Henninger Authors Dual-Layered DVD Release of "The Evil Dead" Special Collector's Edition.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 1999--

The Special Collector's Edition DVD version of horror cult favorite "The Evil Dead" is one of a select number of feature films to be released in a dual-layer format, according to its author, Henninger Interactive Media, the multimedia arm of Henninger Media Services Inc.

Directed by Oscar nominee Sam Raimi and available exclusively from Elite Entertainment, "The Evil Dead" employs Reverse Spiral Dual Layer (RSDL) DVD technology, commonly used only by the major film studios. RSDL uses two layers of a DVD disk to store information, moving from one layer to the other as required by space limitation.

In addition, "The Evil Dead -- Special Collector's Edition" features a new Dolby 2.0 stereo mix, Dolby Digital 5.1 remix and more than 150 still photos. There are also approximately 20 minutes of alternate takes and behind-the-scenes footage, and two audio commentary tracks, Track I with producer Robert Tapert and Raimi and Track 2 with Bruce Campbell, the movie's star. Campbell provides exclusive liner notes as well.

"Henninger has refined the use of dual-layer technology so that during `The Evil Dead -- Collector's Edition,' the viewer cannot spot the jump from one layer to the other," said Vini Bancalari, president of Elite Entertainment. "Even in the studio releases, the jump is often apparent to some degree while on our release, Henninger has made it invisible."

"We wanted to find a partner in the DVD business who we could feel comfortable with and whose primary concern was producing a quality product," Bancalari added. "It was very evident from the beginning of our partnership that Henninger is able to provide significant talent and experience in both graphic design, as well as technical capabilities, while offering us the kind of personalized service and support we couldn't find anywhere else."

"Henninger has done a splendid job with 'Evil Dead -- Collector's Edition,'" noted director Raimi. "The film looks fantastic on DVD and Henninger was completely 'in sync' with my wishes concerning the film's visual and aural presence."

According to David Newcomb, HIM's director of DVD services, the firm's innovative authoring achievement reflects the increasing popularity of the DVD-Video format. "We have seen a dramatic upsurge in DVD-Video activity and expect that market demand will compel movie studios to release even more titles. Content owners like Elite Entertainment are fueling this demand by increasing the total number of titles available," Newcomb explained.

"The consumer market is already very receptive to DVD technology and is demanding a wider selection of titles. We are one of the few production firms capable of providing high-quality, cost-effective DVD title conversion services. We are proud that Elite Entertainment has recognized our expertise."

In addition to consumer-oriented DVD-Video titles, HIM develops titles for the interactive multimedia presentation and corporate training marketplaces. For example, HIM produced a series of DVDs for The Campbell Group, based in Baltimore, for use by one of its clients, Intercontinental Hotels.

Since its formation last year, HIM has been in the forefront of DVD technology, producing such titles as "In the Grip of Evil," a double-platform disc distributed by Fox-Lorber and "A Merry War," distributed by DVD International. In addition, HIM has partnered with the National Library of Medicine on a series of consumer-oriented DVD titles.

The company has also launched an Internet-based resource for both consumers and businesses aimed at fostering greater recognition and awareness of the DVD industry. The Web site, www.dvdexperts.com, is dedicated to helping DVD producers and users understand the major marketing concepts behind DVD and assessing the wide variety of technology solutions that can be developed by using the DVD format.

Henninger Interactive Media can be reached at 888/560-3444, by fax at 703/243-5697 in Arlington or 615/321-5051 in Nashville, or via e-mail at [e-mail]. Complete information about Henninger Media Services and all its facilities can be obtained on the Internet at www.henninger.com or by writing the company at 2601 Wilson Blvd., Suite A, Arlington, Va.

With headquarters in Scarborough, Maine, Elite Entertainment Inc. was founded in 1994 to fill a need in the laser disc marketplace for classic films, particularly in the horror genre. Commencing with the "Night of the Living Dead," the company has released a succession of classic films on laser disc including "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street," among others. Elite has also released DVDs with some of their current catalog titles, as well as with new titles.

Founded in 1983, privately held Henninger Media Services is one of the nation's largest post-production companies with headquarters in Arlington and facilities in Washington, D.C., Nashville, Richmond, New York and Los Angeles.

In addition to its editing, graphics and audio capabilities, Henninger Media Services includes a film lab, nationwide editing equipment rental service and a program marketing and funding division. Well-known clients include Discovery Communications, PBS, National Geographic Television, The Martin Agency, Smithsonian Institute, Showtime Networks and Circuit City Stores.