3D Entertainment Distribution Teams up with Universal Pictures International Entertainment for the Blu-ray(TM) 3D Release of Ocean Film Trilogy
By 3d Entertainment Distribution, PRNEMonday, November 29, 2010
Jean-Michel Cousteau presents a unique underwater 3D trilogy in Blu- ray(TM) 3D originally exhibited at IMAX Theatres this Christmas
LONDON, PARIS and LOS ANGELES, November 30, 2010 - 3D Entertainment Distribution is pleased to announce that it has entered
into an agreement with Universal Pictures International Entertainment to
release its underwater 3D film trilogy on Blu-ray(TM) 3D disc this Christmas.
The trilogy, presented by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, features the
popular 3D titles "Ocean Wonderland 3D," "Sharks 3D" and "Dolphins & Whales
3D" narrated by Daryl Hannah, which have generated over $85 million at the
IMAX theatre box office to date.
As a result of the deal, Universal Pictures International Entertainment
has acquired the exclusive worldwide home entertainment rights to the
trilogy, excluding US, Canadian and Mexican territories, from 3D
Entertainment Distribution. This agreement, which marks the first
collaboration between the two companies, was concluded during the last
edition of MIPCOM in Cannes (France).
"We are thrilled to be partnering with NBC Universal on this exceptional
and unique cinematic home entertainment experience," said 3D Entertainment
Distribution Chairman and CEO Francois Mantello. "This trilogy of edutainment
films presented by the son of the legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau represents
a spectacular three-dimensional journey that will bring the beauty of the
marine environment directly into people's homes in superb fashion."
"After highly successful runs at IMAX theatres around the world, we are
delighted to be distributing such exciting and critically-acclaimed content
in our key home entertainment markets," said Eddie Cunningham, President of
Universal Pictures International Home Entertainment. "Universal is leading
the charge to deliver the highest quality 3D entertainment directly to
consumers through the new ultra high-definition Blu-ray(TM) 3D technology,
the current cutting edge in home theatre entertainment."
With a staggered release beginning next week, the 3D trilogy will be
available in time for Christmas in major European markets, including France,
Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, as well as in Australia & New Zealand.
Release dates in Spain and Japan will be announced shortly. Each of the three
titles is available either separately or as a special 3-movie boxed set, and
can be purchased at major retail stores as well as from online retailers such
as Amazon.
The trilogy was produced by 3D Entertainment Films and Gavin McKinney
Underwater Productions in collaboration with the United Nations Environment
Program and Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society. It was directed and
produced by veteran 3D filmmakers Jean-Jacques and Francois Mantello
respectively, who were joined by director of photography Gavin McKinney and
composer Christophe Jacquelin on all three productions. No fewer than
seventeen international expeditions took place between 2001 and 2007 to
capture, entirely in 3D, the underwater photography for these films.
"Dolphins and Whales 3D" (2008) takes viewers into an immersive and
highly emotional odyssey for a close encounter with the surviving tribes of
the ocean. Stunning images of dolphins, belugas, orcas, humpback whales and
their calves, captured for the very first time in 3D, allows them to discover
their lives and habitats as never before seen. "Sharks 3D" (2005) brings
viewers face-to-face with the lions and tigers of the ocean including the
great white, hammerhead and whale shark. These wild and endangered animals
have been in existence since before dinosaurs roamed the earth and are
mistakenly considered as man-eating creatures. In "Ocean Wonderland 3D"
(2003), viewers will experience, from Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the
Bahamas, a stunning visual and sensorial diving adventure beneath the waves
to the pulsating heart of the oceans: the coral reefs.
About 3D Entertainment Distribution
Founded in 2001, 3D Entertainment Distribution is the marketing and
theatrical sales arm of 3D Entertainment Films. Affiliates of 3D
Entertainment Films Holdings, the companies are focused on the production,
postproduction, sales and theatrical distribution of innovative 3D films for
IMAX theatres and Digital 3D cinemas worldwide. The cornerstone of the
Company's film catalogue is a unique underwater film trilogy presented by
Jean-Michel Cousteau. The Company released its fourth title, "Sea Rex 3D:
Journey to a Prehistoric World," at IMAX theatres this year and announced in
September 2010 a new lineup of 3D films that includes "Air Racers 3D: Forces
of Flight," "Patagonia Wilderness 3D," "Time, the 4th Dimension" starring
Christopher Lloyd, "Kenya: The Big Five" and "Turtles: The Last Dinosaurs."
The all-media rights to 3D Entertainment Films' first feature-length film,
"OceanWorld 3D," were acquired in 2009 by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
in North America and Wild Bunch for the rest of the world. The Company
maintains offices in London (UK), Los Angeles (California) and Paris
(France). For more information, please visit www.3DEfilms.com
About Universal Pictures International Entertainment
Universal Pictures International Entertainment 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.
Press Contacts For 3D Entertainment Distribution: Brian McWilliams, +1-213-415-7400, bmcwilliams@spellcom.com Alexandra Body, +44-(0)20-7681-2357, alexbody@3defilms.com For Universal Pictures International Entertainment: Lynn Li, +44-(0)207-079-6269, Lynn.Li@nbcuni.com
IMAX is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation
For 3D Entertainment Distribution: Brian McWilliams, +1-213-415-7400, bmcwilliams at spellcom.com, or Alexandra Body, +44-(0)20-7681-2357, alexbody at 3defilms.com; or For Universal Pictures International Entertainment: Lynn Li, +44-(0)207-079-6269, Lynn.Li at nbcuni.com
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