King Kong Comes to DVD March 28th

Packed with heart-pounding action, breathtaking visual effects and one of 2005's most acclaimed box-office blockbusters, King Kong, this year's most highly anticipated DVD, arrives in stores March 28, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Three-time Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson, director of the landmark "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, sets a new standard for unforgettable suspense filled with nail-biting danger, high emotion and amazing creatures beyond imagination including the legendary beast as never before seen.

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 (21 Grams), Jack Black (School of Rock), Oscar® winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist), Colin Hanks (Orange County), and Andy Serkis (the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy). 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, been honored on countless "Best Movie" lists, and is nominated for four Academy Awards®, including Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. A must-see and must-have action adventure epic for movie lovers of all ages, King Kong marks a quantum leap in thrilling home entertainment.

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.

KING KONG CAPTURES CRITICAL KUDOS

King Kong's dazzling visual effects, exhilarating action and commanding performances enthralled major movie critics across the country. Of the film, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone says, "Here is the jaw-dropping, eye-popping, heart-stopping movie epic we've been waiting for all year." Lou Lumenick of the New York Post states, "Prepare to be blown away" while Devin Gordon of Newsweek exclaims, "Thrilling! Epic!"

"'King Kong' rules over all others. As big, breathlessly exciting and relentlessly thrilling as any epic adventure the screen has seen in many years!" pronounces Pete Hammond of Maxim. Scott Manz of "Access Hollywood" labels King Kong "A rip-roaring, rousing, exciting cinematic adventure!" while Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times calls the film "Four stars. 'King Kong' is magnificent entertainment" and "One of the year's best films!"

BEHIND THE SCENES OF A BREATHTAKING BLOCKBUSTER

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.

Synopsis

Academy Award®-winning director Peter Jackson ("The Lord of the Rings Trilogy") brings his sweeping cinematic vision to King Kong. Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody and Jack Black star in this spectacular film filled with heart-pounding action, terrifying creatures and groundbreaking special effects unlike anything you've seen before! Get ready for breathtaking action in this thrilling epic adventure about a legendary gorilla captured on a treacherous island and brought to civilization, where he faces the ultimate fight for survival. Experience the movie that critics are hailing as a "rousing, exciting cinematic adventure!" (Scott Mantz, "Access Hollywood")

CAST & FILMMAKERS

Director: Peter Jackson

Written By: Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson

Based on a Story by: Merian C. Cooper, Edgar Wallace

Produced By: Jan Blenkin, Carolynne Cunningham, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson

Co-Producer: Philippa Boyens

Director of Photography: Andrew Lesnie, ACS, ASC

Production Designer: Grant Major

Film Editors: Jamie Selkirk, ACE with Jabez Olssen

Costume Designer: Terry Ryan

Music By: James Newton Howard

Cast: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Colin