PHILLIP PHILLIPS IS CROWNED THE “AMERICAN IDOL”

World Record 132 Million Votes Cast

Two-Hour Season Finale Featured Performances by

Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Neil Diamond and Chaka Khan;

Plus Special Duets by John Fogerty and Phillip Phillips;

Jennifer Holliday and Jessica Sanchez; Fantasia and Joshua Ledet;

Jordin Sparks and Hollie Cavanagh; Reba McEntire and Skylar Laine

Auditions for Season 12 Held This Summer in Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL;

Los Angeles, CA; Newark, NJ; New Orleans, LA; Oklahoma City, OK and San Antonio, TX

Visit www.americanidol.com for Season Finale Performances

The 11^th season of AMERICAN IDOL came to a sensational conclusion tonight as Phillip Phillips was crowned the winner during the live two-hour season finale on FOX. Phillips, 21, from Leesburg, GA, received the most of America’s world record-shattering 132 million votes – the highest number in the show’s history.

Phillips capped his coronation on Wednesday’s finale by singing “Home,” which is available for download exclusively on www.americanidol.com and iTunes.

The broadcast from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles featured performances by the reunited Top 12 finalists, as well as music superstars Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Neil Diamond and Chaka Khan. Also, in a series of special duets, John Fogerty joined Phillip Phillips; Jennifer Holliday sang with Jessica Sanchez; Season Three winner Fantasia performed with Joshua Ledet; Season Six winner Jordin Sparks accompanied Hollie Cavanagh; and Reba McEntire paired up with Skylar Laine.

On Tuesday night’s final performance show, Phillips and Sanchez each sang three songs. Phillips performed “Stand By Me,” “Movin’ Out” and “Home”; and Sanchez sang “I Have Nothing,” “The Prayer” and “Change Nothing.” Also, Jason Derulo performed “Undefeated” and Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery returned to IDOL to sing “Please Remember Me.”

Phillips is the 11^th finalist to win the coveted AMERICAN IDOL title and a record contract with 19 Recordings. He joins past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McCreery.

Audition cities and dates for AMERICAN IDOL Season 12 include Los Angeles, CA, on Thursday, June 7; San Antonio, TX, on Thursday, June 14; Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, June 19; Newark, NJ, on Saturday, June 23; Chicago, IL, on Thursday, July 12; and Oklahoma City, OK, on Friday, July 20. Additional details will be announced on www.americanidol.com.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

See what happens after the confetti falls and the show ends, but the cameras keep rolling, as the IDOL winner is crowned. Visit www.americanidol.com for this exclusive insider’s view each week after the West Coast broadcast of the results show, as well as for exclusive videos, interviews, photos and special behind-the-scenes information.

NEW SEASON OF “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” SWINGS INTO AUDITIONS IN DALLAS AND NEW YORK ON A SPECIAL PREMIERE NIGHT THURSDAY, MAY 24, ON FOX

FOR FIRST TIME EVER TWO DANCERS

         – ONE MALE CONTESTANT AND ONE FEMALE CONTESTANT –

WILL WIN THE COMPETITION

Audition Episodes Continue in Los Angeles, Wednesday, May 30;

Atlanta on Wednesday, June 6; and Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 13

Las Vegas Callback Episode Airs Wednesday, June 20;

Top 20 Revealed on Special 200^th Episode Wednesday, June 27

First Performance Show Airs Wednesday, July 11

The ninth season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE debuts with auditions from Dallas and New York on a two-hour premiere event airing on a special night, Thursday, May 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The following week, the Emmy-nominated series moves into its regular time period, with audition episodes continuing in Los Angeles Wednesday, May 30 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Talented dancers who spark the judges’ interest during these auditions will be invited to Las Vegas for the callback round airing Wednesday, June 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Then, on Wednesday, June 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) the series celebrates its 200^th episode, as the judges announce the Top 20 finalists – 10 guys and 10 girls – who will perform in their own specialties, free of any judgment, so that America can get to know more about them and their talents.

