DALLAS, Oct. 10 -- Officials at Blockbuster Inc., one of the world's leading providers of videos, DVDs and video games, confirmed today that more than 3,000 life-sized commemorative Spider-Man replicas are stranded at sea off the L.A. coastline, along side other less famous (and more perishable) goods, due to the West Coast port closure.

"We'd like to think that the Green Goblin is the prime suspect responsible for causing the delay in shipping our Spider-Man replicas to our stores, but I suppose that's just not the case," said Jim Notarnicola, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Blockbuster Inc. "However, I am delighted to report that despite the unanticipated delay, the replicas are all in tip-top condition."

The life-size commemorative replicas, handcrafted in China out of 70 pounds each of rubber, fabric, steel and plaster, were exclusively designed for Blockbuster as part of a sweepstakes the company is holding in celebration of the Nov. 1 release to video and DVD of "Spider-Man." "We've cast a wide web and are vigorously tracking 'Spider-Man's' whereabouts on a daily basis," Notarnicola continued.

Customers who purchase a Blockbuster Spider-Man 10-week movie rental card for $29.99 plus tax, through Oct. 31, will receive a free copy of the movie once it releases on Nov. 1, while supplies last. Customers who purchase a copy of "Spider-Man" after Nov. 1 will receive one full week free rental, through Dec. 16. All customers who participate in either offer will be automatically entered in to the sweepstakes, through Nov. 18. The replicas will be awarded as scheduled on Dec. 2.

The replicas were due in stores next week, however Blockbuster now expects the replicas to arrive in stores by mid-November.

"Hey, things could be worse... at least they don't require any food or water," Notarnicola added.

About Blockbuster

Blockbuster Inc. is a publicly traded subsidiary of Viacom Inc. and a leading global provider of in-home movies and game entertainment, with more than 8,100 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company may be accessed worldwide at blockbuster.com. Viacom is a leading global media company, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising and online.