REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Continuing its commitment to create fun and engaging experiences for everyone, Nintendo of America Inc. today unleashes a broad list of exciting new games for the first quarter of 2009. Topping the list isPokémon™ Platinum version for Nintendo DS™, a remarkable new entry in the beloved Pokémon series, slated for a March 22 launch across North America. Nintendo’s roster of more than 100 new games includes an impressive array of challenges and experiences for new players and loyalists, as well as everyone in between. Notable titles include the enhanced New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis™ and New Play Control! Pikmin™ for Wii™, and Fire Emblem™: Shadow Dragon, Personal Trainer™: Mathand Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for Nintendo DS. “Our fans expect a diverse selection of entertainment options, and we’re eager to deliver exactly that,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “We’re building on the momentum of a strong holiday season by offering new and experienced players an even greater library of game titles in 2009.” Pokémon fans in particular will have plenty to cheer about as Pokémon Platinum is readied for its U.S. debut. Following the vast popularity of Pokémon® Diamond and Pokémon Pearl, Pokémon Platinum is the newest in the core series of Pokémon games.Pokémon Platinum features a new story full of adventure,...

Santa Clara, Calif. - Dec. 17, 2008 - Aeria Games announced today that the massively multiplayer real-time strategy game (MMORTS), Dreamlords: The Reawakening will begin its third era with several major feature additions.  Among the new features are: Convergence quests, world bosses on the PvP islands that give unprecedented rewards, and a PvP matchmaking system.MMORTS games are a growing breed of games aimed at players who prefer more intellectual playing mechanics.  Dreamlords is a highly strategic game where players rely on maximizing resource efficiencies and exploiting flaws in the battle plans of enemies.  The new era contains improvements for new players to ease into the genre.  To kick start the new era, Aeria Games is holding several contests where players can earn Aeria Points-the gaming portal's currency.Up to date contest information is available at the Aeria Games website at:http://dreamlords.aeriagames.com.  About Aeria Games:Aeria Games is the dynamic gaming community where players of all backgrounds and interests can connect, share, and enjoy an unparalleled variety of Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) games from all over the world.Our vision is to provide the best Community Gaming Experience and Service to each and every one of our players and best of all, every game is FREE to Play!...

Santa Clara, Calif. - Dec. 16, 2008 - Aeria Games announced today that they have launched their new website for Turf Battles, the free-to-play Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMORPG) from developer Imazic.Since April of 2008, devoted players have gone to great lengths to see the return of the North American version of Turf Battles.  Aeria Games heard the outcry and now fully intends to welcome Turf Battles into their portfolio of games.  Support from the player community has been overwhelming as they now count the days until Turf Battles rises from the ashes.Enter a world of conflict where players can engage in battles with friends and allies against opponents ranging in the hundreds or fight in solo competition in honorable combat.  In Turf Battles, players can: Customize your character to suit your style of play, from the high damage of the Mage to the tanking ability of the Blade Warrior.  Establish a Tribe, work to capture new land and promote or demote recruits to different ranks within the tribe.  Work together with other players while you explore vast dungeons and battle difficult monsters on your quest to earn great rewards.  Once a certain level has been achieved, players can develop new skills which transform their very appearance and grant them powerful new...

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Beautiful and excruciating, inspirational and controversial, the timeless masterpiece, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, arrives on Blu-ray Disc (BD) February 17 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Written and directed by two-time Academy Award®-winner* Mel Gibson (Braveheart) and starring Jim Caviezel (Déjà Vu) and Monica Bellucci (The Matrix Revolutions), the awe-inspiring depiction of Jesus of Nazareth’s final journey to crucifixion became the one of the most talked about films of all time, taking in over $375 million at the box office and becoming one of the 15 highest grossing movies ever! THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST BD showcases Caleb Deschanel’s (The Patriot) Academy Award-nominated cinematography work and features all the Definitive Edition DVD bonus materials including the theatrical and less violent, re-cut versions of the film, filmmaker commentary with Gibson, Deschanel and Editor John Wright, production commentary, theologian commentary, music commentary, an extensive collection of “making-of” featurettes, deleted scenes, historical texts and more.  Five years after it made a first appearance in theaters, THE PASSION OF THE CHRISTBD will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.99 U.S.  Pre-book is January 21.   * 1995: Best Director (Braveheart); Best Picture (Braveheart)   SYNOPSIS: The Passion of the Christ focuses on the last twelve hours of...

