Sony Wonder Brings Two New Arthur Episodes To DVD; Arthur: Nerves of Steal and Arthur: First Crush Debut August 2

Crime, Romance and Arthur? Two new DVD releases from Sony Wonder spotlight America's favorite third-grade aardvark in some rather grown up situations - and savvy parents can use the storyline to spark conversation around life lessons for the future.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050802/NYTU063 )

Taken from the sixth season of the award-winning PBS KIDS GO! series, Arthur: Nerves of Steal focuses on the consequences of "borrowing" an item from a store without paying. When best friend Buster "borrows" a Cybertoy, his guilty conscience catches him in the act and steals all the fun until he does the right thing.

Arthur: First Crush brings to life the excitement and confusion of first puppy love, when Arthur finds that new babysitter, 16-year-old Sally MacGrill, shares his love of ice cream and video games. Arthur is "crushed" to learn Sally has a boyfriend her own age.

The new ARTHUR releases arrive at retail August 2. Suggested Retail Price is $12.98 for the DVD and $9.98 for VHS. Both DVDs include three adventures, as well as Kid Friendly Instant Play, a convenient feature in which the program starts automatically and plays continuously.

Literacy, Lessons and "Big Kid" Adventures

Built into every entertaining ARTHUR story line are the series' primary educational goals of fostering literacy and positive social skills. "Ask any adult and they're sure to have a favorite story that evokes memories [of] when they were young," says Marc Brown, Arthur's creator. "Books and the pleasure of reading are a big part of childhood, and helping foster that interest is an important service to our young audience."

Originally created from a bedtime story Brown told his son about an aardvark named Arthur who hated his nose, ARTHUR has expanded to become a learning brand that entertains while providing kids with insight on the challenges, lessons and obstacles of growing up. With a core fan base of young children, eight-year-old Arthur and his friends bring to life typical situations kids encounter as they become independent and explore the world outside home. For example, while a four-year-old watching 'Nerves of Steal' isn't likely to go shopping alone, seeing the consequences of Busters' choice to shoplift offers parents an opportunity to discuss stealing.

Arthur Arthur Everywhere: Videos, Toys and a Full-Length Movie in '06

One of the top-rated PBS children's series since it premiered in 1996, ARTHUR has won numerous awards, including five Emmy Awards, (three for Outstanding Animated Children's Program), a George Foster Peabody Award and the prestigious BAFTA Award. More than ten and a half million viewers tune in each week to the program, which reaches 98 percent of all U.S. TV households.

While ARTHUR airs several times per week across 325 PBS stations nationwide, strong video sales show that fans demand even more opportunities to enjoy their favorite episodes. More than 55 titled videos have been created from the PBS KIDS GO! series, with four new ARTHUR videos being released in 2005.

With 34 licensed partners worldwide, the ARTHUR brand has several upcoming brand expansions, including:

  * A line of plush toys created by Commonwealth Toy and Novelty launching
    in Toys "R" Us this fall

  * Arthur Pixter learning ROM by Fisher-Price to be released with mass
    retailers beginning November 2005

  * Full-length, direct-to-video movie, Arthur's Missing Pal, slated for
    release in fall of 2006. Produced by Lions Gate Family Entertainment,
    the movie features 3-D CGI animation - a first for Arthur and his
    friends.

Sony Wonder is the children's and family division of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.

About Sony BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. Sony BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

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SOURCE: SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

CONTACT: Tamara Jacobs of Element Six, +1-770-971-0677, for SONY BMG
MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT