DALLAS, May 14 -- In the first promotion of its kind between Blockbuster and a major studio, Blockbuster management has joined forces with DreamWorks to support the theatrical release of the studio's new animated adventure "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron." The film opens in theatres nationwide on May 24, 2002.
Participating Blockbuster stores will offer one free child's ticket to "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" with every paid movie rental or purchase of a $10 Blockbuster GiftCard May 20 to June 17, or while supplies last.
Curt Andrews, Blockbuster senior vice president, chief of marketing, North American stores and creative services, said, "When we saw 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,' we immediately knew that this was the perfect family film to kick off a new kind of promotion. We are also delighted to be partnering with the team at DreamWorks to help introduce this special film to audiences. Blockbuster recognizes the value of promoting the theatrical release of this film, which we believe will translate into store traffic during the promotion, as well as sales and rentals of 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron' when it is released on VHS and DVD home video. It's a win-win for both Blockbuster and DreamWorks."
Blockbuster will support the theatrical opening of the film with a multi-level marketing support including:
- One free child's ticket to "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" with every paid movie rental or purchase of a $10 Blockbuster GiftCard at participating Blockbuster stores.
- A 30-second television spot.
- Web site promotion, including link to official "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" theatrical site.
- "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" theatrical trailers on the Blockbuster TV monitors.
- "Spirit" themed in-store displays.
- In-store sales of five exclusive licensed goods, including play sets, a plush, horse characters with bendable legs and small bean bag horses with sound.
- Direct mail.
Anne Globe, DreamWorks head of consumer products marketing and promotions, stated, "This is an exciting new promotion that we are sure will create anticipation for our summer family event movie 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.' Blockbuster has been a longtime partner for DreamWorks' home video product, and we are thrilled to be expanding that partnership."
"Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" follows the adventures of a wild and rambunctious mustang stallion as he journeys across the American frontier on his way to becoming one of the greatest unsung heroes of the Old West. Matt Damon provides first-person narration for the title character of the movie, which also features music by Academy Award(R)-winning composer Hans Zimmer ("The Lion King"), and songs by Grammy winner Bryan Adams.
DreamWorks SKG was formed in October, 1994, by its three principal partners -- Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen -- to produce live-action motion pictures; animated feature films; network and cable television programming; home video entertainment; records; books; toys; and consumer products.
Blockbuster Inc. is a publicly traded subsidiary of Viacom Inc. and is the world's leading renter of videos, DVDs and video games with more than 8,000 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company may be accessed internationally at blockbuster.com.
Viacom is the No. 1 platform in the world for advertisers, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising and online. With programming that appeals to audiences in every demographic category across virtually all media, Viacom is a leader in the creation, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music.
