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The Year of The Yao |
From China to the NBA. From Underdog to Hero. The Phenomenal Journey of YAO MING. 2006 is the Year of the Yao as China's Biggest Export Hits DVD Narch 14 From New Line Home Entertainment
Fascinating Documentary Features Interviews with NBA Greats Including SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
and CHARLES BARKLEY
LOS ANGELES, CA (December 20, 2005) – The extraordinary journey of China’s basketball hero, Yao Ming, is the larger-than-life subject of The Year of the Yao, available on DVD from New Line Home Entertainment on March 14, 2006. This candid documentary follows 2002’s number one NBA (National Basketball Association) draft pick as he begins his first year playing for the Houston Rockets. The cameras are there as Ming experiences new cultural, professional and social spaces while at the same time becoming one of the most beloved – albeit scrutinized – rookies in the history of the sport. The film, narrated by his young translator, portrays Yao’s uncommon grace under pressure, professionalism and humor as the eyes of billions around the world watch him with fevered anticipation. The DVD, featuring NBA greats including Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Phil Jackson, contains nearly an hour of deleted scenes and is certain to inspire adults and children alike. The DVD is available at a $26.97 SRP, and the order due date is February 7, 2006.
SYNOPSIS
Yao Ming stands 7 feet, 6 inches tall and is just 22 years old. To the Chinese nation of one billion, he is a heroic son and symbol of its increasing presence on the world stage. To the National Basketball Association, he is a poster child for the globalization of the sport and potentially its first iconic superstar from outside North America and Europe. To his teammates on the Houston Rockets, he is the key to a successful championship season. To basketball fans and commentators in his field, he is an anomaly: the tallest player in the NBA – and Chinese. To his supportive parents, both of whom preceded him as members of the Chinese National Basketball team, he is simply “son.” To a young American interpreter with a passion for Chinese language and culture, he is initially a client for interpretation services … and eventually, over the course of a year, a close and valued friend. The Year of the Yao is the exciting, inspiring story of Yao Ming’s tumultuous first year in the NBA.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*
· Nearly an hour of deleted scenes
· Theatrical trailer
· Dolby Digital 5.1
· Stereo Surround Sound 2.0
· English and Spanish subtitles
· Closed captions
*DVD special features subject to change.
Title Format SRP Cat. # ISBN # UPC #
The Year of the Yao DVD Keepcase $26.97 N8253 0-7806-5203-7 794043825323
New Line Home Entertainment distributes New Line Cinema theatrical films on DVD, VHS and UMD™, including the premium DVD brand infinifilm™. The Company also distributes feature films and non-theatrical programs acquired or produced by New Line Home Entertainment and New Line Television. Founded almost 40 years ago, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line’s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc.
For DVD screeners or artwork, please email your request to Barbara@pfcomm.com or fax your request to (212) 249-1849.
CONTACT
Barbara Pflughaupt
P&F Communications
(212) 861-2100
Barbara@pfcomm.com
Jennifer Abrams
New Line Home Entertainment
(212) 649-4851
jennifer.abrams@newline.com