From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: Universal's Latest DVD Originals(TM) 'The Scorpion King: Rise of The Akkadian' Roars to Life as Principal Photography Begins in South Africa

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: Universal's Latest DVD Originals(TM) 'The Scorpion King: Rise of The Akkadian' Roars to Life as Principal Photography Begins in South Africa

Six-Time UFC Heavyweight Champ Randy Couture Stars in an All New, Action-Packed Adventure from Universal Studios Home Entertainment

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The newest entry in Universal's hugely successful DVD Originals(TM) offerings, "The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian," commenced principal photography in Capetown, South Africa on October 1, 2007. Universal Studios Home Entertainment Family Productions is co-producing with Film Afrika and ApolloMovie. Universal Studios Home Entertainment is distributing the all-new epic adventure, which expands the line's presence into the live-action adventure arena for the first time. The film is slated for release on DVD in 2008.

"The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian" is the thrilling prequel to "The Scorpion King," the action blockbuster that starred Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Mathayus, the fearsome warrior king of an ancient desert empire. The new film, a heroic tale of loyalty and betrayal filled with heart-stopping action and thrilling visual effects, tells the story of how the young Mathayus rose to become the Scorpion King. Shot entirely in South Africa, this entertaining blend of myth, magic and muscle is directed by Russell Mulcahy (Resident Evil: Extinction, Highlander) and stars Michael Copon ("Beyond the Break," Bring It On: In It to Win It) as the young hero Mathayus, Simon Quarterman ("Murder Rooms: The Patient's Eyes") as the wily Ari, Karen David (The Colour of Magic) as the beautiful Layla, Ralf Moeller (Pathfinder) as the fierce warrior Pollux, and current six-time Ultimate Fighting Championship king Randy Couture (Invincible), holder of three heavyweight and three light heavyweight titles, as the charismatic and powerful villain Sargon.

""The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian" is by far our most ambitious DVD Originals(TM) production ever in terms of the scope and quality of the sets, visual effects, fight sequences and stunt work," said Glenn Ross, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Studios Home Entertainment Family Productions. "Because of the remarkable success of the DVD Originals(TM) product line, we are committed to producing a diverse slate of films based on proven franchises to help satisfy the growing demand for high quality entertainment on DVD."

"The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian" is written by Randall McCormick (Speed 2, Titan A.E.). David Wicht, Thomas Becker and Jörg Westerkamp are co-producers and Sean Daniels and Jim Jacks (both of The Mummy and The Scorpion King) are the executive producers. The film's production team includes director of photography Glynn Speekaert, production designer Tom Hannam, editor John Gilbert and costume designer Diana Cilliers.

"The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian" tells the story of the teenage warrior Mathayus and his quest for justice and honor against the evil and powerful King Sargon.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY PRODUCTIONS

The Universal Studios Family Productions banner, which includes Universal Animation Studios, develops, produces, and acquires live-action and animated family productions directly for the home entertainment and television markets. Among the group's portfolio of prized properties is The Land Before Time, the most successful feature-length children's home entertainment franchise of all time, having earned more than one billion dollars worldwide to date. Since its formation in 2005, the group has built an exceptional slate of family fare including the all new DVD Original release Bring It On: All or Nothing, the latest winning installment in the hugely successful Bring It On film franchise, the Daytime Emmy(R) nominated "Curious George" television series on PBS KIDS; "The Land Before Time" television show on Cartoon Network and a string of Barbie movies, based on the world-renowned Mattel-branded doll. Making its debut in 2007 is R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It, the newest thrill ride from Goosebumps author R.L Stine starring Emily Osment; Bring It On: In It To Win It, the newest chapter in the ever popular franchise headed by a talented young ensemble cast including Ashley Benson; Barbie As The Island Princess, and The Land Before Time XII: The Wisdom of Friends featuring the voices of Sandra Oh and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Universal Studios Family Productions is part of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (http://www.universalstudios.com/). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and Entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

   CONTACTS    Universal Studios Home Entertainment   Evan Fong                           Scott Lyons   Executive Director, Publicity       Manager, Print Publicity   (818) 777-5549                      (818) 777-0523   Evan.Fong@nbcuni.com                Scott.lyons@nbcuni.com    Kelly Castell                       Nicole Canizales   Manager, Broadcast Publicity        Manager, Online Publicity   (818) 777-0549                      (818) 777-0115   Kelly.Castell@nbcuni.com            nicole.canizales@nbcuni.com  

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FCMN Contact:

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

CONTACT: Evan Fong, Executive Director, Publicity, +1-818-777-5549,
Evan.Fong@nbcuni.com, or Scott Lyons, Manager, Print Publicity,
+1-818-777-0523, Scott.lyons@nbcuni.com, or Kelly Castell, Manager, Broadcast
Publicity, +1-818-777-0549, Kelly.Castell@nbcuni.com, or Nicole Canizales,
Manager, Online Publicity, +1-818-777-0115, nicole.canizales@nbcuni.com, all
of Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment