National Geographic Explores Ancient Myths and Unsolved Mysteries That Inspired Upcoming Hollywood Movie 'Troy'.

Entertainment Editors/Education Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 2004

Companion DVD to Blockbuster Film Available at Retail April 27 And Available for Pre-Order Now; $6.50 Movie Coupon Packaged with DVD for Limited Promotion

In anticipation of the blockbuster film set for release in May 2004, National Geographic takes an inside look at the ancient myths and unsolved mysteries that inspired the movie "Troy" in the new DVD "National Geographic Beyond the Movie: Troy." Through dramatic recreations, interviews and expert analysis, the film traces the legend of Troy to the people, places and events behind what has been called the greatest love story ever told and the most sweeping war epic in history.

Available for pre-order immediately and at retailers April 27 for $24.98 SRP, the DVD includes a special movie cash offer redeemable for $6.50 off admission to the feature film opening May 14 at theaters nationwide. Consumers can buy the DVD at most retailers where videos are sold, or order the film in DVD or VHS directly by calling 800-627-5162 or buying it online at nationalgeographic.com. "Beyond the Movie: Troy" premieres on the National Geographic Channel Friday, May 7, at 9 p.m. ET.

Was there a great Trojan War? Was it a battle over love or commerce, and what ultimately destroyed this once great city? Some questions have already been answered, but even more have yet to be resolved. One thing is for sure: The story Homer told thousands of years ago appears to be based upon more than a poet's imagination.

Comparing fact to fiction, the film reveals a complex story of ancient stones, masked skeletons and stolen gold, perhaps even more fantastic than Homer's original tale.

The journey begins with eccentric businessman Heinrich Schliemann, who would later be heralded as the father of archaeology. Obsessed with proving the veracity behind Homer's epic poems, Schliemann traveled from northwestern Turkey to Greece in pursuit of the lost cities of Mycenae and Troy. In the process, he discovered much more, including treasures dating a thousand years before the time of the reputed Trojan War -- treasures that would later become the subject of intrigue and the source of conflict among various counties laying claim to them.

But while Schliemann was able to uncover some remarkable finds, it was not until a century later that teams from the University of Tubingen and the University of Cincinnati unearthed information revealing the true size and scope of the ancient city of Troy.

Filled with fascinating insight by contemporary historians, the DVD includes a supplemental feature, "Recreating Troy: Behind the Scenes with National Geographic," which provides a look at the access, locations and recreations that bring ancient Troy to life.

"Beyond the Movie" is an innovative television documentary series from National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F), created to help audiences explore the most compelling real-life questions inspired by today's feature films. "Beyond the Movie" draws upon the vast resources of the National Geographic Society to offer greater insight into history, science and natural events for those who love movies and want to know more about the real stories that inspire them. "Beyond the Movie" is a registered trademark of New Line Productions Inc. and is used under license.

National Geographic Home Video and DVD titles are distributed by Warner Home Video (WHV), a Time Warner Company, operating in 57 countries including the United States and Canada. WHV is one of the world's leading suppliers of pre-recorded videocassettes and videodiscs and is a market leader in family entertainment.