Santa Clara, CA- Dec 16, 2008 -'Tis the season for giving and this is exactly what Aeria Games is doing. Starting on December 12th, Aeria Games will be gifting more than $5 million dollars to its valued community. The Aeria Games community will be receiving special codes via e-mail to redeem Aeria Points - the virtual currency of the Aeria Games portal. Every community member will receive a surprise amount of Aeria Points which can be utilized to purchase unique virtual items within any of the unique Free to Play MMO games provided by Aeria Games. The Aeria Games portfolio boasts 10 MMO titles covering the fantasy, social, and action genres with a minimum of 10 more to be launched in 2009 for North America and Europe. The Aeria community is one of the fastest growing Free-to-Play communities with over 5 million members to date. For more information, visit About Aeria Games: With a community of 5+ million members, offices in both the United States and Germany, and a diversified portfolio of MMO games, Aeria Games is one of the fastest growing publishers of Free-to-Play online games. Our goal is to provide the best Free-to-Play games and top notch customer service to every one of our community members....

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Revisit the cult classic psychological thriller in stunning high definition when DONNIE DARKO debuts on Blu-ray February 10 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. From Director Richard Kelly, this sensational and disturbing masterpiece defies genre boundaries and simple explanations.  Starring Oscar®-nominee Jake Gyllenhaal (The Day After Tomorrow, Jarhead), DONNIE DARKO follows a delusional high school student who is visited by demonic rabbit with eerie visions of the past – and deadly predictions for the future.    Boasting powerful supporting performances by an all-star cast including Golden Globe®-nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight), Golden Globe®-nominee Drew Barrymore(He’s Just Not That Into You; Charlie’s Angels), Golden Globe®-nominee Jena Malone (Into The Wild, The Ruins), Daveigh Chase (“Big Love”), Golden Globe®-nominee Patrick Swayze (Ghost; Dirty Dancing) and Golden Globe®-nominee Noah Wyle (“ER”), DONNIE DARKOBlu-ray Disc includes two versions of the film: theatrical and director’s cut – featuring 20 minutes of additional footage – audio commentary with writer/director Richard Kelly and Jake Gyllenhaal and more.  The DONNIE DARKO Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.99 U.S./$37.99 Canada. Prebook is December 31, 2008.   DONNIE DARKO Synopsis Donnie Darko is a disturbed adolescent from a dysfunctional upper middle class family who narrowly escapes death when a jet engine crashes in his bedroom. ...

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Celebrate 50 years of one of the most powerful and romantic musicals in history, with the South Pacific 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Disc (BD) debuting on March 31st from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Adapted from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize®-winning musical, now enjoying a Tony Award®-winning smash hit revival on Broadway, South Pacific follows a Navy nurse forced to choose between love and prejudice during World War II.  Brought to the screen by director Joshua Logan (Sayonara), with a screenplay by Paul Osborn (East of Eden), South Pacific was nominated for three Academy Awards®, taking home a statue for Best Sound, and features rousing performances from Rosanno Brazzi (Damals) and Mitzi Gaynor (Les Girls) in her Golden Globe®-nominated role.  The film also includes performances by John Kerr (Tea and Sympathy), Ray Walston (“Picket Fences”) and Juanita Hall (Flower Drum Song).  Filmed on location on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, South Pacific is the only theatrical film adaptation of a Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical to feature all its original songs, including such renowned classics as “Bali Ha’i,” “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Happy Talk.”  The South Pacific 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Disc includes the all-new BD Exclusive feature-length documentary “Passion, Prejudice and South Pacific: Creating An American Masterpiece” plus special bonus features such as...

