Walt Disney Studios, AOL form exclusive content partnership for movie

Walt Disney Studios, AOL form exclusive content partnership for movie

MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Studios and AOL have entered an exclusive content partnership through which AOL web sites, such as Moviefone.com, will offer people a first look at photos, artwork, behind-the-scenes video and extended footage from Walt Disney Pictures'/Walden Media's The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

The movie is scheduled to release on 9 December 2005 and is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the holiday season.

In addition to Moviefone.com, features about the film will be promoted across the AOL network including the AOL Welcome Screen, AOL.com, AOL Music, AOL Television, AOL CityGuide and Red for Teens.

The online destination, The World of Narnia -- available at http://www.moviefone.com/Narnia -- launches the world-exclusive debut of the new theatrical trailer today. Currently, The World of Narnia also offers a video vault of all Narnia video-to-date, photo galleries, and an interactive map. In the coming weeks, fans will also find the exclusive premiere of more behind-the-scenes video features, extended footage from the movie, an extensive production gallery, interactive character guides and much more.

Buena Vista Pictures Marketing president Oren Aviv said, "We're very excited to be partnering with AOL on The World of Narnia and believe that this is a great way to provide entertaining and unique content for moviegoers. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, is shaping up to be an extraordinary motion picture. This online destination will provide great content and frequent updates about the film. Andrew Adamson, who did such a great job directing the Shrek films, has created a brilliant and faithful big screen adaptation of the CS Lewis book, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe."

"Audience anticipation for The Chronicles of Narnia is already enormous and it will only grow as we lead up to 9 December. We're thrilled to partner with Disney on The World of Narnia in our continuing effort to create immersive, original programming for the largest audience of movie fans online," said AOL Programming vice president Erik Flannigan.

Additionally, AOL will distribute The Chronicles of Narnia - themed America Online CD-ROMs via direct mail. The discs, co-branded with Narnia art, will contain free content that consumers can access including games, videos, desktop wallpaper and buddy icons.