National Geographic Entertainment Names Best Buy as Exclusive Consumer Electronics Presenting Sponsor for U2 3D Theatrical Release in U.S.
LAS VEGAS--(Business Wire)--National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) announced today that Best
Buy has been named the official Presenting Sponsor and exclusive
consumer electronics partner for the "U2 3D" theatrical release in the
United States. The film, directed by Catherine Owens and Mark
Pellington, was produced by 3ality Digital and will open in limited
release Jan. 23, 2008, in approximately 25 IMAX(TM) theaters and will
go wide to national digital 3D theaters in February.
The movie, filmed during the South America leg of U2's Vertigo
Tour, captures the intimacy between band and audience in a unique,
visceral way and establishes a new standard in 3-D digital technology.
"We are thrilled to welcome Best Buy as a valued partner in
rolling out this unique theatrical experience," said Lisa Truitt,
president of National Geographic Cinema Ventures, a division of NGE,
the film's worldwide distributor. "What better sponsor to support this
film than Best Buy, one of the world's most respected brands for
providing cutting-edge technology products to consumers?"
Best Buy will be incorporated in NGE's expansive online, in-store,
in-theater, radio and print marketing campaign for the film. As
presenting sponsor, Best Buy also will receive pre-film credit for all
"U2 3D" screenings and will be able to provide members of the Reward
Zone loyalty program with access to Preview Nights at IMAX(TM)
theaters in more than 25 markets.
"We are extremely excited to join NGE in presenting such a special
cinematic adventure," said Barry Judge, senior vice president of
marketing, Best Buy. "This sponsorship allows us to support new,
ground-breaking entertainment technology while at the same time
providing our customers with a completely new experience with one of
the world's greatest bands."
"U2 3D is the first live-action digital 3-D movie ever produced,
and we are very happy that Best Buy is collaborating on this
ground-breaking endeavor," said Sandy Climan, CEO of 3ality Digital
and executive producer, U2 3D. "We are pleased to have developed the
filmmaking techniques and proprietary digital 3-D technology that are
now allowing fans to experience music and motion pictures in an
immersive way that we could only imagine a few years back. It is
technology that will allow fans a new way to experience music."
"U2 3D" transforms a series of live concerts by one of the world's
most acclaimed bands into a completely new entertainment experience.
Owens, U2's visual content director for more than 15 years, and
Pellington, who directed U2's "One" video, take viewers on an
extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional
concert films and traditional 3-D.
3ality Digital's Steve Schklair, Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro and
John Modell, along with Owens, produced the 3ality Digital production.
3ality Digital's Sandy Climan, Michael Peyser and David Modell are
executive producers.
Distribution of the film will be led by Mark Katz, president of
NGCV distribution. Russell Schwartz, former president of marketing for
New Line Cinema, will oversee the marketing of the film's release.
About National Geographic Entertainment (NGE)
National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) was established in 2007,
combining into a single operating group National Geographic's Cinema
Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and
Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of the newly established
National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007 as a
result of a restructuring at National Geographic that brings together
all editorial platforms to streamline collaboration, refine digital
content and further support the Society's mission.
Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,"
National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet.
It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month through
magazines, books, digital media, and television, radio, music and
film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and
conservation projects each year and supports an education program
combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit
nationalgeographic.com.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of
brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees
strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences
by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer
electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances
and related services through approximately 1,200 retail stores across
the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel
operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and
BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad
(GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath
Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com),
Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn) and Speakeasy
(Speakeasy.net). Best Buy supports the communities in which its
employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit
children and education.
About 3ality Digital
3ality Digital is one of the world's preeminent digital 3-D
production and postproduction companies, rooted deeply in research,
technology and production. 3ality Digital uses its advanced
proprietary technologies in the development and production of feature
films, alternative content (e.g., music, sports) and television in the
digital 3-D format.
About "U2 3D"
Through the leadership of 3ality CEO Sandy Climan, the technical
know-how of industry pioneer Steve Schklair and the support of David
and John Modell (former owners of the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore
Ravens), the "U2 3D" project took root through the vision of
entertainment producers Jon and Peter Shapiro. With breathtaking
digital 3-D visuals and 5.1 Surround Sound, "U2 3D" captures the
excitement of a U2 stadium show in a way never before experienced.
mPRm
Dana Block, 323-933-3399
dblock@mprm.com
or
Best Buy
Emily Schroeder, 612-291-6124
Emily.Schroeder@bestbuy.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
