Dinosaurs Come to Life in Hollywood as the El Capitan Theatre Unveils New Digitally Projected Disney Film and a Unique ``Dinosaur Experience''.

Entertainment Editors

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--May 18, 2000

From May 19-July 4, following each showing of Walt Disney Pictures' live-action/computer-animated visual effects spectacle, "Dinosaur," Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood will offer moviegoers a close encounter with dinosaurs at "The Dinosaur Experience," it was announced today by Richard Cook. Located next to the theatre at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, "The Dinosaur Experience," featuring three floors of visual delights, interactive games, elaborate displays and a variety of life-size audio-animatronic dinosaurs, is included in the admission price. Tickets for the El Capitan's special engagement of "Dinosaur" can be purchased at the box office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), by calling 1-800-DISNEY-6, or online at www.elcapitantickets.com. For groups of 20 or more, call [phone].

Among "The Dinosaur Experience's" highlights are 15 fully animatronic dinosaurs, including a 28-foot Apatosaurus, that are electronically programmed for realistic movement using pneumatic systems. Visitors can also learn about dinosaurs and gain insights into the making of this extraordinary film at various locations throughout the building.

Commenting on the announcement, Cook said, "Seeing `Dinosaur' digitally projected at the El Capitan and visiting `The Dinosaur Experience' adds up to a great entertainment package for moviegoers. This great film inspired us to come up with an added adventure that captured the sense of discovery and excitement. `The Dinosaur Experience' does all that and helps to create a complete environment for fun and education. We believe moviegoers of all ages are going to enjoy this special engagement at the El Capitan."

Upon entering "The Dinosaur Experience," visitors will step back in time to wander through the "Nesting Grounds," complete with a variety of dinosaurs and their offspring (Parasaurolophus, Stegasaurus and Apatosaurus). The next stop, "The Art of Survival," spotlights the world of dinosaurs and their struggle to survive harsh prehistoric times is explored. At the "Paleontology Pavilion," guests can see dinosaur skull replicas on loan from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. This area also provides a chance to touch a fossilized Hadrosaur thighbone and hear a dinosaur roar (recreated from DNA information). The "Lemur Island" play area is filled with numerous activities including Disney Interactive's newest games on PC, PlayStation and Gameboy Color. Additionally, guests can visit "Behind the Scenes of `Dinosaur'" and discover the innovative techniques used to make the film. They can also create their own sound and sound effects on real mixing machines and learn how voices and animation come together.

Joining the ranks of Hollywood's all-time greatest and most impressive visual effects spectacles, Walt Disney Pictures' "Dinosaur" immerses moviegoers in a photorealistic world of wonders with its blend of digitally enhanced live-action photography, special effects wizardry and computer-animated characters. Set 65 million years ago during the late Cretaceous Period, the film follows the adventures of an Iguanodon named Aladar, who is separated from his own species as a hatchling and raised on an island paradise by a clan of Lemurs. When a devastating meteor shower plunges their world into chaos, Aladar and several members of his Lemur family escape to the mainland and join a group of migrating dinosaurs desperately searching for a safe new nesting ground. With water and food in short supply and bloodthirsty predators posing an ever-present danger, the herd faces many life-threatening obstacles during the course of their treacherous trek. Aladar's innovative thinking and compassion for the "misfit" members of the herd brings him into conflict with Kron, the rigid and stone-hearted leader of the group, and his loyal lieutenant Bruton. Winning support from Kron's sister, Neera, Aladar reluctantly challenges the "traditional ways" and shows how being adaptable and working together is the best path for survival.