``The Iron Giant'' Lands On Capitol Hill; Movie Hero Joins Forces With Advocates and Legislators in Support of Quality Family Entertainment.

WASHINGTON--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Nov. 4, 1999--

On the grounds of the U.S. Capitol today, Warner Bros.' action hero, The Iron Giant, was joined by children's advocates, Members of Congress, students from WVSA Arts Connection, and Brad Bird, director of "The Iron Giant," in support of quality family entertainment.

"'The Iron Giant' marks a giant step forward in the production by a major studio of a nifty film for kids and families," said Peggy Charren, founder of Action for Children's Television and longtime children's advocate. "Parents, teachers and everyone who cares about young audiences should make sure that children everywhere over seven get a chance to see this classic film."

Several Members of Congress joined Charren and the Iron Giant including Congressman Edward Markey -- former chair of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications, (D-MA); Congressman Mark Foley, Chairman of the House Entertainment Industry Caucus (R-FL); Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA); and others. Later in the day, House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert took time out to meet with the Iron Giant and children for a photo op and video delivery.

"Warner Bros.' 'The Iron Giant' demonstrates that Hollywood's capacity for great children's cinema is still immense," said U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, author of the Children's Television Act.

Several children's advocacy groups were in attendance to support Charren's efforts and to reinforce the positive messages the movie offers. Participants included The American Psychological Association, The Coalition for Quality Children's Media and KIDSNET.

"A movie like `The Iron Giant' comes around once in a lifetime," said Warren Lieberfarb, President, Warner Home Video. "We are proud to be a part of this important event and are committed to continue bringing quality children's movies to families everywhere."

"'The Iron Giant' is one of those really good family films that manages to teach important values as part of an exciting story that kids love," said U.S. Rep. Howard Berman. "We need a lot more films like it."

Following the event, each member of Congress received a special delivery of "The Iron Giant" on video and was urged to pass it along to a homeless shelter, a children's hospital, or other children's care facility in their district.

Warner Bros. released "The Iron Giant" in theaters across America this summer. "The Iron Giant" has been universally acclaimed not only for its superior animation but also for its positive role models and messages of individuality.

The film received an unprecedented 15 nominations for Annie Animation Awards and the coveted "All Star" rating from the Coalition for Quality Children's Media and already has been voted into the top ten children's video list by magazines such as Working Woman, Family Life and Child.

Dubbed "The Iron E.T. of the 90's" by the Wall Street Journal, "The Iron Giant" tells the heartwarming story of a young boy and a 50-foot robot as they discover the power of friendship and learn rewarding lessons in this hugely engaging, animated adventure film.

When a mysterious object hurls to earth near his small hometown, nine-year-old Hogarth Hughes investigates and finds himself befriended by a gigantic, gentle robot. With its timeless message, multi-generational appeal and rich, yet simple story line, this movie is a "classic right out of the box."

Warner Home Video will also announce plans to roll out a series of screenings in more than 40 markets nationwide. Each audience member will participate in an informal question and answer session following the screening in several of the markets hosted by one of the various advocacy groups nationwide that support quality family entertainment such as "The Iron Giant."

The film features an all-star vocal cast including Jennifer Aniston ("Friends"), Harry Connick, Jr. ("Hope Floats"), and Vin Diesel ("Saving Private Ryan") as the Iron Giant. The video release will hit shelves on VHS and DVD on Nov. 23 ($22.95 for VHS and $24.98 for DVD).