Beginning Wednesday, July 11 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 20 finalists will be paired up to perform for the first time. The following week, the couples at risk after the prior week’s performances will be asked to perform solo routines. Then, the judges will decide which guy and girl are eliminated. If a couple is split apart, the two individual dancers who remain become a couple.

Once the series is down to the Top 10, each finalist will be joined by a SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE All-Star dancer. These All-Stars are experts in various styles of dance – Ballroom, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and Jazz – and will partner with one of the Top 10 finalists to perform in their specialty. Each week, it will be revealed who keeps dancing and who goes home.

Featuring Emmy-nominated host Cat Deeley and resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, as well as guest judges Debbie Allen, Lil’ C, Tyce Diorio, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Adam Shankman, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will air once a week this season. Each jam-packed two-hour show will include awe-inspiring performances and eliminations. Also new this season, two contestants – one guy and one girl – will win the competition!

RECAP (All times ET/PT)

Thursday, May 24 (8:00-10:00 PM) Dallas and New York Auditions (special night)

Wednesday, May 30 (8:00-10:00 PM) Los Angeles Auditions (time period premiere)

Wednesday, June 6 (8:00-10:00 PM) Atlanta Auditions

Wednesday, June 13 (8:00-10:00 PM) Salt Lake City Auditions

Wednesday, June 20 (8:00-10:00 PM) Las Vegas Callbacks

Wednesday, June 27 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 20 Revealed/Meet the Top 20 Performances (200^th Episode)

Wednesday, July 4 Preemption

Wednesday, July 11 (8:00-10:00 PM) First Performance Show

Wednesday, July 18 (8:00-10:00 PM) Performance and First Results Show

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and is produced by 19 Entertainment and dick clark productions, inc. The series is executive-produced by Fuller, Lythgoe and Barry Adelman. “Like” SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/soyouthinkyoucandance. Follow the series on Twitter @DanceonFOX and join the discussion at #SYTYCD.

About CKX, Inc.

CKX, Inc. is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of globally recognized entertainment content. The Company’s current properties include the rights to the name, image and likeness of Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley and the operations of Graceland. Through its wholly-owned division, 19 Entertainment, CKX owns proprietary rights to the “Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” television brands, including the AMERICAN IDOL series in the United States and local adaptations of the “Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” television show formats which, collectively, air in more than 100 countries, as well as other television properties. Also through 19, CKX has relationships and partnerships with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durban, Casey Abrams, Pia Toscano, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Jordin Sparks, and Kris Allen, among others.  For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at www.CKX.com.

Founded in 1957, dick clark productions, inc. (dcp) is a leading independent producer of television programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the “American Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Academy of Country Music Awards” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” dcp also produces popular weekly television programming, including SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and owns and maintains one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment libraries, which includes more than 30 years of “American Bandstand” footage.  For additional information about dcp, please visit www.dickclarkproductions.com.

ARIA Music Charts (Top 10 Singles & Albums in Australia): Flo Rida takes the #1 spot on the single charts, Keith Urban takes #1 on the album charts (May 21, 2012)

The following are the top 10 songs in Australia from the Aria Top 50 Singles Charts:

NOTE: Flo Rida takes #1, Carly Rae Jepsen at #2 and Maroon 5 at #3.

1. Flo Rida – Whistle
2. Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
3. Maroon 5 Feat. Wiz Khalifa – Payphone
4. Nicki Minaj – Starships
5. Ed Sheeran – Lego House
6. Pitbull – Back in Time
7. Rihanna – Where Have You Been
8. Florence + The Machine – Never Let Me Go
9. Karise Eden – Nothing’s Real But Love
10. Delta Goodrem – Sitting On Top of the World

The following are the top 10 albums in Australia from the Aria Top 50 Albums Chart:

NOTE: Keith Urban at #1, Adele at #2, One Direction at #3

1. Keith Urban – The Story So Far
2. Adele – 21
3. One Direction – Up All Night
4. Seal – Hits
5. Prince – The Hits/The B-Sides
6. Ed Sheeran – +
7. Michael Crawford – The Story of My Life – Ultimate Collection
8. Garbage – Not Your Kind of People
9. Norah Jones – Little Broken Hearts
10. Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials

BBC Radio 1 Music Charts (Top 10 UK Singles and Album Charts): Rita Ora takes the #1 spot on the Singles Charts and Keane takes the #1 spot on the Album Charts (May 20, 2012)

The following top 10 charts are from BBC Radio 1′s Official UK Top 40 CD singles:

NOTE: Rita Ora at #1, fun. at #2 and Carly Rae Jepsen at #3.

