'Batman Begins' to Make Its Japanese Premiere At U.S. Pavilion at 2005 World's Fair

'Batman Begins' to Make Its Japanese Premiere At U.S. Pavilion at 2005 World's Fair

U.S. Pavilion Entertainment Events to Include Movies, Music, Business Symposia and Science Series

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Pavilion and Warner Bros. Pictures Japan today announced that Warner Bros. Pictures' highly anticipated feature, "Batman Begins," will make its Japanese premiere at the World's Fair, Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan. This screening is one of five pre-release screenings scheduled for Summer 2005 in Japan, and is part of a series of entertainment events that the U.S. Pavilion will offer throughout the Expo, which begins Mar. 25, 2005.

The film explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect, and an array of high-tech tools to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

"The release of the new Batman movie in 2005 brings back one of the most popular superheroes of all time," said Bill Ireton, Managing Director of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. "The Aichi Expo 2005 provides a unique opportunity to showcase this American comic book icon and pop culture big screen hero to the international audience at of the World Expo 2005. Warner Bros. Pictures is excited to be partner with the U.S. Pavilion at this important world event."

An action adventure directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Ken Watanabe and Morgan Freeman, "Batman Begins" is produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Larry Franco. The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan. "Batman Begins" has a screenplay by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, from a story by David S. Goyer; based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

"The World Expo gives the U.S. an opportunity to share our culture in the arts, music and entertainment fields," said Lisa Gable, U.S. Commissioner General to the World Expo 2005. "We are honored to have U.S. performers, educators and thought leaders present to such a diverse and multinational audience while in Japan."

A complete guide to U.S. Pavilion cultural events, including dates and times for the "Batman Begins" screenings, will be released in coming weeks.

About the U.S. Pavilion World Expo 2005

The World Expo 2005 will be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from Mar. 25 through Sept. 25, 2005. Business and political leaders from around the world will be among the estimated 15 million visitors to the Expo. Of the 122 country exhibits, the U.S. Pavilion is expected to be a major attraction that celebrates nature, progress and human achievement, with the Pavilion theme dedicated to "The Franklin Spirit." As the country's first diplomat and a Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin is the ideal personality to bring the story of U.S. innovation and achievement to life for those who visit the Expo.

On July 29, 2004, the U.S. Department of State signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Aichi-USA 2005 World Exposition, Inc. (Aichi USA 2005). Under the terms of the Memorandum, Aichi USA 2005 is raising all the funds necessary to create and manage the official U.S. Pavilion. Pavilion sponsors include leading American-based companies and organizations and several U.S. states. More information on the U.S. Pavilion can be found at www.uspavilion.com.

U.S. Pavilion Media Contact: Warner Bros. Pictures Media Contact:
Brandee Barker Stacy Ivers
Ruder Finn/Switzer (818) 954-6228
(415) 348-2721
barkerb@ruderfinnswitzer.com


Source: U.S. Pavilion

CONTACT: Brandee Barker of Ruder Finn/Switzer, +1-415-348-2721 or
barkerb@ruderfinnswitzer.com, for U.S. Pavilion; or Stacy Ivers,
+1-818-954-6228, for Warner Bros. Pictures

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


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