STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES on DVD and VHS November 12, 2002

Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers and fans around the globe will be able to experience the most recent chapter in the Star Wars saga with spectacular digital clarity when Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment releases STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES on DVD and VHS on November 12, 2002 (in North America).

"Episode II is the most visually spectacular of all the Star Wars movies" (Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune). As the first major live-action motion picture captured and created directly from the digital source and digitally mastered by THX, the Episode II DVD allows fans the chance to relive the adventure in the way Writer/Director George Lucas meant it to be seen, with spectacular digital clarity. Highlights include the climactic Clone War battle with over 200 Jedi fighting, the exhilarating Coruscant speeder chase and the 800-year-old Yoda wielding his lightsaber in the ultimate duel.

For fans of the original trilogy, Episode II is the key to unlocking many of the secrets of the saga. For those who are new to Star Wars, Episode II is the perfect place to begin their journey into this rich and exciting universe and build their Star Wars video collection with Episode I on DVD or VHS and the Original Trilogy on VHS. With more than 100 million copies sold worldwide to date, the Star Wars series is the #1 home entertainment franchise.

The Episode II 2-disc set is packed with over six hours of additional material, including feature-length commentary from George Lucas and the filmmakers, exclusive documentaries and eight never-before-seen scenes. The eagerly anticipated DVD release will carry a suggested retail price on DVD of US$29.98/C$41.98. The special edition VHS will include selected deleted scenes and a "Star Wars: Connections" featurette hosted by R2-D2 and C-3PO, who explain the Star Wars story to new fans. The special edition VHS will be priced at US$24.98/C$28.98. Consumers can begin ordering August 14.

STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES DVD
The DVD 2-disc set will be available in an Anamorphic Widescreen (Aspect Ratio 2.35:1) or Full Screen version. Both will contain:
Disc One:
* Commentary by Writer/Director George Lucas, Producer Rick McCallum, Sound Designer Ben Burtt, ILM Animation Director Rob Coleman, ILM Visual Effects Supervisors Pablo Helman, John Knoll and Ben Snow
* Captured and created directly from the digital source
* Sound: English Dolby 5.1 Surround EX Spanish Dolby 2.0 Surround French Dolby 2.0 Surround
* Subtitles: English
Disc Two:
* Eight deleted scenes created just for this release, each with introductions from George Lucas, Rick McCallum and Ben Burtt
* Witness the revolution in digital character animation in the all-new, full-length documentary "From Puppets to Pixels," featuring the creation of digital Yoda, Dexter Jettster and more
* Exclusive documentary, "State of the Art: The Previsualization of Episode II"
* Follow Ben Burtt and his team as they explain the process of creating the sound for Episode II in the all-new documentary "Films Are Not Released; They Escape"
* Three Featurettes explore Attack of the Clones' general storyline, action scenes and love story
* Comprehensive, award-winning, 12-part web documentary series
* "Across the Stars" music video featuring John Williams
* Theatrical teasers and launch trailer, and 12 TV spots
* Theatrical posters and print campaign from around the world
* "R2-D2: Beneath the Dome" mockumentary trailer
* Never-before-seen production photo gallery with special caption feature
* Episode II visual effects breakdown montage
* DVD-ROM weblink to exclusive Star Wars content

STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES SPECIAL EDITION VHS includes 6 deleted scenes and "Star Wars: Connections." Hosted by the endearing droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, this featurette explains the Star Wars story to new fans of the series.

STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES Synopsis
STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES is set ten years after the events of The Phantom Menace and the galaxy has undergone significant change, as have Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), and Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Anakin has grown into the accomplished Jedi apprentice of Obi-Wan, who himself has transitioned from student to teacher, while Padme is a distinguished Senator. Anakin and Obi-Wan are assigned to protect Padme, whose life is threatened by a faction of political separatists. As powerful forces prepare to collide in epic battle, Anakin and Padme find themselves torn between duty and honor and a love that is forbidden. These heroes face choices that will impact not only their own fates, but also the destiny of the galaxy.

    STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES
     Street Date:               NOVEMBER 12, 2002
     Pre-book Date:             October 9, 2002
     Suggested Retail Price:    VHS: $24.98 U.S./$28.98 Canada
                                DVD: $29.98 U.S./$41.98 Canada
     Running Time:              142 minutes
     Rating:                    PG