the most unvarnished conversation they've ever had with the President. Another member said he has met with three Presidents and never have been so candid. They told the President and one said quote- my district is prepared for defeat. We need candor, we need honesty, Mr. President. The President responded, I don't want to pass this off to another President. I don't to pass this off particularly to a Democratic President - underscoring he understood how serious the situation was. Brian, the Republican congressmen then went on to say the word about the war and its progress can not come from the White House or even you Mr. President. There is no longer any credibility. It has to come from General Petraeus. The meeting lasted an hour and fifteen minutes and was, in the words of one remarkable for the bluntness, and no holes barred honesty in the message delivered by all these Republican congressmen.
BW:
And Tim in the seconds remaining, how did the President react and how then did this effect the instructions for Vice President Cheney heading off to Iraq?
TR:
One Congressmen said how can our daughters and sons spill their blood while the Iraqi Parliament goes on vacation? The President responded the Vice President is over there to tell them do not go on vacation.
BW:
Alright, Tim Russert in our Washington bureau with those new and exclusive details tonight. Tim, as always, thanks.
May 8
From Universal Studios Home Entertanment: Nick Nolte, Amy Smart and Scott Mechlowicz Star in the Uplifting and Inspirational Film About Overcoming Incredible Odds and Discovering Life's Greater Meaning, 'Peaceful Warrior'
Feature Adaptation of the Best Selling Novel by Dan Millman Comes to DVD June 26, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
A Movie That Changes Lives
-- "Peaceful Warrior," the uplifting and inspirational film hailed by celebrities and critics alike, comes to DVD on June 26, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Nick Nolte ("Hotel Rwanda," "The Hulk"), Amy Smart ("Just Friends," "The Butterfly Effect") and Scott Mechlowicz ("Euro Trip") star in the feature adaptation of Dan Millman's autobiographical novel "Way of the Peaceful Warrior," a cult phenomenon that has sold more than 2.5 million copies to date. Based on true events, "Peaceful Warrior" celebrates the power and endurance of the human spirit as it follows a determined young man who must call on all his physical, mental and spiritual strength to find his way down the difficult pathway to his heart's desire. Featuring more than one hour of exclusive bonus features, "Peaceful Warrior" explores fundamental human truths and life's larger meaning and purpose. The DVD is priced at $29.98.
"PEACEFUL WARRIOR" INSPIRES PRAISE
Film critics and celebrities praise "Peaceful Warrior's" stirring portrait of a young man facing tremendous challenges on the way to achieving his dream. The film is "Powerful and moving," says Pete Hammond of Maxim Magazine. "Like Rocky for the soul!" marvels Straw Weisman, associate producer of What the Bleep Do We Know? while celebrated author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins declares: "This film will impact the course of your life forever."
BONUS FEATURES
The DVD takes viewers on an unforgettable journey with almost an hour and a half of exclusive bonus features, including:
* The Journey -- Meet the cast and crew who brought this inspiring film
to life.
* Developing Your Warrior -- Discover the widespread impact of the book
and movie!
* Book to Screen -- Select a passage from the book and then watch it come
to life onscreen.
* I'm There Too: Michelle Featherstone Music Video
* Deleted Scenes and Extended Scenes!
SYNOPSIS
An inspirational and triumphant film about the power of the human spirit, "Peaceful Warrior" is the incredible true story based on Dan Millman's best selling novel. A gifted young athlete, bound for Olympic gold, Dan has it all: trophies, talent, and all the women he wants. But after a life-changing event, he comes to rely on Socrates (Nick Nolte), a mysterious stranger, and Joy (Amy Smart), an elusive young woman, to teach him the secret to overcome incredible odds and tap into new worlds of strength and understanding.
For more information please visit: www.thepeacefulwarriormovie.com
CAST AND FILMMAKERS
Directed By: Victor Salva
Written By: Kevin Bernhardt, Dan Millman
Produced By: Mark Amin, Robin Schorr, David Welch, Cami Winikoff
Director of Photography: Sharone Meir
Editor: Ed Marx
Music: Bennett Salvay
Cast: Nick Nolte, Amy Smart, Scott Mechlowicz
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: June 26, 2007
Pre-Order Close: May 22, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $29.98
Selection Number: 61101113
Running Time: 2 Hours 1 Minute
Layers: Dual Layer- DVD-9
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Rating: PG-13
Technical Info/Languages:
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, SDH
Spanish: Subtitles
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.
Studios Home Entertainment
Web site: http://www.thepeacefulwarriormovie.com/
Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/