1. Rita Ora – R.I.P. (feat. Tinie Tempah)
2. fun. – We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae)
3. Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
4. Alex Clare – Too Close
5. Tulisa – Young
6. Rihanna – Where Have You Been?
7. The Saturdays – 30 Days
8. Train – Drive By
9. D’banj – Oliver Twist
10. Gotye – Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra)

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA LIVE ON “GOOD MORNING AMERICA” AND “THE VIEW”, TUESDAY, MAY 29 TO DISCUSS

ABC EXCLUSIVE: FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA LIVE ON “GOOD MORNING
AMERICA” AND “THE VIEW,” TUESDAY, MAY 29 TO DISCUSS HER NEW BOOK

On Tuesday, May 29, First Lady Michelle Obama talks to “Good Morning America” and then to “The View” hosts to discuss her new book — American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America — and her message that having access to healthy, affordable food can promote better eating habits. Mrs. Obama will also discuss the history of the White House garden, some of the recipes in the book, and tips for starting your own garden no matter where you live. These are Mrs. Obama’s first TV interviews regarding the new book.

On “Good Morning America,” students from New York City’s Public Schools 102 and 107, who have successfully grown their own container gardens, will show viewers how easy it is to get started.

Mrs. Obama then sits down with “The View” hosts Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. The First Lady’s appearance on “The View” is part of the show’s continuing “Red, White & View” campaign highlighting interviews and informational segments that promote civic responsibility. Mrs. Obama previously appeared on “The View” in April 2011 and June 2008, when she made her daytime television debut as a special guest co-host.

An exclusive recipe and photos from the book will be available on goodmorningamerica.com on Yahoo! and abcnews.com. Goodmorningamerica.com has expanded its lead, and in April had 17 million more unique users than Today.com.

“Good Morning America” is a two-hour, live program anchored by Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos. Josh Elliott is the news anchor, Lara Spencer is lifestyle anchor and Sam Champion is the weather anchor. Tom Cibrowski is the senior executive producer. The morning news program airs MONDAY-FRIDAY (7:00-9:00 a.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

“The View,” a live, one-hour daily talk show from ABC (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET), features Daytime Emmy Award-winning hosts Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. It’s the original forum in which real women discuss everyday issues, share their opinions and engage in colorful conversations. “The View,” broadcast in HDTV and produced in 2-channel stereo sound, is now available to watch online daily at 4:00 p.m., ET/1:00 p.m., PT on ABC.com. “The View” is produced by ABC and Ms. Walters’ Barwall Productions, with Ms. Walters serving as executive producer along with Bill Geddie, who also serves as executive producer for “The Barbara Walters Specials.” “The View” is directed by Mark Gentile. For breaking news and updated videos follow “The View” (@theviewtv) and hosts Barbara Walters (@BarbaraJWalters), Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg), Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar), Elisabeth Hasselbeck (@ehasselbeck) and Sherri Shepherd (@SherriEShepherd) on Twitter.™

“Red, White & View”: In 2008-09, the five spirited hosts of ABC’s popular talk and entertainment show, “The View,” left an indelible mark on the political landscape. Whether discussing the day’s political headlines, from the war in Iraq to universal healthcare and teen pregnancy, the latest musings from our nation’s capitol or political infidelities, the outspoken hosts can always be relied on for their unique opinions, quick wit and sparking colorful water cooler conversations that can only be seen, live, exclusively on “The View” (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET) on the ABC Television Network. In September 2008, the show launched a successful “Red, White & View” campaign highlighting interviews and informational segments that helped promote civic responsibility during the election season. The “Red, White & View” campaign was another example of how “The View” established itself as an important player in the political process

