Release Details

CENTENNIAL, Colo., Apr 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The country's best-of-the-best drum corps will be showcased during Drum Corps International's (DCI) annual in-theater event, DCI 2010: The Countdown on Thursday, May 13th at 7:30 p.m. local time. The Countdown returns to the big screen for a sixth consecutive year to feature the top five performances from the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis last August, including the 2009 World Champions - the Blue Devils from Concord, Calif. Fans will also see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from several of the top corps as they prepare for the 2010 competition season as well as key performances from some of the most popular corps from years past.

Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of presenting theater locations and prices visit the web site (theaters are subject to change).

Presented by NCM Fathom and DCI, DCI 2010: The Countdown will feature the following 2009 DCI World Championship performances pre-recorded in high definition:

• Blue Devils - Concord, Calif. (2009 World Champion)
• Carolina Crown - Ft. Mill, SC
• The Cadets - Allentown, Penn.
• The Cavaliers - Rosemont, Ill.
• Santa Clara Vanguard - Santa Clara, Calif.

DCI 2010: The Countdown will also take a look back at several "classic moments" straight from the DCI archives. These memorable vintage highlights include the 1985 Santa Clara Vanguard, the 1987 Garfield Cadets, 1987 Sky Ryders, 1988 Blue Devils and the 2001 Glassmen. In addition to these exciting performances, fans will also see behind-the-scenes footage from winter rehearsal camps as the Boston Crusaders (Boston, Mass.), the Troopers (Casper, Wyo.) and the Bluecoats (Canton, Ohio) prepare for this summer's competition.

"Now in its sixth year, The Countdown has certainly become a celebrated event by thousands of drum corps fans. Taking place only a month before the world's most elite marching music ensembles hit the road for live performances in stadiums nationwide, for many, this movie theater tradition serves as an exciting kickoff to the Drum Corps International Tour," said Dan Acheson, executive director and CEO of Drum Corps International.

DCI 2010: The Countdown will be shown in 481 select movie theaters including AMC Entertainment Inc., Celebration! Cinema, Cinemark Holdings, Inc., Cobb Theatres, Georgia Theatre Co., Goodrich Quality Theatres, Hollywood Theaters, Kerasotes Showplace Theatres, Malco Theatres, Marcus Theatres, National Amusements and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters as well as the Carolina Theatre (Asheville, NC), Palace Cinema 9 (South Burlington, VT) and Penn Cinema (Lititz, PA) through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network - North America's largest cinema broadcast network.

"NCM Fathom's multi-year-long partnership with DCI continues to give drum corps fans the best seat in the house as they experience the thunder of the drums from the comfort of their local movie theater," said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom. "Fans will get a front row seat to check out their favorite performances from last year with The Countdown and get an exclusive look at this year's competition and annual World Championship Quarterfinals coming to the big screen this August."

About National CineMedia (NCM)

NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater network covers 171 Designated Market Areas(R) (49 of the top 50) and includes approximately 16,800 screens (15,400 digital). During 2009, approximately 680 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters currently included in NCM's network (excluding Consolidated Theatres). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing approximately 40 entertainment-related web sites, online widgets and mobile applications. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 40.6% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.fathomevents.com.

About Drum Corps International (DCI)

Drum Corps International (DCI) is the world leader in producing events for the world's most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers. Founded in 1972, Drum Corps International has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth organization with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Drum Corps International is Marching Music's Major League(TM). Learn more about the exciting world of Drum Corps International and its member corps on the Web at www.DCI.org or call (317)-275-1212. Drum Corps International is located in Indianapolis, Ind.

SOURCE: NCM Fathom

NCM Fathom
Michelle Portillo, 303-792-8651
Michelle.portillo@ncm.com
or
Lisa Lindquist, 303-792-8717
Lisa.lindquist@ncm.com
or
Drum Corps International
Diane Peasel, 317-275 -1221
media@dci.org

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