DICE announced today that all players can now unlock the Time Trial mode in the recently released demo for Mirror’s Edge™ available at the PlayStation® Store and Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace. By using any 16 number code (i.e. 0000-0000-0000-0000) gamers can experience the thrill of seamlessly stringing moves together in an effort to beat the clock! To unlock the Time Trial mode players need to select Race > Play Time Trial in the main menu of the demo, and then enter the code. Unlocking the game mode works with already downloaded versions of the demo.   The demo features the prologue of the game, a tutorial and sections of the popular Time Trial mode. Time Trial is an addictive mode that challenges players to find the fastest routes throughout the city. Gamers can upload their best time to the Mirror’s Edge online leaderboards for their friends to download and compete against. Players can see their friend’s ‘ghost’ run as they race to the top of the leaderboards.   Mirror’s Edge shipped to retailers worldwide on Nov. 11thfor the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. It will ship to retailers in North America on January 13th and worldwide on January 16th, 2009 for the PC.   For more information about the game, please visit www.mirrorsedge.com.

New Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning lore sheds light on the game’s new careers: the Empire’s noble Knight of the Blazing Sun and the vicious Dark Elf Black Guard. With the help of noted Warhammer novelists Nathan Long and Mike Lee, Mythic gives players around the world the chance to delve deeper into the history of these two new combatants, with a duo of original works of fiction. Both tales are now available athttp://www.warhammeronline.com/warstories/.   “The Sword is Forged,” by Blackhearts series author Nathan Long, follows the adventures of newly-knighted Regina Seibolt after her initiation into the Order of the Blazing Sun. Regina’s rigorous training and faith in Myrmidia will both be tested as she is thrown head-first into a dangerous mission with nothing but a ragtag bunch of warriors at her side.   “Cruel as Ice, Cold as Steel,” by Malus Darkblade series co-author Mike Lee, is a darker look at a deadly warrior. Highborn Druchii Rathann Darkmoon is a fresh recruit into the Witch King’s elite Black Guard, evil and merciless fighters that bring truth to the phrase: “through hate all things are possible.” His is a story of fear and death, wrought by the blade of his black halberd and the hatred in his even blacker heart.   Look...

Culver City, Calif. (December 15, 2008) – The compelling drama series, Canterbury’s Law: The Complete Series,arrives on DVD February 24 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  Emmy® winner Juliana Margulies (TV’s “ER,”Snakes on a Plane), Emmy® nominee Aidan Quinn (TV’s “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” Legends of the Fall), Emmy® nominee Ben Shenkman (TV’s “Angels in America,” Just Like Heaven), Trieste Dunn (United 93), and Keith Robinson (Dreamgirls) star in the series which will be available as a two-disc DVD for $29.95 SRP.   SYNOPSIS Elizabeth Canterbury (Margulies), a rising attorney with an unrivaled passion for justice, puts her career on the line to take on risky and unpopular cases. Elizabeth and her law professor husband Matt Furey (Quinn) are haunted by the unsolved disappearance of their young son and they’re struggling to distance themselves from the tragedy which has put their relationship in jeopardy.  The line between home and work often falls victim to Elizabeth’s obsession for the truth.  With her team of independent-minded associates -- Russell Krauss (Shenkman), Chester Grant (Robinson) and Molly McConnell (Dunn), all of whom are determined to fight for their own beliefs -- the past is never far from Elizabeth’s mind as she seeks to provide to others the consideration she herself was...

  Burbank, Calif. December 15, 2008 -- Doris Day, whose on-screen wholesomeness, unfailing optimism and understated strength of character helped make her America’s sweetheart in the ‘50s and ‘60s, returns to DVD on April 7 when Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies showcase TCM Spotlight: Doris Day Collection.  The Collection features five new-to-DVD titles, focusing on Miss Day’s golden years at Warner Bros., where her film career began.  The titles included are April in Paris, It’s A Great Feeling, Starlift, Tea for Two and The Tunnel of Love.   All the DVDs have been meticulously remastered using all new digital transfers, and each release includes entertaining bonus features such as classic cartoons and vintage shorts.  The films will be available in Digi-Pak packaging as a collection only for $49.92 SRP.   The Films   April in Paris (1952) The State Department wants Ethel Barrymore to represent the American theater at an arts exposition in Paris. But Miss Barrymore’s invitation is sent by mistake to Miss Ethel “Dynamite” Jackson, a very blonde, very brassy chorus girl.   Doris Day and Ray Bolger star in this musical bonbon highlighted by the Vernon Duke/E.Y. Harburg title tune and a high-kicking, bell-ringing rendition of the Jule Styne/Sammy Cahn I’m Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight. Day is pure TNT as Dynamite Jackson and Bolger’s rubbery...

