Where the Red Fern Grows DVD Press Release
Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 5:04 pm
<center><b>All-New Movie Based On The Classic Novel Debuts
On DVD And VHS December 21</b>
Walt Disney Home Entertainment Presents
<b>WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS</b>
In Association with Crusader Entertainment, Elixir Films, Bob Yari Productions
<b>All-Star Cast Includes Joseph Ashton as Billy Coleman,
Grammy® Winning Superstar Dave Matthews In His Film Debut, Renee Faia, Mac
Davis, Kris Kristofferson as Older Billy Coleman
with Ned Beatty and Dabney Coleman
<i>Timeless Story of Friendship and Adventure
From Best-Selling Author Wilson Rawls</i></b></center>
BURBANK, Calif., August 23, 2004 - Walt Disney Home Entertainment, in association with Crusader
Entertainment, Elixir Films, Bob Yari Productions, is proud to present the family film <b>WHERE THE
RED FERN GROWS</b>, coming to DVD and VHS on December 21. Based on the beloved, best-selling
novel by Wilson Rawls, this poignant coming-of-age adventure has been enjoyed as a book by millions of
young readers. Available to take home just in time for the holidays, this wonderful film has reaped
success at such prestigious film festivals as the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City and the Heartland
Film Festival.
<b>WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS</b> is a heartwarming and adventurous tale for all ages. The story
follows a young boy named Billy Coleman (Joseph Ashton, “The Education of Little Tree”) whose hard
work and determination help him realize his dream of buying a pair of Redbone Coon Hounds. Billy and
his hounds become an inseparable trio, as he trains them to become the best hunting dogs in the state.
Through a series of adventures, Billy realizes the meaning of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship in this
timeless and touching story.
Sporting a stellar cast, <b>WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS</b> features the talents of Joseph Ashton as
Billy Coleman, Grammy®-Award Winning Superstar Dave Matthews in his film debut, Renee Faia (“<i>And
The Beat Goes On</i>”), Mac Davis (“<i>North Dallas Forty</i>”), Kris Kristofferson (“<i>Blade</i>,” “<i>Lone Star</i>”) as
Older Billy Coleman, with Ned Beatty (“<i>Rudy</i>,” “<i>Deliverance</i>”) and Dabney Coleman (“<i>Stuart Little</i>,”
“<i>Tootsie</i>”). The film includes music from Wynona, Alison Krauss (featured artist on the “<i>Cold
Mountain</i>” soundtrack), Jerry Douglas and Jenai.
Screenplay by Doug C. Stewart and Eleanor Lamb and Lyman Dayton and Sam Pillsbury. Directed by
Lyman Dayton, Sam Pillsbury. The film was produced by David Alexanian, Katy Wallin-Sandalis, Bob
Yari, William J. Immerman. Executive producers are Howard Baldwin, Karen Baldwin, Brian Avery,
Wayne Mooneyhan, Kurt Woolner.
<u>Where The Red Fern Grows</u> is the fifth best-selling children’s book of all time. It is estimated that 40
million people have read the book since its first publication in 1961. In continuous print since that time, it
is required reading in numerous elementary and middle schools, and more than two million new students
now read it each year. On the Library Association reading list and a Literary Guild selection, <u>Where The
Red Fern Grows</u> has been featured at the top of First Lady Laura Bush’s <i>Ready to Read, Ready to Learn</i>
literacy program.
About the author: Wilson Rawls grew up on a small farm in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma. There
were no schools where he lived so his mother taught Rawls and his sisters how to read and write. He says
that reading the book <u>The Call of the Wild</u> changed his life and gave him the notion that he would like to
grow up to write a book like it. He shared his dream with his father, who gave him the encouraging advice, “Son a man can do
anything he sets out to do, if he doesn’t give up.” Rawls never forgot his father’s words, and went on to
create two novels about his boyhood that have become modern classics. The first, <u>Where The Red Fern
Grows</u>, was written with encouragement from his wife, Sophie. She edited his poor spelling, it was
serialized in the “Saturday Evening Post,” and Doubleday published the novel in 1961. It became a
classic young adult book and winner of the hearts of millions. Wilson Rawls is also the author of <u>The
Summer of the Monkeys</u>, the film version of which was released by the Walt Disney Company.
<b><u>STREET DATE: December 21, 2004</u>
<u>Direct prebook</u>: October 26, 2004
<u>Distributor prebook</u>: November 9, 2004
<u>Suggested retail price</u>: $29.99 (DVD); $24.99 (VHS)
<u>Run time</u>: Approximately 85 minutes
<u>Rated</u>: “PG” For Thematic Elements
Bonus materials unrated
<u>DVD aspect ratio</u>: 1.85:1 enhanced for 16x9 screens
and on the same disc:
1.33:1 formatted 4x3
<u>Sound</u>: Dolby® Digital Surround Sound
<u>DVD languages</u>: In English with French, Spanish subtitles</b>
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized
industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company
for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes
and DVDs.
