Bookworm Wednesdays Are Back; National Amusements Launches 2000 Summer Reading Program.

Business Editors

DEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2000

National Amusements, Inc., owner and operator of Showcase Cinemas and Multiplex Cinemas, launches second annual "Bookworm Wednesdays," the exciting summer reading program developed to encourage children to read during the summer months. The six-week reading program entitles elementary school children free admission to a select children's film every Wednesday when they present a book report at participating National Amusements' theatre box offices. Parents and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report.

"Bookworm Wednesdays" will run every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., from June 28 through August 2, 2000 in select markets including, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Virginia. The six-week movie schedule includes: El Dorado, Pokemon, Iron Giant, Elmo in Grouchland, Muppets from Space, and Stuart Little.

"We are thrilled to bring Bookworm Wednesdays back to our theatres this summer," said Shari E. Redstone, president of National Amusements. "National Amusements has made it a long running tradition to give back to the communities where we do business. We are very proud of the success of last year's 'Bookworm Wednesdays' program and know we are making a difference in the lives of local children and their families."

Each week one child per market will win movie passes for their entire homeroom class (including their teacher, of course!). In addition, Bookworm participants will receive appropriate children's books provided by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Van Melle's AirHeads chewy taffy candies, and Nickelodeon Magazine. All participants are automatically entered to win a year of movie passes for two and a one-year subscription to Nickelodeon Magazine.

National Amusements, Inc., a family-owned corporation based in Dedham, Massachusetts, owns and operates 1,350 motion picture screens in the United States, United Kingdom, and Latin America under the names of Showcase and Multiplex Cinemas. The Fortune 500 entertainment giant is the parent company of Viacom, Inc., which includes Paramount Communications, MTV Networks, Simon & Schuster, Nickelodeon, Blockbuster Video and other major entertainment properties.

BOOKWORM WEDNESDAYS 2000 Movie Schedule

June 28     Pokemon: The First Movie
July 5      ELMO in Grouchland
July 12     Muppets From Space
July 19     Stuart Little
July 26     Iron Giant
August 2    The Road to El Dorado

For more information and participating theatres please visit our web site at www.national-amusements.com.