You Wont Believe This!

If you had any doubts about upcoming Wing Commander products, this one will blow you away. I'll let the press release (off Internet Wire) explain. Thanks to ATFW.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 04/14/99 -- Showscan Entertainment Inc. (OTC BB: SHOW) Wednesday announced plans to produce two new simulation thrill ride films, "Wing Commander" and "Street Fighter II - The Ride."

These productions are the first in history to fully utilize convergent media that crosses a variety of entertainment forms including video games, theatrical films and now simulation adventures.

"Consumers want to 'live' through movies and games. By making simulation thrill ride films based on recognizable brand name games and theatrical films, Showscan is leading the way in bringing together all of the critical, exciting and visual elements of entertainment today," said Dennis Pope, president and chief executive officer of Showscan.

"With the addition of these two titles, the thrill-seeking public will not only be able to play the game and see the movie, they will be able to experience the excitement firsthand. In essence, we are providing consumers with the interactive experiences they desire."

Pope added: "These new rides will add real brand name power to the Showscan library. They are key elements in the continuing development and implementation of our core business strategy to raise the bar of quality and excitement, to set new standards in simulation attractions and to create the largest and best simulation film library in the world."

In the first of the two productions, Showscan has formed Wing Commander Simulation Co., a partnership with executive producers George Wade and Alan Cole Ford to acquire the ride film rights to "Wing Commander." Based on the hit computer game series and the Digital Anvil/No Prisoners film of the same title released earlier this year by 20th Century Fox, the ride will take audiences into futuristic outer space combat.

"Wing Commander" has sold more than 9 million CD Rom games worldwide and is one of the top franchises in the computer game genre. Cole Ford said, "We believe this will add a whole new dimension to the Wing Commander franchise extending it far beyond its core game playing audience."

Digital Anvil's chief executive officer, Chris Roberts, who directed the "Wing Commander" feature film and created the game, said: "The Showscan ride is yet another evolutionary step for `Wing Commander.' We are thrilled about the opportunity to truly put audiences in the front seat of `Wing Commander''s spectacular action."

The partnership is currently in negotiations with several top effects and CGI companies in the film industry to round out the "Wing Commander" production team. Showscan, which will serve as producer and distributor of the ride, expects to release "Wing Commander" in January 2000.