Crusader Entertainment, LLC is a diversified entertainment company that develops and produces a wide
array of projects with universal themes specifically geared to audiences of all ages.
Elixir Films was founded by David Alexanian and Alexis Alexanian in 2000 with the promise of
combining their substantial expertise in finance and film production to develop, produce and finance a
slate of passionate and compelling films. Elixir’s first production, the screen adaptation of Eric
Bogosian’s play <i>Wake Up and Smell the Coffee</i>, was released by the Independent Film Channel in 2004.
Elixir Films has also produced the Los Angeles premiere of Conor McPherson’s award-winning solo play
<i>The Good Thief</i>, with 2002 Tony® Award nominee Brian d’Arcy James reprising his Obie Award-winning
tour de force. Together with Russ Malkin of Image Wizard TV, Elixir Films is currently in production on
Long Way Round, an adventurous and irreverent television series starring Ewan McGregor (<i>Trainspotting</i>,
<i>Moulin Rouge</i>, <i>Star Wars</i>) and his best friend, actor Charley Boorman (<i>The Emerald Forest</i>) as they
travel around the world on their motorcycles.
Bob Yari Productions is a non-exclusive discretionary fund where Yari can choose to invest in films
produced by his companies, or fund outside productions. BYP has financed the Bull’s Eye Entertainment
productions <i>Employee of the Month</i>, <i>Thumbsucker</i> and <i>Crash</i>, as well as co-financing Ovation
Entertainment’s, <i>House of D.</i>, which is David Duchovny’s writing and directorial debut, starring Robin
Williams, Tea Leoni and Duchovny.
<font size="4"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... >Pre-order <b>Where the Red Fern Grows</b> on DVD from Amazon.com</a></font><br><br>
Pictures from the Movie:
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern1.jpg">
Joseph Ashton plays young Billy Coleman, seen here with one of his beloved Redbone Coon Hounds.
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern2.jpg">
Billy Coleman (Joseph Ashton) walks with his mother (Renee Faia).
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern3.jpg">
Kris Kristofferson portrays the older Billy Coleman.
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern4.jpg">
Dave Matthews (of the Dave Matthews Band) plays Will Coleman in Disney's <i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i>, his feature film debut.
Images copyright Disney.
<font size="4"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern.jpg">
Pre-order <b>Where the Red Fern Grows</b> on DVD from Amazon.com</a>
<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/wherether ... html">Read our <b>Where the Red Fern Grows</b> DVD Review</a></font><br><br><br>
On DVD And VHS December 21</b>
Walt Disney Home Entertainment Presents
<b>WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS</b>
In Association with Crusader Entertainment, Elixir Films, Bob Yari Productions
<b>All-Star Cast Includes Joseph Ashton as Billy Coleman,
Grammy® Winning Superstar Dave Matthews In His Film Debut, Renee Faia, Mac
Davis, Kris Kristofferson as Older Billy Coleman
with Ned Beatty and Dabney Coleman
<i>Timeless Story of Friendship and Adventure
From Best-Selling Author Wilson Rawls</i></b></center>
BURBANK, Calif., August 23, 2004 - Walt Disney Home Entertainment, in association with Crusader
Entertainment, Elixir Films, Bob Yari Productions, is proud to present the family film <b>WHERE THE
RED FERN GROWS</b>, coming to DVD and VHS on December 21. Based on the beloved, best-selling
novel by Wilson Rawls, this poignant coming-of-age adventure has been enjoyed as a book by millions of
young readers. Available to take home just in time for the holidays, this wonderful film has reaped
success at such prestigious film festivals as the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City and the Heartland
Film Festival.
<b>WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS</b> is a heartwarming and adventurous tale for all ages. The story
follows a young boy named Billy Coleman (Joseph Ashton, “The Education of Little Tree”) whose hard
work and determination help him realize his dream of buying a pair of Redbone Coon Hounds. Billy and
his hounds become an inseparable trio, as he trains them to become the best hunting dogs in the state.
Through a series of adventures, Billy realizes the meaning of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship in this
timeless and touching story.
Sporting a stellar cast, <b>WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS</b> features the talents of Joseph Ashton as
Billy Coleman, Grammy®-Award Winning Superstar Dave Matthews in his film debut, Renee Faia (“<i>And
The Beat Goes On</i>”), Mac Davis (“<i>North Dallas Forty</i>”), Kris Kristofferson (“<i>Blade</i>,” “<i>Lone Star</i>”) as
Older Billy Coleman, with Ned Beatty (“<i>Rudy</i>,” “<i>Deliverance</i>”) and Dabney Coleman (“<i>Stuart Little</i>,”
“<i>Tootsie</i>”). The film includes music from Wynona, Alison Krauss (featured artist on the “<i>Cold
Mountain</i>” soundtrack), Jerry Douglas and Jenai.
