Imagination for a Lifetime -- Disney Titles All the Time; Walt Disney Home Video Debuts the ``Gold Classic Collection''; An Animated Masterpiece Every Month in 2000.

Entertainment Editors & Video Writers

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2000

Debuts January With "Toy Story"

Debuting in January, Walt Disney Home Video launches the "Gold Classic Collection," a year-long video release event showcasing select titles that have inspired wonder and imagination for generations.

The "Gold Classic Collection" will have new reduced prices, and include previously unreleased, special edition and moratorium titles. Every month in 2000 will feature one to five new titles which will remain on sale, beginning with the Jan. 11 release of the "Toy Story" "Gold Classic Collection" edition (S.R.P. $22.99).

All titles will be available on VHS and DVD day-and-date (with the exception of "Toy Story") and include favorites such as "The Aristocats," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Pocahontas," "Mulan," "Hercules," "Pinocchio" and many others.

To kick off this year-long event, Disney is mounting an extensive year-long advertising campaign that will showcase both the "Gold Classic Collection" and each individual title. The campaign breaks with a "Gold Classic Collection" calendar that outlines the titles to be released and their respective availability dates.

The calendar will first appear in the Jan. 8 issue of Parade magazine, which will reach more than 40 million consumers. Themed "Imagination for a Lifetime," the campaign focuses on the elements of each film that have made them classics for generations past, present and future.

Most titles of the "Gold Classics Collection" will be available in VHS and DVD special editions that include shared and unique special features. The "Gold Classics Collection" also will take full advantage of the digital technology to bring fun, innovative and interactive family activities to consumers. Foreign language supplemental tracks will be included on all DVD titles.

Each of the DVDs will feature prominent, full-color character artwork screened directly onto the top of the discs to assist even the youngest viewers in using them correctly with the "picture side up."

Chapter stops will allow viewers to go directly to the scenes they enjoy most, without winding or rewinding delays. The VHS editions will feature brand new, original "Gold Classic Collection" packaging and box artwork.

Walt Disney Home Video's "Gold Classic Collection" program will allow consumers access to the currently unavailable titles that they want for their home entertainment library. The amazing fantasy world of "Toy Story," the thrilling adventure of "Pocahontas," the wonderful romance of the "Aristocats," the soaring majesty of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and many other unforgettable Disney classics will soon come back for good on VHS and DVD for fans everywhere.

Walt Disney Home Video pioneered the "sell-through" video market with the initial release of "Pinocchio" on VHS, in 1985. For the year 2000, the "Gold Classic Collection" represents the latest innovation from the home entertainment leader.

Walt Disney Home Video is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment Inc., the recognized industry leader for 12 consecutive years.

 2000 "Gold Classic Collection" Release Schedule

 Toy Story 1/11/00
 Mulan 2/1/00
 Pinocchio 3/7/00
 The Aristocats 4/4/00
 Fox and the Hound 5/2/00
 3 Caballeros 5/2/00
 Saludos Amigos 5/2/00
 A Bug's Life 5/2/00
 Make Mine Music 6/6/00
 Melody Time 6/6/00
 Fun and Fancy Free 6/20/00
 A Goofy Movie 6/20/00
 Pocahontas 7/4/00
 Alice in Wonderland 7/4/00
 Mary Poppins 7/4/00
 The Rescuers Down Under 7/18/00
 Robin Hood 7/18/00
 Hercules 8/1/00
 Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World 9/5/00
 Ichabod & Mr. Toad 10/3/00
 The Black Cauldron 10/3/00
 The Sword in the Stone 11/7/00
 Oliver and Company 11/7/00
 Bedknobs and Broomsticks 11/7/00
 Pete's Dragon 11/7/00
 Hunchback of Notre Dame 12/5/00

Note to editors: Release Dates Subject To Change