Company News: Page (1) of 1 - 11/03/09

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BENTONVILLE, Ark., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Families can cozy up for a new kind of movie night as the DVD release of the new holiday adventure Merry Madagascar from DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) hits the shelves of Walmart (NYSE: WMT) nationwide and exclusively Nov. 18, the day after the 30-minute animated Christmas special premieres on NBC. Walmart stores will also offer new Merry Madagascar licensed pajamas, slippers, socks, throw blankets and other holiday gifts starting this week.

The DVD event marks the first time the retailer has collaborated with a major movie studio and national TV company to create a holiday-specific campaign celebrating family time around a TV-movie night event. It is also the first time DreamWorks Animation is collaborating exclusively with a retailer on a TV property and new DVD.

"The creative team at DreamWorks Animation who brought the world of Madagascar to life on the big screen has produced an all-new holiday adventure for family audiences to enjoy at home this season and for many years to come," said Ann Daly, chief operation officer of DreamWorks Animation. "We are thrilled to unveil Merry Madagascar to TV audiences on NBC November 17 and to audiences across the country in Walmart stores the very next day."

Walmart will carry the standard DVD movie for $5 and a deluxe DVD version with additional content for $8. The retailer also has collaborated with DreamWorks Animation to create a family friendly holiday game and a few "sneak peaks" of the new story at www.Walmart.com/merrymadagascar. The site includes holiday and movie night recipes from co-sponsors Kraft and Kellogg's, and more links to online games.

"DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar continues to be a phenomenal entertainment property and this TV movie is a wonderful opportunity for Walmart to help families create memorable family moments in very affordable ways," said Greg Hall, vice president of media services, Walmart. "We are proud that our exclusive, kid-friendly products for Merry Madagascar offer customers another great value to enjoy this holiday season."

All Merry Madagascar Items, $9 and Under

Walmart's new Merry Madagascar-licensed products, in stores beginning this week, include:

-- New Merry Madagascar plush animals including Alex, the penguins, and other characters - $9 -- Merry Madagascar 3 Puzzles Pack - $7 -- Merry Madagascar Penguins Fishing Game - $7 -- Boys / girls and juniors socks - $3 -- Boys /girls juniors sleep sets and pajamas - $9 -- Boys / girls juniors slippers - $6 -- Infant and toddler pajamas - $6 -- Infant slippers and slipper socks - $3 -- Merry Madagascar throw blanket - $9 (select stores) -- Merry Madagascar party ware - $2 -- Merry Madagascar Chips Ahoy ($2.50), Easy Mac ($2.98) Rice Krispies Treat packs ($2) and more party items in Merry Madagascar store areas.

The DVD arrives in stores Nov. 18. Pre-orders for the Merry Madagascar DVD are available today at www.walmart.com/merrymadagascar.

About Merry Madagascar

Merry Madagascar begins when Santa and his sleigh unexpectedly crash-land on the island, giving the jolly gentleman a case of amnesia. So it falls to Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria - along with the ever-inventive Penguins - to deliver the presents and save Christmas. It doesn't hurt that Santa's Sleigh just might be able to make a little trip to New York City, so they can finally return to their beloved home. Also included is long-lasting North Pole/South Pole rivalry between the Penguins and Santa's reindeer, plus magic flying dust and a King Julien-based holiday called "Julienuary."

About Walmart

Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart stores, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $378 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com.

SOURCE Walmart; DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.

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