Presented by NCM Fathom and TCM, New Turner Classic Movies
Original Production Opens Event in Select U.S. Theaters on Wednesday,
November 9
CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Bringing one of the most acclaimed works of musical drama ever captured
back to movie theaters nationwide this fall, NCM Fathom and Turner
Classic Movies (TCM) are presenting The
West Side Story 50th Anniversary
Event on Wednesday, November 9th at 7:00 pm local
time. This unprecedented opportunity allows audiences to enjoy every
sensational song and dazzling dance number in this cinematic
masterpiece, which originally won a stunning 10 Academy Awards®,
including Best Picture, in 1961. The West Side Story 50th
Anniversary Event will open with an exciting new TCM original
production featuring a discussion with Walter Mirisch of The Mirisch
Company, which produced the classic; Oscar®-winning actor George
Chakiris; and vocalist Marni Nixon, who served as Natalie Woods'
voice double. TCM Host Robert Osborne moderates the discussion, which
was taped at the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival in historic Hollywood.
Tickets for The West Side Story 50th
Anniversary Event are available at participating theater box
offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM
Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The
West Side Story 50th Anniversary
Event will appear in nearly 400 select movie theaters across the
country via the new digital cinema projection systems.
"The West Side Story 50th Anniversary Event
will give movie lovers around the country the opportunity to experience
one of the greatest movie musicals of all time on the big screen through
state-of-the-art digital projection," said Dennis Adamovich, senior vice
president of brand and digital activation/general manager of festivals
for TCM, TBS and TNT. "As an added bonus, moviegoers will also get to
enjoy one of the many terrific panel discussions from the TCM Classic
Film Festival. We're very excited to be partnering with NCM Fathom on
this extraordinary event."
West Side Story is a modern adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet,"
retold as a story of New York City gang violence with a sophisticated
scoring and exuberant choreography. The tale of young, star-crossed
lovers became a parable of the modern world, where Maria (Natalie Wood)
and Tony (Richard Beymer) were doomed not only by their passion but also
by larger social forces. It transcended these apparent contradictions
and made a classic tale timely by overlaying the love story with an
exploration of mid-century racial tensions, transforming the Montagues
and Capulets into the all-white Jets gang and the Puerto Rican Sharks.
Music and story blended powerfully, as the sounds of the streets became
the percussive muscle of a heavy-hitting score that blended jazz, pop
and Latin rhythms. This monumental production, conceived and
choreographed by Jerome Robbins, features the timeless lyrics of master
American songwriter Stephen Sondheim, a magnificent score by Leonard
Bernstein and a heartfelt book by playwright Arthur Laurents.
"Over the last 50 years, West Side Story has maintained its place
among the greatest films ever made, with a stunning soundtrack and
timeless storyline that continue to have a massive impact on audiences
everywhere," said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of NCM Fathom. "For
one more night, fans can experience the magic of this cinematic
treasure, fully restored and on the big screen."
On November 15, audiences at home can experience MGM's WEST SIDE
STORY: 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, when it debuts with a Limited
Edition 4-Disc Numbered Boxed Set featuring Blu-ray, DVD, Tribute CD and
collectible memorabilia, as well as a 2-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray
from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
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. 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
advertising network covers 170 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top
50) and includes approximately 17,200 screens (16,100 digital). During
2010, over 680 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters
currently included in NCM's network (including Consolidated Theatres,
Rave Cinemas, Coming Attractions and Digiplex Destinations). The NCM
Fathom Events broadcast network is comprised of over 600 locations
in 163 Designated Market Areas® (all of the top 50). The NCM
Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing
opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 43
entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications.
National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.6% interest in and is
the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information,
visit www.nationalcinemedia.com
or www.ncm.com
or www.FathomEvents.com.
About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Turner Classic Movies is a Peabody Award-winning network that presents
great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries
in the world. Currently seen in more than 86 million homes, TCM features
the insights of veteran primetime host Robert Osborne and weekend
daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of
special guests. As the foremost authority in classic films, TCM offers
critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, along with
regular programming events that include The Essentials, 31 Days of
Oscar and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also stages special
events and screenings, such as the TCM Classic Film Festival in
Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise; produces a wide range of media
about classic film, including books and DVDs; and hosts a wealth of
materials on its website, http://www.tcm.com.
TCM is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company.
NCM Fathom
Michelle Portillo, 303-792-8651
michelle.portillo@ncm.com
or
Scoop
Marketing for NCM Fathom
Erik Stein, 818-761-6100
estein@solters.com
Source: National CineMedia
News Provided by Acquire Media
