Ben Kingsley and Mercedes Ruehl Star in Kids Feature Film ``Spooky House'' Set for Halloween DVD Release; Hits Retail Stores on Tuesday, Oct. 28

Business Wire, Oct 28, 2003

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THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2003

The film stars Academy Award(R)-winners Ben Kingsley ("Gandhi," "Bugsy," "Schindler's List," "Sexy Beast" and the upcoming "House of Sand and Fog") and Mercedes Ruehl ("The Fisher King," "Radio Days," "Married to the Mob," TV's "Frasier") and Matt Weinberg ("The Hot Chick," "X-Men," "Dawg," "Who's Your Daddy?"). He is also the voice of Simba in Disney's "The Lion King 3." "Spooky House" will be available in retail stores for sale or rent today (Tuesday, Oct. 28).

"Spooky House" has an original soundtrack with a musical score recorded by a 53-piece orchestra and eight original songs produced by David Chackler ("Twins," "Hangin' With the HomeBoys," "Mr. Nanny").

DVD features include a unique, making-of documentary created by a teen-age filmmaker; Dolby Digital EX-6.1 and music videos.

"Spooky House" tells the story of the Great Zamboni (Ben Kingsley), a former magician with a mysterious secret. He lives alone with his pet jaguar, Shadow, in the Spooky House, an old mansion filled with magic tricks, props and hidden chambers. In spite of all the urban legends about the reclusive Zamboni, young orphan Max believes he can befriend him. His attempts to charm the magician are met with stubborn resistance. As Max and his friends uncover the secret of Zamboni's past, they are harassed by a trio of teenage bullies who work for the town's eccentric crime queen, played by Mercedes Ruehl. The story comes to a riveting conclusion, with hilarious magic and spectacular illusions when the bullies follow Max and friends inside Spooky House on Halloween. In this heartwarming tale, Zamboni and Max discover the power of real magic.

According to Writer/Director/Producer Bill Sachs, "I am very enthusiastic about the home entertainment premiere of `Spooky House.' The marketing team at StudioWorks is solidly behind the film and has put together an aggressive marketing and promotional campaign to assure the film a proper launch."

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