“THE 46th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” TO BE BROADCAST LIVE NOVEMBER 1 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

BRAVO MEDIA LAUNCHES THIRD ANNUAL “SUMMER BY BRAVO” BRAND CAMPAIGN STARRING OVER 30 BRAVOLEBRITIES… AND ONE DOG

Madonna’s Song “Superstar” From Current MDNA CD Exclusively Featured In Summer Promo Premiering On Wednesday, May 23rd

NEW YORK – May 23, 2012 – Let the games begin…Bravo Media kicks off its third-annual “Summer by Bravo,” multi-platform promotional campaign celebrating the network’s pop culture brand and its upcoming original programming. Premiering in “Watch What Happens Live” on Wednesday, May 23, this year’s innovative promo features over 30 Bravolebrities heading off to the Summer Games – Bravo style – while rocking out to Madonna’s new single “Superstar,” one of the most acclaimed tracks from her current MDNA album. There will be five additional spots that will roll out over the course of the summer. For a sneak peak, go to: http://www.bravotv.com/summer-by-bravo/season-3/videos/summer-games-by-bravo. For more information, visit www.BravoTV.com and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.

“The Summer by Bravo initiative marries the unique brand identity of the network to one of the biggest sporting events of the summer to create buzzy cultural conversations for our viewers,” said Ellen Stone, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Bravo. “Having Madonna’s music as part of this year’s campaign makes for a ‘Superstar’ experience.”

This year’s promo campaign embraces the spirit of the competition and is Bravo’s take on the summer games featuring talent in track, field, gymnastics and water events. Fans can watch Padma Lakshmi and Andy Cohen light the opening torch, Kyle Richards, Ramona Singer and NeNe Leakes take part in a track race and Kathy Griffin pull a prank on Jeff Lewis. Additional talent appearances from Roble Ali, Josh Altman, Tabatha Coffey, Tom Colicchio, Cat Cora, Josh Flagg, Fredrik Eklund, Teresa Giudice, Brad Goreski, Vicki Gunvalson, Madison Hildebrand, James Lipton, Caroline Manzo, Sonja Morgan, Phaedra Parks, Rosie Pope, Jenni Pulos, Gretchen Rossi, Gail Simmons, Patti Stanger, Curtis Stone, Lisa Vanderpump along with Giggy and Fabio Viviani.

With a sizzling lineup of upcoming programming, Bravo’s new and returning summer series include “The Real Housewives of New York City” season five (June 4), “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” season five (June 6), “Miss Advised” season one (June 18), “Gallery Girls” season one (August), “Top Chef Masters” season four and “Love Broker” season one. Continuing throughout the summer will be new episodes of “Around the World in 80 Plates” season one, “Watch What Happens Live,” “Pregnant in Heels” season two, “The Real Housewives of Orange County” season seven, “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” season four and “Kathy” season one.

Bravo fans can go inside the games at www.BravoTV.com/summer-by-bravo and on-the-go at m.BravoTV.com with exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos to see how our Bravolebrities tackled their events and check out their gold medal-winning smack talk. In addition, viewers can vote for their favorite “athletes” in various categories. Fans can also take a bit of Bravo with them all summer long with special deals on our hottest shows in the Summer by Bravo section of iTunes.

Last summer’s innovative marketing initiative helped drive record breaking ratings across all key demos with double digit increases in total viewers for “Flipping Out” season five, “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” season three, “Top Chef Masters” season three and “The Real Housewives of New York City” season four.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, L7 data. Premieres only.

Stun Creative, a Los Angeles based advertising agency and production company, produced and shot the 2012 “Summer by Bravo” promotional campaign.

Bravo is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, 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. Bravo has been an NBCUniversal cable network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more information, visit www.BravoTV.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.

CAPCOM® CELEBRATES LEGENDARY FRANCHISE WITH LIMITED EDITION STREET FIGHTER® 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S SET

Street Fighter’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration Includes Action-Packed Collector’s Set and New International Tournament Details with High-Performance Prizing 

SAN MATEO, Calif. – May 23, 2012 – Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the limited edition Street Fighter®25^th Anniversary Collector’s Set, which will be available in North America on Sept. 18, 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. A hyper combo-powered milestone, the Street Fighter 25^th Anniversary festivities will continue throughout 2012 (“The Year of the Dragon”) and will include the Collector’s Set and a series of high stakes global tournaments with over a half million dollars in support, the highest the fighting game community has ever witnessed.

