Freddie Highmore and Kristen Bell Reprise Their Film Roles in Video Game Based
on Imagi Studios` Astro Boy Movie To Be Released by Summit Entertainment On
October 23, 2009
LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)--
D3Publisher announced today that ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME, based on Imagi
Studios` highly anticipated CG-animated movie, will feature the voice talents of
Freddie Highmore and Kristen Bell. Both actors will reprise their onscreen
voiced roles of Astro Boy (Highmore), and Cora (Bell) in a video game that will
take players on an epic adventure to save Metro City from the clutches of evil.
ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME will be available in North American retail stores for
Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, and the PSP
(PlayStationPortable) system on October 20, 2009 to coincide with Summit
Entertainment`s nationwide domestic release of the movie on October 23, 2009.
"We`re pleased to work with both Freddie Highmore and Kristen Bell on ASTRO BOY:
THE VIDEO GAME," said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3Publisher.
"Their participation adds an even greater level of authenticity to the video
game and further immerses players in the Astro Boy universe."
Erin Corbett, president of Imagi Studios U.S. and chief marketing officer
worldwide, said: "ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME is a prime representation of the
deep and wide-ranging partnerships we have lined up in all major licensing and
promotional partner categories. We are pleased to be able to expand the Astro
Boy universe along with the fan experience through the film`s video game
companion."
In ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME, players become the iconic hero, Astro Boy, and
take to the streets and skies on an epic adventure to save Metro City from the
clutches of the evil President Stone and his robot army. Utilizing Astro`s
entire arsenal of iconic weapons and abilities--Finger Lasers, Arm Cannon, Butt
Machine Guns and Drill Attacks--players will battle hordes of robot enemies and
colossal bosses including some never-before-seen enemies across Metro City and
the mysterious Surface. Using an intuitive combat system that adds depth to
gameplay, players will experience classic platform action and exhilarating
flight combat levels as they use Astro`s unique rocket boosters to hover, avoid
enemies and zip out of the way of danger. ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME offers
numerous unlockable and collectible elements that include exclusive art work,
different versions of Astro Boy and more, as players live the story solo or side
by side with a friend in 2 player co-op mode on Wii and the PlayStation 2
system.
ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME for Wii, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system is rated
"E10+" (Everyone 10 and up - Fantasy Violence) and is under development by High
Voltage Software. The Nintendo DS version is rated "E" (Everyone - Fantasy
Violence) and is under development by Art Co. Ltd.
For more information on ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME, including game features,
screenshots, and videos, please visit: www.AstroBoytheVideogame.com.
About Astro Boy
Imagi Studios is currently in post-production on Astro Boy, produced by Maryann
Garger, directed by David Bowers (Flushed Away), and written by Timothy Harris
(Kindergarten Cop, Trading Places) and Bowers. The CG-animated motion picture
features the voices of Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane, Eugene Levy,
Matt Lucas, Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland and Nicolas Cage as `Dr. Tenma`.
Set in the future, Astro Boy is a classic superhero origin story about a young
robot with incredible powers and his adventure-filled journey in search of his
identity and destiny, taking him into a netherworld of robot gladiators before
he returns to save Metro City.
The iconic character Astro Boy has found global popularity since his creation in
the early 1950s by Japan`s Osamu Tezuka, known as the "god of manga" and "father
of anime," and has been the hero of three acclaimed animated television series
aired around the world.
Astro Boy, slated for North American release on October 23, 2009, is being
distributed worldwide by Summit Entertainment except for Imagi`s reserved
territories of Japan, Hong Kong and China.
About Summit Entertainment, LLC
Summit Entertainment, LLC is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development,
financing, production and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of
marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures
as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment also represents international
sales for both its own slate and third-party product. Summit Entertainment plans
to release 10 to 12 films annually.
About Imagi
Imagi International Holdings Limited (Stock Code 585, OTCQX: IINHY) is a listed
company on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Imagi Studios`
principal business is the development and production of CG-animated theatrical
feature films. Imagi`s first theatrical movie TMNT was released in March 2007,
opening #1 in U.S. box office revenue, the first time in history that an Asian
animated film achieved that honor. Imagi`s CG production studios are located at
its Chai Wan (Hong Kong) corporate headquarters with development and marketing
operations based in Los Angeles, California, and an office in Tokyo. Astro Boy
is Imagi`s next motion picture for worldwide theatrical release in October 2009.
For further information, please visit www.imagi.com.hk.
About High Voltage Software, Inc.
High Voltage Software, Inc. is an award-winning studio that has been developing
games and simulations for over 16 years. Located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois,
it now employs over 170 staff members. The independent company has successfully
produced a wide variety of license-based video game titles that include
competitive racing, professional sports, horror, motion picture adaptations, and
military simulations, and is now making its foray into original and innovative
intellectual properties. More information about High Voltage Software and its
products can be found at www.high-voltage.com.
About D3Publisher
D3Publisher, a subsidiary of D3, Inc., is a leading interactive entertainment
publisher and distributor for licensed and original titles for personal
computers, major console platforms and handheld systems. D3Publisher has
operations in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. The company also owns development
studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious
Engine. Recent releases have included Dark Sector, Dead Head Fred, Puzzle Quest:
Challenge of the Warlords, Ben 10: Protector of Earth and BEN 10 ALIEN FORCEThe
Game. For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.com.
Dark Sector is a registered trademark of Digital Extremes. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. All rights
reserved.
D3Publisher
Tamara Sanderson Low
(310) 231-8879
t.sanderson@d3p.us
or
fortyseven communications
Brian Rubin
(323) 658-1200
brian@fortyseven.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