LOS ANGELES, Calif.  (Dec. 15, 2008) --- Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, and global videogame publisher, 505 Games, announced today a new partnership to develop next generation console and iPhone videogames.  The first title is scheduled to release in spring 2010 and will be developed by 505 Games' newly formed U.S. operations in Los Angeles.  505 Games also has European offices in the UK, and distribution partners around the world. "505 Games is proud to partner with Michael Phelps to create innovative new game play experiences that celebrate active lifestyles, the spirit of competition and the inspirational dream of becoming a champion," said Adam Kline, president of 505 Games U.S.  "Through swimming, Michael has become an international superstar and role model for people of all ages.  With 505 Games' global reach, we look forward to leveraging the powerful digital entertainment medium to bring Michael's passion for sports and competition to new audiences around the world."505 Games and Phelps are currently in the development stages for the first-of-its-kind videogame that may also include some of his teammates. In addition, 505 Games will donate a portion of the videogame proceeds to the Michael Phelps Foundation."I am really excited to partner...

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (December 15, 2008) –Just Shoot Me: The Complete Third Season makes its fashionable return to DVD February 24 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The Emmy® Award and Golden Globe® nominated NBC series, with its always on-target, sometimes off-beat humor, features a top-notch ensemble cast lead by Golden Globe®-nominee David Spade (TV’s “Rules of Engagement”), Golden Globe®-nominee Laura San Giacomo (Pretty Woman), Academy Award®-nominee George Segal (1966, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), Emmy® Award-nominee Wendi Malick (TV’s “Dream On”) and Enrico Colantoni (TV’s “Veronica Mars”). The three-disc set which contains all 25 episodes of the third season will be available for $39.95 SRP.   Created by acclaimed writer/producer Steven Levitan (TV’s “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Wings”) and executive produced by Bernie Brillstein (TV’s “NewsRadio,” The Replacement Killers) and Brad Grey (TV’s “NewsRadio,” The Wedding Singer), Just Shoot Me ran for seven seasons on NBC. During its run, the series was nominated for six Emmy Awards® including Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and seven Golden Globe® Awards including Best Comedy TV Series.Just Shoot Me made its television debut in 1997 on NBC. The series centers on hot-tempered journalist Maya Gallo (San Giacomo) who finds herself working for her rich father Jack Gallo (Segal) at his fashion...

Time may be getting tight for holiday shoppers, but the selection and excitement at the Wii™ Shop Channel just keeps on growing. There’s no simpler way to access a brilliant variety of new and classic games, and they’re all available for download directly to your Wii console—no ribbons or wrapping paper required. This week’s additions bring a fresh mix of challenges for new and experienced players to enjoy: Slay a dragon in the season finale of Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People, solve a multiplayer puzzle or race the clock on an arcade-style motorbike course. Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are: WiiWare™ Strong Bad Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,000 Wii Points): Trogdor, the beefy-armed dragon of legend, has shaken free from his video game and is running through the countryside, “burninating” everything in sight. With a dragon on the loose and...

Burbank, Calif. December 15, 2008 – The Matrix, the film Entertainment Weekly called the #1 Sci-Fi Film of the past 25 years and a staple on countless other Top Ten Sci-Fi lists, celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a new single Blu-ray book release on March 31 from Warner Home Video and Village Roadshow Pictures. The film will be released as The Matrix 10th Anniversary Blu-ray™ Book, packaged in a collectible bonus book that includes 37 pages of insightful essays, trivia and photos. Previously only available as part of a collection, this new edition of The Matrix includes the In-Movie Experience and a digital copy for use with Windows Media and iTunes.   The Matrix 10th Anniversary Blu-ray™ Book will sell for $34.99 SRP. Orders are due February 24, 2009.   The Matrix follows the trials of Neo (Keanu Reeves), a young computer programmer, searching to determine the deepest reality of a post-Apocalyptic world. His journey uncovers a web of deceit and massive computer-generated illusions obscuring the truth. As Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) says to Neo, “No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.” The same is true for this mind-blowing movie which was a worldwide box-office sensation when it debuted in 1999.   Special Features (standard definition):  In-Movie Experience Commentaries Written introduction by the Wachowski brothers Philosophers...