Honoring one of the most popular videogame franchises of all time, the Street Fighter 25^th Anniversary Collector’s Set is a must - have for Street Fighter® video game aficionados. Created as a celebration and tribute to its fans, the limited edition set is individually numbered and jam-packed with Street Fighter games, video, art, music, and exclusive collectibles. The items are housed in a specially created chest complete with a certificate of authenticity.

The limited edition Street Fighter 25^th Anniversary Collector’s Set includes:

• Past and Present Street Fighter Games – Playable on current gen PS3™ and Xbox 360 console systems, the four critically-acclaimed titles selected from the star-studded catalog are: Super Street Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix, Street Fighter® III 3^rd Strike Online Edition, Super Street Fighter® IV Arcade Edition with all costume DLC, and Street Fighter® X Tekken® including all character and Swap Costume DLC.
• Exclusive Video – The two-disc Blu-Ray set includes a documentary that highlights the profound influence the franchise has had on fans – and vice versa – throughout the years. The collection of videos also includes Street Fighter®IV and Super Street Fighter®IV Anime movies as well as all episodes of the Street Fighter animated series and Street Fighter®II: The Animated Movie.
• Light-up Ryu Statue – A specially commissioned and highly-detailed collectable Ryu statue stands prominently at 8” tall and features the iconic character in mid-Shoryuken, with flames lit from below.
• 11-Disc Soundtrack – Street Fighter game music spanning the past 25 years, in addition to remixes and fan-created music inspired by past Street Fighter games .
• 64-page Hardcover Art Book – A tribute to Street Fighter game fans from all over the world, the art book includes fan pieces submitted by professional and aspiring artists alike.
• Ryu’s Belt – Created to regulation specs, the full-size martial arts black belt is a replica of the one Ryu wears and even includes his classic “Fūrinkazan” in kanji!
• Certificate of Authenticity – Each Collector’s Set comes individually numbered complete with a certificate of authenticity.

Further bringing the Street Fighter 25^th Anniversary celebration to its fans, Capcom is currently organizing a series of tournaments throughout the year in locations across the globe that will include over $500,000 worth of cash, non-cash prizing, and amenities. This high-stakes tournament series will culminate in a grand finals event held in San Francisco on Dec. 8, 2012 and will include players who qualify in the preliminary tournaments throughout the year.  The tournament series will feature the following monumental titles from the past and present: Street Fighter X Tekken, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, Street Fighter III 3^rd Strike Online Edition, and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.

Revealed today, the list below includes the most current dates and locations (subject to change) for the Street Fighter 25^th Anniversary global tournament series:

•       July 28-29 in Austin, TX
•       August 11-12 in the NY area (location pending)
•       August 26 in Taipei, Taiwan (location pending)
•       Mid-September in the Tokyo Region, Japan (date and location pending)
•       September 27-30 in London, England (in conjunction with Eurogamer Expo)
•       October 13-14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil (in conjunction with Brazil Game Show)
•       October 27-28 in Los Angeles, CA
•       October 31 – November 4 in Paris, France (in conjunction with Paris Games Week)
•       December 8 Finals in San Francisco, CA

Adding an extra level of white-knuckled excitement to the competition, the first-place Street Fighter X Tekken player will be crowned champion and be handed the keys to an all-new custom designedScion FR-S Sports Coupe. Capcom has partnered with Scion, Five Axis and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), to create a one-of-a-kind Street Fighter-themed sports car, complete with video entertainment hardware from SCEA and a modified exterior from Five Axis including a custom FIVE:AD aero kit, spoiler, wheels, as well as many more premiere components from leading automotive aftermarket companies.

