LEGO Batman: The Videogame Launched
BURBANK, California –(BW)– LEGO Batman: The Videogame, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and developed by TT Games, ships to retail stores nationwide today on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation2, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Wii, Nintendo DS and Windows PC. (Full Story)

Crave Entertainment Ships Award-Winning Defendin’ De Penguin
Crave Entertainment has released Defendin’ De Penguin, the first real time strategy game designed primarily for kids twelve and under, for the Wii and Nintendo DS systems. Help Little Blue fend off hungry creatures eager to steal Penguin Town’s fish supply. Using the perfect combination of tower utilization, defensive placement, timing and strategy, Little Blue will save the day.
       Defendin’ De Penguin was named "Best E3 Wii Game Runner-Up" by 1UP Network. IGN commented, "For the audience it’s intended for-the young gamer who’s never played any strategic game at all before-this could be a great first step into the concepts of the genre." GameZone said, "As the truly first real-time strategy game that is geared towards kids 12 and under, Defendin’ De Penguin will have kids wanting to save the little fur ball from danger." (Full Story)

Become the Next Legend! NHL 09 Shipped to Stores
Award Winning Franchise Continues to Raise the Bar in Gameplay and Online Gaming
       (BW) Electronic Arts announced that NHL 09 has shipped to retailers worldwide on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft. Last year’s winner of seven ‘Sports Videogame of the Year’ awards, the EA Sports NHL franchise continues to lead the charge with a new Be A Pro mode, a revolutionary online1 experience and innovative control additions, while continuing to deliver an unrivaled level of authenticity of the sport. (Full Story)

NFL Great Sets Guinness World Record in Madden
NEW YORK, New York (BHI) — With drives rivaled only by his avatar, former Madden NFL cover boy Daunte Culpepper persevered and established a new Guinness World Record for "Highest Score in the Two-Minute Drill on Madden NFL 2002" with a staggering 14,500 points. Playing the same game that featured him on the cover, Culpepper played as himself with the Minnesota Vikings and made some serious connections to then-teammate Randy Moss. He earned the record at EA’s 20th Anniversary Premiere Party for Madden NFL 09, and if unbeaten, will be included in the Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition 2009, scheduled for release next February. (Full Story) 

Bon Jovi to Give Free Concert for MLB All-Star Summer
Concert Joins a Series of All-Star Game Events in New York City Open to the Public
       (NYC) Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Jon Bon Jovi, Major League Baseball Executive Vice President Tim Brosnan and President of Bank of America Global Corporate & Investment Banking Brian Moynihan announced today that Bon Jovi will play a free ticketed concert on the Great Lawn in Central Park on Saturday, July 12th at 8 p.m. (Full Story) 

Target to Sponsor E For All Expo in L.A.
FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts (BW) Target has signed-on as the official retail sponsor for this year’s Entertainment for All Expo (E for All) video game expo, scheduled to take place October 3-5, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, IDG World Expo announced today. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase many of the products they see on the E for All show floor at Target’s consumer electronics and video game boutique created specifically for the show. The Target boutique will showcase some of the hottest new video games and accessories for the holiday season. (Full Story) 

Dancing with the Stars: Get Your Dance On! for Wii and Nintendo DS to Come Out in Fall
SANTA MONICA, California (BW) — Activision announced today the Fall 2008 release of Dancing with the Stars: Get Your Dance On!, the sequel to last year’s rhythm-packed Dancing with the Stars videogame. They have once again teamed up with Disney-ABC Television Group’s ABC Entertainment and BBC Worldwide America to create this all new game for Wii and Nintendo DS. Players will engage in the battle of the ballroom with more stars, more dances, more intense competition – and more fun! (Full Story) 

"An American in Paris" and "Gigi" Return in Two-Disc Special Editions
BURBANK, California (BW) — On September 16, An American in Paris and Gigi, two glorious Best Picture Oscar-winning 1950s classics from the crown jewel collection of M-G-M’s Golden Age of Musicals, join the impressive roster of Warner Home Video’s Two-Disc Special Editions DVDs.
       Celebrating the musical genre at its peak while magically evoking the joie de vivre of Paris, these two motion pictures captured an amazing 15 Academy Awards including Best Picture. (Full Story) 

The New World Extended Cut to be Released on DVD
BURBANK, California (BW) — The New World, Academy Award nominated director Terrence Malick’s (The Thin Red Line, Days of Heaven) adventure-filled journey of discovery, will be released October 14 on DVD in a new amped-up Extended Cut. This edition of the critically-acclaimed, Oscar-nominated epic recreating the turbulent first days of the new America now features more than 30 minutes of never-before-seen footage, heightening the viewing experience with more battles, more intensity and more visual splendor. (Full Story) 

Top Entertainment Leaders Launch Filmaka for Aspiring Filmmakers
LOS ANGELES –(BW)– A new model for developing entertainment properties, and identifying and rewarding talent launches  with Filmaka (www.Filmaka.com), a global digital entertainment studio and robust online creative community. Founded by acclaimed film producer Deepak Nayar (Bend it Like Beckham, Buena Vista Social Club) and led by renowned industry executive, former FOX Television Entertainment Group Chairman Sandy Grushow, Filmaka is committed to inspiring, celebrating, and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for undiscovered filmmakers and writers from all corners of the world through a variety of competitions that are juried by industry leaders. (Full Story)

