Sony Pictures Releasing Launches 'The Hot Ticket' Bringing World-Class Performances to Movie Theaters Nationwide

State-of-the-Art Digital Presentations to Launch with Broadway's 'Rent' and 'Delirium,' the musical event from Cirque du Soleil

PRNewswire
CULVER CITY, Calif.
05/21/2008

America's top entertainment and cultural events will be presented in state-of-the-art digital theaters in the U.S. and Canada through The Hot Ticket, Sony Pictures Releasing's new business unit, which will report to SPR President Rory Bruer. The Hot Ticket will distribute event programming, including popular music concerts, the performing arts, and sporting events in high definition digital projection to select movie theaters nationwide.

The Hot Ticket offers an opportunity for entertainment consumers to experience highly anticipated and sold-out events in an enhanced theater setting with one-of-a-kind programming. For fans of Broadway shows, rock concerts, or premier sporting events, The Hot Ticket will provide a community experience to see some of the world's best entertainment on larger-than-life digital screens.

As part of its inaugural slate, The Hot Ticket will launch the following high profile events: This September, The Hot Ticket will take audiences to the heart of New York City to celebrate the conclusion of the 12-year Broadway run of "Rent," the revolutionary, landmark musical. This memorable presentation will feature special closing night extras, when original cast members of the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical are expected to join and celebrate in the farewell festivities. The presentation is produced by the Academy Award®-winning producers @radical.media.

In August, The Hot Ticket will also bring audiences the groundbreaking live music and dance extravaganza "Delirium," from Cirque du Soleil. Inspired by some of the most memorable musical moments of Cirque du Soleil, "Delirium" remixes Cirque music and adds lyrics. The show, which features musicians, dancers, singers, and acrobatics transports audiences into a unique, mystical universe, driven by percussive-driven pop, melodious ballads and worldbeat-inspired rhythms. The presentation will be the final staging of "Delirium" as it closes its multi year, worldwide tour at London's O2 Arena.

Commenting on the announcement, Bruer said, "Going to your favorite theater doesn't mean just going to the movies anymore. Audiences everywhere enjoy sharing special events with their friends and family in public places -- it's just not the same at home. Our mandate will be to identify the one-of-a-kind and sold-out events that people around the country most want to see and we will work to present them to audiences everywhere. With the very best in special event programming and state-of-the-art digital projection and sound in theaters, The Hot Ticket will offer the kind of unparalleled, access that will make these events memorable viewing experiences."

Each presentation from The Hot Ticket will be a limited engagement and events will be shown in 2K and 4K digital theaters to ensure the highest quality viewing experience.

For further information about The Hot Ticket presentations, please visit The-Hot-Ticket.com

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 100 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

   For More Information:

   Steve Elzer
   Senior Vice President, Media Relations
   Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group
   (310) 244-7142
   steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: Sony Pictures Entertainment

CONTACT: Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations of
Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, +1-310-244-7142,
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

Web site: http://the-hot-ticket.com/
http://www.sonypictures.com/