``Pokemon The Movie 2000'' Soars Onto Home Video Just in Time for the Holidays; $44 Million Box-Office Hit Available on VHS and DVD at Low $22.96 VHS SRP/$24.98 DVD SRP

Business Wire, Oct 9, 2000

Entertainment Editors & Film/Video Writers

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2000

Free Exclusive Game Card, Collectible Coin and Bonus Footage

Inside Each VHS and DVD

"Pokemon The Movie 2000," the smash follow-up to the worldwide phenomenon "Pokemon: The First Movie," arrives in stores from Warner Home Video (WHV) on Nov. 14, 2000.

Just in time for the holidays, "Pokemon The Movie 2000" will be available on both VHS ($22.96 SRP) and DVD ($24.98 SRP). "Pokemon: The First Movie" is the third best-selling children's video this year to date, and "Pokemon The Movie 2000" is certain to follow suit.

"Pokemon" fans and collectors will be excited to have a free, exclusive Pikachu game card from Wizards of the Coast inside specially marked VHS and DVD copies of "Pokemon The Movie 2000." In addition, an exclusive, collectible "Pokemon" coin featuring Lugia comes with specially marked videocassettes and DVDs. As an added bonus, viewers will get a sneak peak at the much-anticipated, theatrical film "Pokemon 3."

Jam-packed with special features, the "Pokemon The Movie 2000" DVD includes the following:

-- "Soundtrack Live" -- Musical performances from the "Pokemon The Movie 2000"
soundtrack with behind-the-scenes footage.

-- Exclusive sneak preview of "Pokemon 3."

-- "Pokemon The Movie 2000" theatrical trailer.

In addition, DVD-ROM special features will include DVD sampler trailers, Nintendo game guides, special Web events and links to WHV, Warner Bros. Studio Store and the Warner Bros. "Pokemon" Web site (www.p2kthemovie.com).

An ancient legend comes true when "Pokemon" Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres are disturbed after centuries of harmony. As the very forces of nature come unbalanced, life on earth depends on the unlikely teaming of the mythical "Pokemon" Lugia and a mysterious "chosen one" foretold in the legend. Can Ash Ketchum summon the courage to save the day? See how one person can make all the difference. Plus, catch the bonus mini-movie "Pikachu's Rescue Adventure," included on every videocassette and DVD.

"WHV is thrilled to offer the latest `Pokemon' feature to families everywhere," said Ewa Martinoff, WHV vice president, Family Entertainment Marketing. "The exclusive trading card, collectible coin and bonus footage -- included with every VHS and DVD copy of `Pokemon The Movie 2000' -- makes this a must-have for every Pokemon fan, plus it is just in time for the holidays."

"Pokemon The Movie 2000" consumer promotions will have true family appeal. Moms can enjoy great savings with offers from the following:

Cracker Jack -- A $3 video rebate will be offered on more than 5 million Cracker Jack packages. A "Pokemon" toy surprise will also be included in every Cracker Jack package.

Banquet Chicken -- A $3 mail-in rebate featured on more than 6 million specially marked packages and inside each video will be supported by a national FSI and print campaign.

Nintendo -- A $3 video rebate will be featured inside 1 million "Hey You Pikachu" video games.

Rexall Vitamins -- Consumers can get a $3 mail-in rebate with the purchase of both vitamins and the video and will be displayed by merchandisers in drug and mass channels.

Warner Bros. Family Entertainment (Q4 Promotion) -- "Pokemon The Movie 2000" will be included in the $5 escalating consumer rebate, and "Pokemon: The First Movie" will be included in the $2 instant coupon and print campaign.

Kids, moreover, will love the exclusive, on-pack coin featuring Lugia and the Wizards of the Coast Game Card -- not available anywhere else -- included with each VHS and DVD.

The third best-selling children's video of the year -- "Pokemon: The First Movie" -- will be available on VHS at a new, low $19.98 SRP. The DVD will still be available for $26.98 SRP.

The "Pokemon" phenomenon -- still captivating kids around the globe -- has exciting plans for the rest of 2000 and beyond. The highly-anticipated Gold and Silver Game Boy Games from Nintendo arrive in stores on Oct. 15, 2000, and an all-new stage show -- "Pokemon Live!" -- premiered at Radio City Music Hall in September prior to a North American Tour.

"Pokemon" has also been invading grocery store shelves, as the franchise is being featured on a variety of Kellogg's food packages including Pop Tarts, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Rice Krispies Treats. All new television episodes, in addition, start this fall on Kids WB!

"Pokemon" has proven to be extremely popular and has generated a successful line of consumer products. More than 5 billion "Pokemon" cards have been sold, more than 18.5 million Nintendo video games have been sold and a variety of licensed merchandise -- including books, CDs and videos -- has earned best-seller status.

The Kids WB television show, in addition, is the No. 1-rated kids television show among children 2-11 (season to date). The popular soundtrack companion to "Pokemon The Movie 2000," moreover, is available from Atlantic Records.

In addition, fans are encouraged to visit www.p2kthemovie.com for up-to-date information about this highly anticipated home video release.