Disney-Pixar's Blockbuster 'CARS' Roars into Stores for the Holidays
Year's #1 Animated Film a Huge Hit for Parents and Porsche - "Sally Carrera" is Among the Film's Favorite Characters, Especially Among Girls
BURBANK, Calif., and ATLANTA, Nov. 10 -- Holiday DVD viewing will be revved up with more horsepower this year, thanks to the release of the Disney-Pixar animated hit "CARS" which makes its DVD debut in stores this week.
Also making her holiday homecoming will be "Sally Carrera," the movie's leading lady that was modeled on Porsche's flagship sports car, the venerable 911. Sally Carrera is the only modern, production-based car with a leading role in this ground-breaking film.
CARS is a musically-charged, comedy-adventure box office favorite about a hotshot rookie race car who, with a fun cast of car-acters, goes on the ride of his life. CARS takes audiences of all ages on an incredible adventure that blends a heartfelt story, great music and breathtaking animation. Disney- Pixar's brilliant use of Sally Carrera as the "sassy blue Porsche" made her one of the most popular characters in the hit movie, and a top one with parents who saw Sally as a strong and positive role model.
CARS is one of the rare movies that can be enjoyed by the entire family, and gives parents, especially fathers, the ability to interact with children in a meaningful way.
"This incredible movie helped Porsche reach a much broader audience than any other product placement in our history, which is saying a lot considering how many Porsches have appeared on the silver screen," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Porsche Cars North America's President and CEO. "This is a softer image for Porsche."
Porsche's involvement in the film was not a case of corporate product placement. Rather, the model's attributes of high-performance, style, and sophistication, led the film's creators to cast Sally as a Porsche in the most technologically advanced animated film of its time.
The movie has given Porsche extensive exposure around the world, especially among women and children who might not otherwise be exposed to the Porsche brand. With more than 30 million people enjoying the film during its theatrical release, Porsche's involvement with the film has been a unique opportunity to reach a wide family audience that includes today's car lovers and tomorrow's aspiring ones.
"We've been thrilled to be a part of this wonderful Disney-Pixar adventure, and are excited that a whole new audience will be able to experience it as a DVD," adds Schwarzenbauer. "Beyond being a great movie for the whole family, this film also shares a common connection with Porsche, highlighting the pure pleasure of driving. Life truly is about the journey, not the finish line."
CARS' broad appeal at the box office can be attributed, in-part, to its rich blend of diverse characters. In fact, audience research has shown that adult movie-goers felt that Sally Carrera's presence is important as a strong, major female character in the film. Her positive relationship with the male lead of the film, Lightning McQueen, is also an important story point appreciated by the audience. Additional research indicated the character of "Sally Carrera" was particularly appealing to young audiences, especially young girls.
Loaded with a full tank of electrifying DVD bonus features, the highly anticipated CARS DVD debut includes an exclusive all new animated short "Mater and The Ghostlight," and Pixar's Academy Award(R)- nominated "One Man Band" (Best Animated Short 2005). Revving up and rounding out the CARS DVD bonus features is the fascinating behind-the-scenes "Inspiration for CARS," an exciting journey with director John Lasseter that explores how the story of CARS was born, as well as deleted scenes and a special sneak peek at the highly anticipated next Disney-Pixar feature RATATOUILLE.
Available in separate widescreen and fullscreen editions on November 7, 2006, CARS is priced at U.S. $29.99 (SRP) and Canada $36.99 (SRP) from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
About Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne(R) sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 213 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.
About Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.
Media Contacts: Tony Fouladpour Corporate Communications Manager Porsche Cars North America, Inc. 770-290-3667 tfouladpour@porschecars.com Rick Phillips Creaxion 404-495-4508 Rick@creaxion.comPhoto: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061110/CLF010
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