For Immediate Release

LET THE GAME BEGIN

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

THE ULTIMATE FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING GAME AVAILABLE FROM
NEW LINE HOME VIDEO ON VHS AND PLATINUM SERIES™ DVD MAY 22

Commentaries, Documentaries, 11 Deleted Scenes, and a Special Effects
"Deconstruction" Highlight the DVD Release of this Highly Fantastical Film.

Los Angeles (March 19, 2001) - New Line Home Video today announced the release of Dungeons & Dragons, the ultimate fantasy role-playing game turned feature-length film, now available to rent on VHS and DVD or for sale on DVD for $24.98 on May 22, 2001. This highly anticipated fantasy-adventure film brings to life the magical world that three generations of fans have seen only in their imaginations. Whether a lifelong admirer or a first-time visitor to this legendary role playing game, this film offers a heady mix of high adventure, dreadful monsters and complex magic lore that has fired the imaginations of players all over the world.

The Story of the Game

The Empire of Izmer has long been a divided land. The Mages - an elite group of magic users -- rule while the lowly commoners are powerless. Izmer's young Empress, Savina (Thora Birch), wants equality and prosperity for all, but the evil Mage Profion (Jeremy Irons) is plotting to depose her, and establish his own rule. Two thieves, Ridley (Justin Whalin) and Snails (Marlon Wayans), along with an apprentice Mage named Marina (Zoe McLellan), unwittingly become instrumental in Savina's search for the Rod of Savrille, a mythical rod that has the power to control the mighty Red Dragons. From a deadly maze to secret grottos and abandoned castles, Ridley and his band must outwit Profion's chief henchman Damodar (Bruce Payne) at every turn, while back in Izmer, Profion prepares to do battle with the Empress.

The Road to the Game

After years of dodging major studio's offers to translate the Dungeons & Dragons world to film, the game's proprietors finally decided to say "yes" to Courtney Solomon, a long time fan and aspiring filmmaker with no studio backing. At age 20, Solomon began a quest that lasted nine years as he worked to obtain financing and coordinate the logistics it would take to complete his dream. Which landed him in Prague, Czech Republic, at age 28, as the Dungeon Master - producer, writer and director - of the production that would be his first feature film.

DVD Extras to Make the Imagination Soar

The DVD features two commentaries, one with Courtney Solomon, Cinematographer Doug Milsome and game Co-Creator Dave Arneson, the second, with Courtney Solomon and Dave Arneson, plus actor and Associate Producer Justin Whalin. Also included are two documentaries, "Let the Games Begin," a profile and history of adventure gaming and "The Making of Dungeons & Dragons," a behind the scenes documentary. There are 11 deleted scenes with optional Director commentary and a Special Effects "Deconstruction," which includes four multi-angle scenes. The DVD features a widescreen version of the film, 5.1 surround sound, 2.0 stereo surround sound, animated menus and the theatrical trailer. The DVD-Rom content includes "Fast Play," a Dungeons & Dragons Adventure based on the movie, Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Demo, a Hot Spot as well as the original theatrical website.

The Players in the Game

Dungeons & Dragons stars Justin Whalin (TV's "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"), Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie, Requiem for a Dream), Zoe McLellan (Mr. Holland's Opus), Bruce Payne (Passenger 57), Kristen Wilson (Doctor Dolittle), Thora Birch (American Beauty) and Academy AwardÒ winner Jeremy Irons Irons (Reversal of Fortune, Die Hard 3).

Academy AwardÒ winner George Gibbs (Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom) works behind the scenes as the special effects supervisor and Doug Milsome (Full Metal Jacket) is the Academy AwardÒ nominated Director of Photography.

IMPORTANT NEWS FOR VIDEO RETAILERS

Promotional Support

New Line Home Video will be partnering with Interplay and Wizards of the Coast to conduct a multi-faceted promotion.

Consumers who enter the online Dungeons & Dragons sweepstakes via www.seednd.com/contests may "Win a Trip for 4 to Prague" for 10 days plus $1000 spending money, Limited Edition Baldur's Gate II: Shadow of Amn games, signed and numbered lithographs and other fantastic Dungeons & Dragons merchandise.

The Dungeons & Dragons DVD will have an on-pack coupon booklet featuring a $10 rebate offer when a consumer purchases the DVD and one of two Baldur's Gate II games from Interplay, a coupon for $5 off the Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook and $2 off any Dungeon & Dragons Adventure Game.

New Line Home Video distributes all of New Line Cinema and Fine Line Features theatrical films on video and select titles on DVD. The company also distributes feature films and non-theatrical programs acquired or produced by New Line Home Video and New Line Television. New Line Cinema is the leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical films. New Line also licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as in all international markets.

End Of Release