Following overwhelming consumer and media response of Blu-ray technology being the leading format of choice for home entertainment – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Panasonic Electronics today announce the official extension of Disney’s Magical Blu-ray Tour to visit seven additional North American cities in 2008. The announcement was made by Bob Chapek, president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
Disney’s Magical Blu-ray Tour, sponsored by Panasonic, will continue to educate consumers across the country about the leading, state-of-the-art high-definition home entertainment technology through hands-on interactive kiosks, product demonstrations, and a special presentation theater where consumers can experience first-hand the amazing capabilities of Blu-ray Hi-Def. The tour extension will commence in Toronto, Canada beginning January 24 and continue on to six additional locations across the nation.
“Last year, thousands of consumers in each market stopped by our Blu-ray Tour exhibit to better educate themselves on the Blu-ray format and its numerous technological advancements,” stated Bob Chapek, president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. “The success of this interactive and educational vehicle helped clear up many misperceptions about high-definition in general. With that said, we are thrilled to be able to extend the tour into 2008.”
Disney’s 2008 Magical Blu-ray Tour will feature exciting first-look opportunities in each market including: previews of upcoming title releases, Finding Nemo and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; live demonstrations where consumers will get first-hand experience playing the interactive “Gusteau’s Gourmet Game” from Ratatouille, “Car Finder Game” from Disney/Pixar’s Cars, “Bowler Hat Barrage” from Meet The Robinsons; as well as experience a virtual tour of “Enter the Maelstrom” from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. The Tour helps bring this to life via six interactive stations showcasing all aspects of the Blu-ray Disc technology and a special mini-theater that hosts hourly live presentations on Blu-ray high-definition technology.
“As a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art home entertainment products, we are honored to be part of an exhibit that helps bring context to consumers who want to learn more about the functionality and advantages of Blu-ray,” shared Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, vice president corporate development at Panasonic and general manager of its Blu-ray Disc Group. “By setting up demo stations using Panasonic VIERA HDTVs and Blu-ray players that feature exclusive Blu-ray Disc content, consumers can truly get a feel for what Blu-ray is all about and how it will work in their own home. It’s an activity and technology the whole family will enjoy.”
Mall Tour Schedule
Disney’s Magical Blu-ray Tour, sponsored by Panasonic, will be open in all locations during regular mall hours from Friday – Sunday, with a special preview for the media on Friday mornings. The exhibits will be hosted by experts from both Disney and Panasonic, who will be available to answer questions about the technical aspects of Blu-ray and content featured on Disney Blu-ray Discs.
The first stop will be to Toronto, Canada the weekend of January 25th and continue on to Hartford, Raleigh-Durham, Nashville, Dallas, Denver and conclude with Chicago at Unity 2008 Conference in July.
MALL … LOCATION … EVENT DATES
Yorkdale Shopping Center … Toronto, Canada … January 25-27
Westfarms Mall … Farmington, CT … February 15-18
Triangle Town Center … Raleigh, NC … February 22-24
Cool Springs Galleria … Nashville, TN … February 28 – March 1
North East Mall … Hurst, TX … March 7-9
Flat Iron Crossing … Denver, CO … March 14-16
UNITY 2008 Convention … Chicago, IL … July 23-27
Mall Tour Sweepstakes
Guests who visit Disney’s Magical Blu-ray Tour can register for a chance to win one of the following three prizes: (1) Complete Hi-Def Home Entertainment Center – two winners will be drawn to win a complete Blu-ray Home Entertainment Package comprised of a Panasonic 50” HDTV, a Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player and a set of 10 Blu-ray Discs from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; (2) Blu-ray Player & Movies – five winners will be drawn to win a Sony Playstation®3 and a set of two Blu-ray Discs from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; (3) Blu-ray Movies – ten winners will be drawn to win a set of five Blu-ray Discs from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends July 27th. Entries will be compiled from six markets, excluding Toronto, Canada, and winners will be selected in August of 2008. For information on the official rules, send a self addressed stamped envelope to: Blu-ray Magical Mall Tour Sweepstakes, Attn: Rules Request, P.O. Box 72382, Rockford, MN 55572.