The Mexican Phenomenon That Shook the U.S.: La Fea Mas Bella (Televisa's 'Ugly Betty') in Stores Now!

The Mexican Phenomenon That Shook the U.S.: La Fea Mas Bella (Televisa's 'Ugly Betty') in Stores Now!

ANGELICA VALE COMES TO THE U.S. FOR PROMOTION MARCH 10-15!

HIGHEST RATED TELENOVELA IN THE HISTORY OF MEXICAN TELEVISION (TYING WITH 'REBELDE') AT 47.5%!

Finale was one of the most watched Spanish-language programs in U.S. history.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The distribution partnership of Xenon Pictures and Televisa Home Entertainment continues with the release of the 2007 telenovela phenomenon LA FEA MAS BELLA. The #1-rated telenovela and winner of the 2007 TVyNovelas award for "Novela of the Year" gave Univision the highest ratings it's ever achieved, drawing an average audience of 7.4 million viewers for the finale, according to Nielsen (comparable to that of its U.S. counterpart, ABC's UGLY BETTY), making this telenovela one of the most watched Spanish-language programs in U.S. history! The novela, which aired in primetime, outrated many English-language programs on a daily basis. LA FEA MAS BELLA is in stores now.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080312/LAW018)

Based on the renowned Colombian hit "Yo soy Betty la fea", the format successfully remade in over a dozen countries across the globe-including "Ugly Betty" in the U.S.-LA FEA MAS BELLA was written by Fernando Gaitan, who also penned the acclaimed novelas "Destilando amor" and "Cafe con aroma de mujer", and currently produces "Ugly Betty". It was directed by the celebrated actor Sergio Jimenez ("Vivo por Elena", "Nunca te olvidare"), making LA FEA MAS BELLA his final novela before his untimely passing in 2007.

With a first-rate cast, one of the most diverse and talented ever assembled, LA FEA MAS BELLA stars Angelica Vale ("Sonadoras", "Amigas y Rivales") in a performance so riveting that it earned her the TVyNovelas award for "Best Actress". In fact, Vale was cast specifically for this role and was pulled off her prior hit show, "La Parodia" (Mexico's equivalent of "Saturday Night Live"), halting its production. The talented actress will be in the U.S. the week of March 10th to commence a promotional tour in support of the DVD release. (For interviews contact press department)

LA FEA MAS BELLA also features magnificent performances by hearthrob Jaime Camil, one of Mexico most respected actors (7 dias, "Mi destino eres tu"), Patricia Navidad ("Suenos y caramelos", "El Manantial"), the controversial Niurka Marcos ("Salome"), Laisha Wilkins ("Muchachitas"), and the legendary Angelica Maria, among others. The novela also marks the return to television of Latin America's most revered idol, Jose Jose.

The triple-disc DVD package includes more than 10 hours of content with special features, and is in Spanish with English subtitles. LA FEA MAS BELLA will be available at all major retail and online stores, with a suggested retail price of $24.98. (High resolution cover attached).

Rating Comparison:
ABC's UGLY BETTY first season finale show: 10.5 million viewers
LA FEA MAS BELLA finale: 7.4 million viewers

SYNOPSIS:

Lety is a sweet, shy, romantic, highly intelligent girl, though not what you'd call attractive. Graduating with honors in economics and a master's in finance, she confidently enters the job market, never once considering her appearance to be an obstacle. Lety soon discovers that her skills and education are not enough as she is rejected over and over for her plain looks. She finally accepts a secretarial position at a major production company run by the founder's dashing but womanizing son, Fernando. As the company's fortunes dwindle and future prospects dim, Lety comes to the rescue, proving how valuable she really is-and falling in love in the process!

Can Lety stand up to the beautiful, catty office gossips and win Fernando's gratitude, as well as his heart? And what unexpected twist of fate will turn this "ugly duckling" into a lovely swan? That's what makes this novela one beauty of a story.

LA FEA MAS BELLA
Language: Spanish
Subtitles: English
Running Time: 700 minutes
Rating: TV-PG
Xenon Pictures/Televisa Home Entertainment
Distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080312/LAW018
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Xenon Pictures

CONTACT: Dania C. Echeverri of Unlimited Entertainment Marketing, LLC,
+1-305-865-4900, fax, 1-866-202-2918, cell, +1-305-205-7097,
dania.echeverri@gmail.com, for Xenon Pictures

Web site:

http://www.xenonpictures.com/

-------
Profile: intent