Fox and Lucasfilm Announce The First Ever Simultaneous Worldwide VHS Video Debut With STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE

Global Video Release Set For April 2000

North American Consumers Can Reserve Their Copies At Participating Retailers Beginning January 28

 

CENTURY CITY, Calif., (January 5, 2000) -- Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd. announced today the simultaneous worldwide VHS videocassette release of George Lucas' STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE. As an industry first, this release marks the first time ever that the millions of film fans around the globe will be able to enjoy the same video release within a single week -- April 3-8, 2000. (North America is April 4.) The global video debut of EPISODE I allows fans worldwide the opportunity to re-discover the first chapter of the most popular film saga ever. (Excluding France, which releases in Fall 2000)

The biggest box office hit of 1999 and second highest-grossing motion picture of all time worldwide, EPISODE I achieved the biggest opening ever as it raced to become the fastest film in history to reach million in North America. Total current box office receipts are more than million in the U.S. and Canada and million internationally for a total of million worldwide.

The eagerly awaited video release of EPISODE I will be brought to market with a variety of exciting promotions in North America as well as the international territories. Digitally mastered by THX for superior sound and picture quality, the feature will be available on VHS videocassette only and is priced for sale direct to consumers worldwide.(Excluding Korea)

Of the global announcement, Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairman and CEO Bill Mechanic noted, "We're excited to join Lucasfilm in releasing on video the biggest film of the year and, obviously, the most anticipated title for sell-thru. We look forward to bringing this landmark picture to the millions of Star Wars fans around the world."

Gordon Radley, President of Lucasfilm said, "We're delighted that Episode I will soon be available on video so that people of all ages will be able to experience the fun and excitement of the movie in their own homes. A film such as this is rich with detail and watching it at home provides the opportunity to discover new and different things every time you watch it."

The film is being released on VHS videocassette only and is not being released on the DVD format in 2000 or for the foreseeable future. EPISODE I has a running time of approximately 133 minutes.

STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE is a journey back to the beginning of the epic saga where a momentous meeting takes place between Anakin Skywalker, a hopeful nine-year-old boy, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, a determined young Jedi knight, that will change the course of galactic history. The film follows Anakin as he pursues his dreams and confronts his fears in the midst of a galaxy in turmoil. Episode I is rich in art, design, costumes, architecture and break-through visual effects. The film was written and directed by George Lucas, produced by Rick McCallum and stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Jake Lloyd. Additional cast members include Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Stamp, and Pernilla August.

Lucasfilm is one of the leading film and entertainment companies in the world. Lucasfilm's businesses include George Lucas' film and television production and distribution activities as well as the business activities of the THX Group. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 17 Oscars and received 56 Academy Award nominations, and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment International are operating units of Fox Filmed Entertainment, a News Corporation Company.

North American pan and scan version.

North American widescreen collector's edition, including a special behind-the-scenes documentary exclusive to this release, special collector's book and an authentic 35mm film strip.