Lastly, a new Street Fighter 25^th Anniversary website will be created which will allow fans to share their stories of how the Street Fighter series has influenced their lives, and will host all details of the anniversary celebration including how to register for the tournament series.  The new website will be released soon and will be located at: http://www.streetfighter.com/sf25

The Street Fighter 25^th Anniversary Collector’s Set carries an MSRP of $149.99. For more information and to download new assets, please visit: http://press.capcom.com and http://www.capcom-unity.com.

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ABOUT CAPCOM
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices.  Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan.  More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com.

Capcom, the Capcom logo, Devil May Cry, Mega Man and Resident Evil are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. In the U.S. or other countries.  Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc.   “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Xbox, Xbox360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Masterworks Broadway to record Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Encores! cast)

Masterworks Broadway will release the Encores! cast recording of the classic musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Starring Megan Hilty – Sony recording artist and star of NBC’s Smash

Masterworks Broadway will release the Encores! cast recording of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The album will be recorded in New York City this week, and will feature  “A Little Girl From Little Rock,” “Bye Bye Baby,” and of course, the classic made famous by Marilyn Monroe, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”

Starring as Lorelei Lee is Sony recording artist and star of NBC’s hit series Smash – Megan Hilty. The cast also includes Rachel York as Dorothy, Clarke Thorell as Gus, Aaron Lazar as Henry plus Simon Jones, Stephen R. Buntrock, Phillip Attmore and Jared Grimes. Hilty is in the process of recording her first solo album for Sony Masterworks/Columbia Records which will come out in early 2013.
The first stage version of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes debuted on Broadway in 1926 adapted from the novel by Anita Loos. The musical version, featuring music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Leo Robin and book by Loos and Joseph Fields, debuted at the Ziegfeld Theatre on December 8, 1949, making a star of Carol Channing and eventually ran for 740 performances.  It was made into a hit 1953 film by director Howard Hawks and starred Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. The recent critically acclaimed Encores! production ran May 9 to May 13, 2012 at New York’s City Center.

THE HUNGER GAMES on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand, and Digital Download on 8/18/12 at 12:01 A.M.

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games Arrives On Blu-ray Disc, DVD, On Demand And Digital Download On August 18

Theatrical Release Approaching $400 Million At North American Box Office And $650 Million Worldwide

Midnight Launch Expected To Bring Back Lines of Avid Fans At Midnight Retail Events Nationwide

“We have a winner.”
– Rolling Stone

SANTA MONICA, CA, May 23, 2012 –Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games juggernaut will arrive on home entertainment at 12:01 A.M. on Saturday, August 18, as the first film in Lionsgate’s (NYSE: LGF) The Hunger Games franchise, which has already grossed nearly $400 million at the North American box office and is approaching $650 million at the worldwide box office, debuts on 2-disc DVD (plus digital copy), 2-disc Blu-Ray (plus digital copy), VOD and digital download with three hours of previously unavailable bonus materials in the biggest home entertainment launch in Lionsgate’s history, the Company announced today.

The film, based on the New York Times best-selling novel from writer Suzanne Collins, achieved a remarkable four-week run as the #1 film at the North American theatrical box office where it has already grossed $392 million, ranking as the 14th highest-grossing film of all time, and it is approaching $650 million at the worldwide box office with an early June opening slated in China.

The 2-disc Blu-ray and 2-disc DVD arrive loaded with over three hours of extensive bonus materials including the comprehensive eight-part documentary, “The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games.” Other special features include a sit-down conversation with director Gary Ross as well as numerous featurettes that examine the global success of the books, the creation of the control room in the film and the filmmakers’ motivation behind creating new scenes that were not in the book plus much more. The Blu-ray Disc set contains an additional exclusive feature, “Preparing for the Games: A Director’s Process,” which looks at the progression of taking three key scenes from the book to the screen. The Hunger Games Blu-ray Disc and DVD is a must-have film that is hailed as “exciting and thought-provoking in a way few adventure dramas ever are” (New York Daily News). Fans will be able to pre-order the Blu-ray Disc and DVD, starting on Friday, May 25th, for $39.99 and $30.98, respectively.

