Special Edition VHS of Pinocchio to be released

Walt Disney's Immortal Masterpiece `Pinocchio' VHS 60th Anniversary Edition Available for a Limited Time Only

On Aug. 17, 1999, Buena Vista Home Entertainment proudly announced that the 60th Anniversary Edition of Disney's classic "Pinocchio" would be the first Disney Animated Masterpiece released in the DVD format.

Accompanying this momentous occasion, a new VHS edition of "Pinocchio," fully restored and THX(R)-certified, will be available "day and date" with the DVD version, on Oct. 26, 1999. A special "Making of Pinocchio" bonus section, available only on the VHS edition, provides a fascinating look at how Walt Disney and his team of artists created Walt's 2nd Animated Masterpiece.

Families everywhere can now "wish upon a star" and re-discover a true classic -- winner of two Academy(TM) Awards (a) and enshrined in the Library of Congress -- for a limited time only. Filled with unforgettable adventure, wondrous music and legendary characters, the 60th Anniversary VHS edition of "Pinocchio" is available at the collectible price of $26.99 (SRP).

The 60th Anniversary Edition of "Pinocchio" features a special "Making Of" program, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that brought Disney's 2nd Animated Masterpiece to life. This bonus footage includes rare production shots, early ideas for the film that Walt Disney conceptualized, and a look at the amazing group of artists who helped turn Walt's dreams into reality.

The images of Pinocchio, the little wooden doll who comes alive, and Geppetto, the kindly woodcarver who longs for a son, are so legendary that they have become part of the upbringing for generations of children. The lessons of responsibility and honesty that Pinocchio learns on his journey to become a "real boy" have captivated audiences worldwide.

The film introduced Jiminy Cricket, who would appear again on film and television and become indelibly linked with Disney lore. The Academy Award(TM)-winning score (Best Score, 1940), composed of favorite songs such as "I've Got No Strings" and the Academy Award(TM)-winning "When You Wish Upon a Star," (Best song, 1940) are as timeless as the film itself.

Walt Disney's personal touch and the achievements of Disney's "golden age" artists make "Pinocchio" a cinematic icon, regarded as one of Walt's finest masterpieces. The film was completely crafted by hand, from the million-plus pencil drawings through the beautiful background paintings, creating a fantasyland of delightful imagination.

Based on a fairy tale by Carlo Lorenzini (using the pen name Carlos Collodi), Disney's "Pinocchio" stands as the definitive version of the fairy tale. Geppetto, a lonely woodcarver, is granted a wish by the Blue Fairy, who brings Pinocchio, one of Geppetto's dolls, to life.

Led by his "conscience," Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio goes off to school and is involved in one adventure after another as he tries to become a real boy. The film's many memorable scenes include Pinocchio's learning not to lie (or his nose grows), Pinocchio's journey to the fantastic Pleasure Island, where wayward boys are lost forever, and Pinocchio's escape with Geppetto from the belly of the whale, Monstro.

"Pinocchio" has a running time of approximately 88 minutes and will be available in VHS and, for the first ever, in the DVD format, on Oct. 26.It was fully restored, digitally remastered in THX(R)-certified Hi-Fi Stereo sound, with closed captions for the hearing impaired. "Pinocchio" is rated "G" by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Walt Disney Home Video is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, the recognized industry leader for 11 consecutive years.

(a) Academy(TM) Award, Best Score, 1940, and Best Song "When You Wish Upon a Star," 1940.