Ash, Pikachu and the Entire Pokemon Universe Return for a Spectacular, All-new Adventure in Kids WB! Presents ``Pokemon the Movie 2000,'' Opening July 21.

Entertainment Editors

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 2, 2000

Film Debuts Six New Pokemon; Four All-New Pokemon Trading Card

Game Cards From Wizards of the Coast To Accompany Release

Building on the record-breaking opening of "Pokemon the First Movie," Warner Bros. Pictures is gearing up for the July 21 release of the latest animated adventure from the Pokemon universe, Kids WB! Presents "Pokemon the Movie 2000."

The announcement was made today by Brad A. Ball, President of Domestic Theatrical Marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures.

The sequel to last fall's hit movie is an exciting adventure about a terrible force that arrives on earth and throws the Pokemon universe horribly out of balance. The only one who stands a chance of stopping it before all Pokemon are annihilated is young trainer Ash Ketchum ... but it will take all his courage and strength to become the hero he was destined to be.

In "Pokemon the Movie 2000," Ash sets out to prove that one person can make all the difference when he embarks on the greatest Pokemon adventure yet ... saving the world.

"Pokemon the Movie 2000" will see the debut of six new Pokemon, including Lugia, a legendary Pokemon that plays a key role in helping Ash restore balance to the world.

Warner Bros. is once again collaborating with Nintendo of America, who controls the Pokemon franchise, which it acquired from the original creators in Japan, in all territories outside of Asia, and 4Kids Entertainment, whose production company handles the adaptation of the original Japanese release.

"Releasing `Pokemon the Movie 2000' this summer is an exciting prospect for all of us," Ball said. "All the Pokemon, from Pikachu to Meowth, have become embedded in the American vernacular and the phenomenon continues to grow across the world. We are equally delighted with the values that continue to be emphasized in the Pokemon films -- those of friendship, loyalty and doing what's right.

"We hope this film in particular will encourage all kids to try to make a difference."

Wizards of the Coast Inc., the publishers of the popular Pokemon Trading Card Game, is partnering with Warner Bros. to help celebrate the film's release. The company will create all-new special edition trading card game cards, which will be playable with the trading card game, to be handed out to moviegoers with the price of admission, as long as supplies last.

Ball continued: "The first movie made a tremendous impact on our business, adding new dimensions to the overall Pokemon phenomenon and literally changing the landscape of family entertainment marketing and promotional possibilities. We are happy to continue to be in business with Nintendo and Wizards of the Coast, which supported the first film with tremendous creativity and commitment, and hope to soon announce major promotions with partners from the fast food, packaged goods and retail industries."

Kids WB! Presents a 4Kids Entertainment Production "Pokemon the Movie 2000," produced by Norman J. Grossfeld, President of 4Kids Productions. Grossfeld and Michael Haigney adapted the film from its original Japanese production. The American director is Michael Haigney, along with Japanese director Kunihiko Yuyama. The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, a Time Warner Entertainment Company.

Note to Editors: Pokemon is a trademark of Nintendo. WIZARDS OF THE COAST is a registered trademark of Wizards of the Coast, Inc.