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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE) via NewsEdge Corporation -- 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.
In the second production, Showscan and Capriccioso Inc. have concluded a
worldwide agreement that will add "Street Fighter II - The Ride" to Showscan's
library of "Ultimate Thrill Rides." Based on the popular Capcom game "Street
Fighter II," the new simulation ride takes audiences on a computer-generated
adventure to combat the various characters from the action-packed arcade game.
Kazuhisa Saito, president of Capriccioso, said: "We are very excited to
introduce, with Showscan, the first ride film ever based on an arcade video
game. We hope that fans of ride films everywhere thoroughly enjoy our
presentation." "Street Fighter II - The Ride," which is in post-production, is
scheduled for release this June.
Showscan Entertainment is an international leader in the production and
exhibition of exciting movie-based entertainment attractions shown in
large-screen, special format theaters worldwide. Showscan's simulation
attractions and specialty theaters are open or under construction in 24
countries around the world, located in theme parks, motion picture multiplexes,
expos, world's fairs, resorts, shopping centers, casinos, museums and other
tourist destinations. For more information, visit Showscan on the Internet at
www.showscan.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements made in
this release constitute forward-looking statements that involve certain risks
and uncertainties. Certain factors may cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in the forward looking statements, including
the number of timing or sales of Showscan attractions, the development and
acceptance of new products, the impact of competition on the company's products
and pricing, the company's ability to locate, finance and operate theaters for
the company's account, and the other risks detailed from time to time in the
Company's reports on file at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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