| KNOWLEDGE
ADVENTURE ROARS ITS WAY INTO THE WORLD OF DINOSAURS WITH UNIVERSAL’S JURASSIC
PARK III Leading
Children’s Software Publisher to Develop CD-ROM Games Based on Upcoming Film
from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertaimment TORRANCE,
Calif., March 12, 2001 — Premier children’s software publisher, Knowledge
Adventure, today announced plans to develop and distribute interactive games
based on Universal Pictures’ and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic Park III, the
third installment in the studios most successful film franchise ever. Under
its worldwide licensing agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products
Group, Knowledge Adventure will ship two CD-ROM games in June and a third
software title this fall. The 3D action/adventure games will transport kids
players into the authentic world of Jurassic Park, featuring realistic
dinosaurs from the movie. Jurassic Park III is scheduled to be released in
theaters on July 18, 2001. "Jurassic
Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park are among the top 10 highest grossing
films of all time. We plan to translate that brand popularity into three
diverse interactive products that will extend the Jurassic Park fantasy. This
fall, we will also introduce an innovative tech toy that takes computer play
into the real world, creating an even bigger Jurassic Park game
experience," stated Leslie House, vice president, Knowledge Adventure. "We
are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Knowledge Adventure on
Jurassic Park, one of our most successful franchises," said Nancy
Cushing-Jones, president of publishing rights, Universal Studios Consumer
Products Group. "Knowledge Adventure’s creative and original outlook on
software publishing will bring the exciting world of Jurassic Park into homes
worldwide." About
The Franchise: The Jurassic Park franchise has already enjoyed more than $250
million in promotional support and $2.5 billion in worldwide consumer product
sales, establishing Jurassic Park as the "premier" and
"authentic" dinosaur brand the world over. About
The Film: Jurassic Park III continues the series begun with 1993’s Jurassic
Park and its 1997 sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park. This time, acclaimed
filmmaker Joe Johnston (October Sky, Jumanji) directs, with Kathleen Kennedy
and Larry Franco producing. Steven Spielberg serves as executive producer. The
strong cast includes Sam Neill, returning in the role of Dr. Alan Grant, which
he originated in Jurassic Park, William H. Macy (Fargo), Tea Leoni (The Family
Man), Alessandro Nivola (Love’s Labour Lost), Michael Jeter (The Green Mile)
and Trevor Morgan (The Patriot). The
screenplay was written by Peter Buchman, based on characters created by
Michael Crichton. Academy-Award® winner Stan Winston and the Oscar-winning
wizards at Industrial Light & Magic are once again responsible for
creating the visual effects, with new and even more astonishing dinosaurs in
store for audiences this summer. Knowledge
Adventure, a leader in kids interactive content, develops and publishes
top-selling PC and console-based multimedia software that lets children learn
and play. The company is internationally renowned for its market-leading
JumpStart Learning System and Blaster Learning Series, as well as its
portfolio of children’s entertainment licenses including Barbie, Fisher-Price
and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Knowledge Adventure is an indirect, wholly
owned subsidiary of Vivendi Universal Publishing. The company’s web site can
be found at www.KnowledgeAdventure.com. Vivendi
Universal Publishing is a world leader in mass-market multimedia
communications. A leading publisher of consumer PC and console-based
interactive content, the Company’s portfolio of educational and entertainment
software brands includes Blizzard Entertainment, Knowledge Adventure, Sierra
and Universal Interactive Studios. Interactive software is one of parent
company Vivendi Universal’s key content areas, along with Music, Movies and
other Publishing activities. Vivendi Universal aims to be the world’s
preferred creator and provider of personalized information, entertainment and
services to consumers everywhere, at any time, and across all distribution
platforms and devices. Universal
Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com),
a part of CANAL+, the TV and Film division of Vivendi Universal, a new global
leader in media and communications. A
note to parents: The Jurassic Park films are rated PG-13. Consult www.filmratings.com
for further information. Jurassic
Park III is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and Amblin
Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing, Inc. All rights
reserved. #
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