“The motion picture event of the year is poised to become the home entertainment event of the year and, with a midnight launch and midnight retail events scheduled at stores around the country, we expect to replicate the same level of consumer excitement generated by the film’s theatrical debut,” said Ron Schwartz, Lionsgate Executive Vice President & General Manager, Home Entertainment. “This is far and away the biggest home entertainment launch in Lionsgate’s history and, true to a theatrical marketing campaign that incorporated an unprecedented reliance on digital and traditional media alike, our home entertainment launch will involve a similarly innovative and integrated digital and packaged media rollout that we will unveil in the weeks ahead.”

Directed by Academy Award® nominee Gary Ross (Seabiscuit), The Hunger Games, starring Academy Award® nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone), features an ensemble cast that includes Golden Globe® winner Donald Sutherland (Citizen X), Academy Award® nominee Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), Academy Award® nominee Woody Harrelson (The People vs. Larry Flynt), Lenny Kravitz (Precious) and Emmy® nominee Elizabeth Banks (TV’s “30 Rock”). The film also stars some of the industry’s brightest up and coming actors such as Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right) and Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables 2).

The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy of books published by Scholastic that has already become a literary phenomenon with over 36.5 million copies in circulation. Set in the future, one male and one female from each of the twelve districts of the nation is forced to participate in the annual competition called The Hunger Games, which is broadcast live throughout the country for the entertainment of the Capitol’s wealthy residents. Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) volunteers in her younger sister’s place to enter the games, and is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy when she’s pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

BLU-RAY & DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*
* “The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games” – an eight-part documentary covering the “making of” the film in all aspects from the pre-production process all the way through the theatrical release and fan reactions
* “Game Maker: Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games Phenomenom” featurette
* “Letters from the Rose Garden” featurette – insights from Donald Sutherland on the development of his role as President Snow
* “Controlling the Games” featurette – stories and concepts behind creating the control center
* “A Conversation with Gary Ross and Elvis Mitchell”
* Propaganda Film (in its entirety)
* Marketing Archive
* “Preparing for The Games: A Director’s Process” (Blu-ray Exclusive)
* Subject to change
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 2012
Title Copyright: © 2012 Lionsgate Films Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Theatrical Release
Rating: PG-13 for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images- all involving teens
Genre: Action/Adventure
Blu-ray Closed Captioned: English SDH
DVD Closed Captioned: English
Subtitles: English and Spanish
Blu-ray Format: 1080P High Definition 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1)
DVD Format: 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1)
Feature Running Time: 142 minutes
Blu-ray Audio Status: English 7.1 DTS HD-MA, English 2.0 Dolby Digital Optimized for Late Night Listening and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
DVD Audio Status: English 5.1 Dolby Digital EX, English 2.0 Dolby Digital Optimized for Late Night Listening and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

To experience The Hunger Games online, please visit:
Official Website: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/
Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie
Official Twitter Page: @TheHungerGames #HungerGamesDVD

ABOUT LIONSGATE
Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms and international distribution and sales. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of primetime cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming and an array of channel assets. Lionsgate currently has 16 shows on more than 10 networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as the multiple Emmy Award-winning “Mad Men,” “Weeds” and “Nurse Jackie,” along with the powerful drama “Boss,” the new network series “Nashville” and “Next Caller,” the syndication successes “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” its spinoff “Meet the Browns,” “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Are We There Yet?” and the upcoming “Anger Management,” starring Charlie Sheen, and “Orange Is The New Black,” an original series for Netflix.

Its feature film business has been fueled by such recent successes as the blockbuster first installment of “The Hunger Games” franchise, which has already grossed nearly $650 million at the worldwide box office, “The Expendables,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Cabin In The Woods,” “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family” and “Margin Call.” With the January 2012 acquisition of Summit Entertainment, the Company now has the two leading young adult franchises – the blockbuster “Twilight Saga,” which has grossed more than $2.5 billion at the worldwide box office, and “The Hunger Games.” Recent Summit hits include “Red,” “Letters to Juliet,” “Knowing,” the “Step Up” franchise and the Academy Award-winning Best Picture, “The Hurt Locker.”

Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 13,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

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