IDG World Expo and Red Hat Join Forces to Produce the Red Hat Summit
World’s leading provider of open source solutions collaborates with IDG World Expo on the 2008 event in Boston
       FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts –(BW)– IDG World Expo, the leading producer of world-class tradeshows and events, announced a collaboration with Red Hat, the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, to produce the 2008 Red Hat Summit. The Summit, now in its fourth year, is a must-attend event for IT professionals to learn the value of open source innovations, and to network with colleagues from Red Hat, partners, and the community at large. The 2008 event is scheduled to take place June 18-20, 2008, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. (Full Story)

Nintendo Hits A Home Run With Mario Super Sluggers
Nintendo Announces Surprise Addition to Wii Lineup
       REDMOND, Washington — The ongoing excitement over Nintendo’s groundbreaking Wii system gets a surprise springtime boost with the announcement of a new game. Kicking off its semiannual media summit in San Francisco near the company’s new sales and marketing offices in Redwood City, Calif., Nintendo of America today revealed plans for Mario Super Sluggers for Wii, giving baseball fans even more reason to root this season.
       "Mario is truly a one-of-a-kind character; clearly fans can’t get enough of him and his friends," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "We’re giving Wii users brilliant new ways to enjoy him while expanding our series of active-play games." (Full Story)

Nintendo Gives Mariners Fans Free Access to Nintendo Fan Network
Nintendo is giving Seattle Mariners fans a gift at every home game this year: free access to the Nintendo Fan Network. Fans who bring a Nintendo DS to Safeco Field can log on wirelessly to the Nintendo Fan Network to access a wide variety of baseball-related content. Some of the many features include access to player statistics, scores from other MLB games in progress, current team standings, chat with other fans and the ability to compete in trivia and other mini games. Additionally, fans can watch the in-stadium live broadcast video and use the Nintendo DS touch screen to order ballpark food and beverages delivered right to their seats. (Full Story)

Three Rising Young Talents to Play Sophomore “Wildcats” in “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
LOS ANGELES –(BW)– An international casting search involving over 1000 teen actors across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom has led to the casting of three rising young talents – Matt Prokop, Justin Martin, and Jemma McKenzie-Brown – as sophomore “Wildcats” in Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming theatrical production of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”
       The trio of new stars will join the original “High School Musical” cast – Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman — in this all new feature film, which begins shooting later this month. (Full Story)

THQ to Release All Star Cheer Squad, 1st Ever Cheerleading Video Game
World-Renowned Cheerleading Choreographer Tony G, Best Known For His Work in the Bring It On Films, Signs on as Chief Consultant for THQ’s New Original IP Exclusively for Wii and Nintendo DS
      AGOURA HILLS, California –(BW)– THQ announced that All Star Cheer Squad, the first-ever cheerleading video game, is currently in development to make its scheduled debut exclusively for Wii and Nintendo DS this fall. In All Star Cheer Squad, players will immerse themselves into the world of competitive cheerleading as they experience the thrill and excitement of cheer through creativity, customization, style and teamwork. The release will mark THQ’s first original property created specifically for girls on Wii and Nintendo DS. (Full Story)

Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay Helps ‘Bring the Derby Home’ With Kentucky Derby Party Program
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky –(BW)– Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay knows his recipes – and his horses. The host of the Food Network’s Emmy-awarding winning television show, “Boy Meets Grill,” is no stranger to the horse racing scene, having owned racehorses for a number of years after developing an affinity for the sport.
      Flay’s latest connection to the Sport of Kings comes as official host and spokesperson for Kentucky Derby Party (www.kentuckyderby.com/party), a new program launched this spring by Churchill Downs Incorporated designed to connect millions of Kentucky Derby fans worldwide who enjoy hosting annual Kentucky Derby parties on the first Saturday in May. (Full Story)

Nintendo Gears Up for PGA and MLB Sports Events in the U.S.
From fairways to ballparks, Nintendo will be making the rounds to sports events of all stripes this winter. Sports fans and families will get to check out the new Donkey Kong monster truck or try their hand at a variety of different Wii and Nintendo DS games. The selection for each sport will be different, so here’s a rundown of when and where to find Nintendo: (Full Story)

Click Here for Archived Features

Daniel Deronda
In another world, in another time this story takes you to the brilliance between classes and culture, with striking beauty and detail of the male and female characters. Daniel, a handsome young man who is thrown into the lives of two women who want him, struggles with the mystery of his past that pulls him and the comfort of a caring wealthy man who adopted him and offers him a perfect future. (Full Story)

Geneva Book Fair Highlights
GENEVA (RIA Novosti) — Russia has been invited as a guest of honor to the  International Book Fair in Geneva, the organizers say. Italy was the guest honor at this year’s show. (Full Story)