King Kong DVD Specs Announced

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced that Peter Jackson's King Kong will arrive in stores March 28, 2006.

The DVD, featuring collectable original package artwork specially designed by the Oscar®-winning artists at WETA Digital Ltd, the production company behind the film's dazzling visual effects, is available in both the thrilling original theatrical version and a Special Edition two-disc set that gives audiences a whole new "Kong" experience. Featuring a fascinating inside look into the creation of the film's two cinematic worlds -- Skull Island and 1933 New York City -- the Special Edition offers an unparalleled opportunity to share Peter Jackson's creative genius and the cast and crew's passion in bringing the timeless story to the screen. The single disc version is available at $29.98 SRP and the two-disc Special Edition is priced at $30.98 SRP.

"'King Kong' is one of those rare cinematic achievements that reminds us of the truly magical power of movies," says Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "From the first frame, Peter Jackson and his team take us on an unforgettable adventure that not only thrills, but also touches us on a deep, emotional level. We are extremely proud to be able to bring this one-of-a-kind film to home entertainment audiences."

"The original 'King Kong' inspired me to become a filmmaker," said director/producer Peter Jackson. "It's a story that had a profound personal impact and shepherding its return to the big screen has been a dream come true. Contributing to the DVD afforded me the opportunity to share this amazing experience with audiences and highlight the incredible achievements of our exceptional cast and crew."

King Kong features a stellar cast including Oscar® nominee Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Oscar® winner Adrien Brody, Colin Hanks, and Andy Serkis. Director and producer Jackson co-wrote the update on the classic 1933 film with his longtime collaborators and fellow Oscar® winners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. The film has earned over $215 million at the box-office and is nominated for four Academy Awards®, including Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

A timeless tale of love and survival, King Kong is the story of a desperate young actress, Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), and an ambitious and unscrupulous movie producer, Carl Denham (Jack Black), who travel to a mysterious jungle island. There they discover an extraordinary lost world, and encounter Kong, a gigantic, savage gorilla who is unexpectedly smitten with the leading lady. But it is their mutual empathy and affection that eventually lead to the beast's tragic downfall.

The two-disc King Kong Special Edition DVD allows viewers unparalleled access to the world of visionary filmmaker Peter Jackson as he creates this larger-than-life epic adventure for the ages. Thrilling behind-the-scenes features bring this instant classic to viewers in a whole new way with exclusive content that follows the film's stars and crew in action as they bring this timeless tale to the screen.

Special Introduction by Peter Jackson

Post Production Diaries -- Director Peter Jackson takes you on an unforgettable journey with Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody and the crew of King Kong as they reveal virtually every aspect of post production on this groundbreaking film, nearly three hours of exclusive behind the scenes footage!

Skull Island: A Natural History -- Travel to treacherous Skull Island with Peter Jackson and his crew! From its mysterious origins to its reclusive inhabitants and jaw-dropping creatures, uncover the fascinating facts about one of the last uncharted places on earth.

Kong's New York, 1933 -- 1930s New York comes alive in this fascinating piece that explores vaudeville, the skyscraper boom, the construction of the Empire State building and more.

King Kong nominated for Empire awards

Peter Jackson's 'King Kong' remake has been nominated for five prizes at the 2006 Empire magazine film awards.

Although it was virtually ignored by the Golden Globes, the Baftas, and the Oscars, the film has been shortlisted for Best Film, Best Director, Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Best Actor for Andy Serkis and Best Actress for Naomi Watts.

Comedian Bill Bailey will host this month's ceremony, for the only movie awards voted for by the British public.

'Pride and Prejudice', 'Crash' and 'Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' have four nominations each.

King Kong is competing with 'Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith', 'War Of The Worlds', 'Crash', and 'Sin City' in the Best Film category.

Both 'King Kong' and 'Revenge Of The Sith' are up against 'Serenity', 'The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe' and 'Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire' for the new Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy award.

Jackson is joined in the best director category by Steven Spielberg ('War Of The Worlds'), Christopher Nolan ('Batman Begins'), Joe Wright ('Pride & Prejudice'), Ron Howard ('Cinderella Man') and Nick Park and Steve Box ('The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit').

Empire magazine's editor-in-chief, Colin Kennedy, said the awards are designed to recognise movies of all genres.

"This outstanding and diverse line-up is the only shortlist to celebrate the best movies of 2005, films that were not only widely seen by the ordinary public but cherished and remembered some months later," he said.

"While the Oscars and the Baftas rightfully celebrate the narrow set of prestige movies released during 'awards season', our show is designed to recognise movies of all genres, echoing the way ordinary filmgoers talk about movies."

The ceremony will be held at the Hilton London Metropole on 13 March.