8/6/2009

CHARITY EXTRAVAGANZA SEPTEMBER 24 AT TAVERN ON THE GREEN INTRODUCES WARNER HOME VIDEO’S NEW BLU-RAY ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION AND AUCTION OF WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS’ RENOWNED RUBY SLIPPER COLLECTION

Grammy Award-Winning Artist Ashanti and Judy Garland’s Daughter Lorna Luft to Perform at the Emerald Gala

BURBANK, Calif.—From Beverly Hills to Berlin; from Miami to Melbourne; from big screens to home screens, Warner Bros. Entertainment has for the past year been celebrating the 70th anniversary of an iconic American classic The Wizard of Oz with a slate of spectacular festivities spanning the globe. On September 24, the celebration culminates in New York City with several sparkling events.

The festivities begin on Thursday, September 24 with the Emerald Gala, a glorious event at Manhattan’s historic Tavern on the Green, hosted by Tavern owner and CEO Jennifer Oz LeRoy, granddaughter of The Wizard of Oz producer Mervyn LeRoy. The entire restaurant and surrounding grounds will transform for a night into the Emerald City, replete with a gleaming, winding Yellow Brick Road, New York City notables and musical performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Ashanti and Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland.

The Emerald Gala will herald Warner Home Video’s September 29 release of The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Editions and will mark the culmination of more than two years of work to create the new state-of-the art restoration for this special Blu-ray and DVD release. The newly restored edition looks more colorful than ever, packed with treasured collectibles and brand-new bonus content. A special sneak-peek of the spectacular new gift sets will also be on display during the Gala.

Also present at the Emerald Gala will be one final exhibition of Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ renowned Ruby Slipper Collection, which consists of 20 noted designers’ modern interpretations of Dorothy’s classic Ruby Slippers,. Since its debut one year ago in New York City to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, The Collection has since toured more than 20 prestigious destinations around the world, including Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai, Melbourne, and many more. The Ruby Slipper Collection, original design sketches, as well as select pieces from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection will be auctioned to benefit long-term philanthropic partner, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The auction will be conducted online beginning September 10 at rubyslipperauction.com. Bidders from more than 185 countries will be able to participate with final bids closing and tabulated on the evening of September 24.

"This anniversary year has been a wonderful celebration befitting of an American classic like The Wizard of Oz," said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Warner Bros. Consumer Products is thrilled to bring The Ruby Slipper Collection across the country, culminating with what will be a truly memorable charity auction event."

“Warner Home Video is proud to be part of the year-long celebration of this cinematic treasure. We’re also delighted to be bringing it into the digital age with these new painstakingly remastered Blu-ray and DVD editions, which make its endearing characters and unforgettable songs come alive as never before,” said Jeff Baker, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, Warner Home Video.

“The Wizard of Oz is known as the most beloved, classic and timeless film worldwide. To me it is that and so much more. My grandfather declared I would be forever tied to it by giving me Oz as my middle name, and the movie has been integrated into family celebrations all my life. For Tavern on the Green to play a role in its 70th anniversary is not only an exciting honor, but the partnership between Warner Bros. and Tavern in this salute seems almost fated – my great grandfather, Harry Warner, was also one of the original Warner Bros.,” added Jennifer Oz LeRoy, CEO of Tavern on the Green.

“As we celebrate our own milestone—20 years of leading the fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS—we are honored that Warner Bros. has included us as the philanthropic partner of its year-long anniversary celebration. The proceeds from the online Ruby Slipper Auction will help us continue to build a future of hope for children and families across the world, and to create a generation free of HIV," said Pamela Barnes, President and CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

The week in New York City will also include appearances by the grand The Wizard of Oz Hot Air Balloon in various locations in the Big Apple. The seven-and-a-half story, stunningly decorated Wizard of Oz Hot Air Balloon will be concluding the final leg of its nationwide tour, delighting viewers and passersby around New York environs.

On Saturday, September 26, Warner Bros. Entertainment will continue celebrating The Wizard Oz with the star-studded, exclusive screening at Alice Tully Hall as part of this year’s New York Film Festival, which is produced by the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

The 70th anniversary celebration of The Wizard of Oz will culminate with Warner Home Video’s much anticipated September 29 release of the Ultimate Collector’s Editions on Blu-ray for the first time ever and standard definition DVD for generations of Oz fans across the globe to enjoy.

Visit www.thewizardofoz.com, the official site for all Oz-related events and products.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved and iconic motion pictures of all time filled with timeless sentiments and values cherished by multiple generations. Originally released in 1939, more than one billion consumers have experienced the classic story of Dorothy and friends in the Land of Oz.

Warner Home Video
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide.

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THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.
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