(30 July 2005 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Harpo Productions, King World and Paramount Home Entertainment have announced a deal to create and distribute an exclusive compilation of highlights and episodes from one of the most influential programmes of the past two decades with The Oprah Winfrey Show: 20th Anniversary DVD Collection.

In India The Oprah Winfrey Show airs on Star World. The channel earlier this year introduced a block Oprah Primetime on Sundays at 8:30 pm where celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Enrique Iglesias and the stars of Desperate Housewives loosened up in front of an audience.

As far as DVD is concerned the multiple disc DVD set, which will be distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment and debut for the 2005 holiday season, will pay tribute to the many moments that have made Oprah Winfrey one of the most respected and admired public figures today in the US. The DVD will feature highlights from two decades of Oprah- the laughter and tears, the best surprises, the wildest dreams, the stars, and all the unforgettable interviews with people who have touched our hearts over the years.

For the first time, Winfrey will revisit the most moving and memorable moments, from her earliest days of broadcasting until now, for this once-in-a-lifetime DVD Collection. She’ll share what she was thinking and how she felt at the time these magic moments happened. Plus, she’ll reveal bonus material that includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage at Harpo Studios.

Harpo’s proceeds from the sale of the DVD Collection will benefit Oprah’s Angel Network, a public charity established in 1998 to encourage people around the world to make a difference in the lives of others. To date, Oprah’s Angel Network has raised more than $30 million, 100-percent of which goes to nonprofit organizations that share the Angel Network mission.

Oprah Winfrey says, “Every show you'll see here holds such profound meaning for me. I appreciate every hour our viewers spent watching us grow forward and now, through this DVD Collection, I can give back to the world by using its proceeds and the next 20 seasons of my life for what I know is my true calling – to be of service to women, children and families in need around the world."

The Oprah Winfrey Show executive producer Ellen Rakieten stated, “We are proud to share a piece of our television history with our loyal viewers, who’ve defined our tremendous success over the years. We couldn't have done it without them.” King World CEO Roger King declared, “Oprah’s DVD will become an instant classic and a collector’s item. This is a great way to celebrate The Oprah Winfrey Show’s first 20 seasons and to share some of the television history it has made.”