""Ronin"" DVD Online Event
MGM Home Entertainment takes the DVD movie experience to a brand new interactive level with its February 23, 1999 release of Ronin. MGM Home Entertainment is the first studio to merge the advancements of DVD, DVD-ROM, and the Internet with the release of Ronin. Taking advantage of the DVD-ROM capabilities of the platform, the disc offers PC users a unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive online event, hosted by Director John Frankenheimer on March 14. Using state-of-the-art technology to integrate DVD-ROM and Internet capabilities, the Ronin event invites users to partake in an online presentation with Frankenheimer about the making-of the 1998 action thriller. A 20-minute multimedia behind-the-scenes tour by Frankenheimer, illustrated by storyboards, behind-the-scenes footage, and film action sequences played directly from the Ronin DVD in the userís DVD-ROM drive, will precede a live chat session with Frankenheimer. Available for $24.98, the disc also features such added-value DVD elements as an alternate never-before-seen ending and a directorís commentary. ""We are always looking for new ways to leverage our filmed equities and to differentiate MGM products from other competitive offerings in the marketplace,"" said Blake Thomas, Senior Vice President of Marketing, MGM Home Entertainment. ""To accomplish this, we developed an on-line event that includes exclusive audio and video interactivity to bring PC users and film buffs all the benefits of the technological advancements of the format."" Event Logistics To participate in the DVD-ROM online event, the user system requirements consist of Windows 95Æ or 98Æ, a DVD-ROM drive, a minimum 28.8 kb Internet connection speed, and the Ronin DVD. Upon insertion of the Ronin DVD, the system directs the user to select the hyperlink, which connects directly to the dedicated Ronin event website (www.mgm.com/dvd/ronin). The website asks users to register for the event and submit questions for John Frankenheimer, many of which will be included in the event. On March 14, when registered guests log on to the website, the system will verify that the Ronin DVD is present in the userís DVD-ROM drive and all system requirements are met. The event will begin at exactly 8:00 p.m. (EST). Presented in conjunction with Microsoftís NetShow/Windows, the event will begin with a discussion the making-of the film, illustrated by specific scenes, as well as storyboards, and behind-the-scenes footage and stills sent to the user via the Internet. A live 30-minute chat session will precede the discussion. To ensure that current and future owners of the Ronin DVD can re-experience the event and print out the transcript to the online chat session, the entire Ronin online event will be cached onto MGMís network server through December 1999. Additional Elements Included On The Ronin DVD Presented in DolbyÆ Digital Surround 5.1 discrete the anamorphic widescreen DVD also features such added-value elements as an alternate never-before-seen ending and a directorís commentary by Frankenheimer. Packaged in Amaray Keepcase packaging, the title also includes an eight-page booklet that showcases behind-the-scenes information, trivia, and production notes, as well as the theatrical trailer. Film Synopsis In this gritty, international action caper, an undercover group of covert operatives, lead by Sam (DeNiro), an American, must recover a top-secret briefcase that every underworld group will stop at nothing to get. With international tensions relaxed, their destinies are uncertain and their loyalties up for grabs to the highest bidder. None of them knows the identity of their employer, the true motives of anyone else in their group, or the contents of the briefcase. The one thing that is clear is that some will die for it and they will all kill for it. For more information about MGM Home Entertainment, its products and services, contact Steve Wegner at 210 449 3372 or access MGM Online at http://www.mgmhomevideo.com.