Screenplay by Doug C. Stewart and Eleanor Lamb and Lyman Dayton and Sam Pillsbury. Directed by
Lyman Dayton, Sam Pillsbury. The film was produced by David Alexanian, Katy Wallin-Sandalis, Bob
Yari, William J. Immerman. Executive producers are Howard Baldwin, Karen Baldwin, Brian Avery,
Wayne Mooneyhan, Kurt Woolner.
<u>Where The Red Fern Grows</u> is the fifth best-selling children’s book of all time. It is estimated that 40
million people have read the book since its first publication in 1961. In continuous print since that time, it
is required reading in numerous elementary and middle schools, and more than two million new students
now read it each year. On the Library Association reading list and a Literary Guild selection, <u>Where The
Red Fern Grows</u> has been featured at the top of First Lady Laura Bush’s <i>Ready to Read, Ready to Learn</i>
literacy program.
About the author: Wilson Rawls grew up on a small farm in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma. There
were no schools where he lived so his mother taught Rawls and his sisters how to read and write. He says
that reading the book <u>The Call of the Wild</u> changed his life and gave him the notion that he would like to
grow up to write a book like it. He shared his dream with his father, who gave him the encouraging advice, “Son a man can do
anything he sets out to do, if he doesn’t give up.” Rawls never forgot his father’s words, and went on to
create two novels about his boyhood that have become modern classics. The first, <u>Where The Red Fern
Grows</u>, was written with encouragement from his wife, Sophie. She edited his poor spelling, it was
serialized in the “Saturday Evening Post,” and Doubleday published the novel in 1961. It became a
classic young adult book and winner of the hearts of millions. Wilson Rawls is also the author of <u>The
Summer of the Monkeys</u>, the film version of which was released by the Walt Disney Company.
<b><u>STREET DATE: December 21, 2004</u>
<u>Direct prebook</u>: October 26, 2004
<u>Distributor prebook</u>: November 9, 2004
<u>Suggested retail price</u>: $29.99 (DVD); $24.99 (VHS)
<u>Run time</u>: Approximately 85 minutes
<u>Rated</u>: “PG” For Thematic Elements
Bonus materials unrated
<u>DVD aspect ratio</u>: 1.85:1 enhanced for 16x9 screens
and on the same disc:
1.33:1 formatted 4x3
<u>Sound</u>: Dolby® Digital Surround Sound
<u>DVD languages</u>: In English with French, Spanish subtitles</b>
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized
industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company
for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes
and DVDs.
Crusader Entertainment, LLC is a diversified entertainment company that develops and produces a wide
array of projects with universal themes specifically geared to audiences of all ages.
Elixir Films was founded by David Alexanian and Alexis Alexanian in 2000 with the promise of
combining their substantial expertise in finance and film production to develop, produce and finance a
slate of passionate and compelling films. Elixir’s first production, the screen adaptation of Eric
Bogosian’s play <i>Wake Up and Smell the Coffee</i>, was released by the Independent Film Channel in 2004.
Elixir Films has also produced the Los Angeles premiere of Conor McPherson’s award-winning solo play
<i>The Good Thief</i>, with 2002 Tony® Award nominee Brian d’Arcy James reprising his Obie Award-winning
tour de force. Together with Russ Malkin of Image Wizard TV, Elixir Films is currently in production on
Long Way Round, an adventurous and irreverent television series starring Ewan McGregor (<i>Trainspotting</i>,
<i>Moulin Rouge</i>, <i>Star Wars</i>) and his best friend, actor Charley Boorman (<i>The Emerald Forest</i>) as they
travel around the world on their motorcycles.
Bob Yari Productions is a non-exclusive discretionary fund where Yari can choose to invest in films
produced by his companies, or fund outside productions. BYP has financed the Bull’s Eye Entertainment
productions <i>Employee of the Month</i>, <i>Thumbsucker</i> and <i>Crash</i>, as well as co-financing Ovation
Entertainment’s, <i>House of D.</i>, which is David Duchovny’s writing and directorial debut, starring Robin
Williams, Tea Leoni and Duchovny.
<font size="4"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... >Pre-order <b>Where the Red Fern Grows</b> on DVD from Amazon.com</a></font><br><br>
Pictures from the Movie:
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern1.jpg">
Joseph Ashton plays young Billy Coleman, seen here with one of his beloved Redbone Coon Hounds.
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern2.jpg">
Billy Coleman (Joseph Ashton) walks with his mother (Renee Faia).
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern3.jpg">
Kris Kristofferson portrays the older Billy Coleman.
<img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern4.jpg">
Dave Matthews (of the Dave Matthews Band) plays Will Coleman in Disney's <i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i>, his feature film debut.
Images copyright Disney.
<font size="4"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/redfern.jpg">
Pre-order <b>Where the Red Fern Grows</b> on DVD from Amazon.com</a>
<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/wherether ... html">Read our <b>Where the Red Fern Grows</b> DVD Review</a></font><br><br><br>