The Masked Man Rides Again! The Lone Ranger(R) Celebrates His 75th Anniversary in 2008

The Masked Man Rides Again! The Lone Ranger(R) Celebrates His 75th Anniversary in 2008

Entertainment Rights Supports this Milestone with New Collectible Merchandise, Live Events and the Release of The Lone Ranger 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition 12-Disc DVD Box Set

NEW YORK, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- "Hi-Yo Silver, away!" 2008 marks the 75th Anniversary of The Lone Ranger -- a true entertainment franchise and America's quintessential Western hero. After three feature films, more than 3,000 radio shows, 220 TV episodes, 18 novels, hundreds of comic books, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- and now a new feature film in development from Walt Disney Pictures and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer--The Lone Ranger rides again! In celebration of this major milestone, Entertainment Rights is kicking off a Diamond Anniversary celebration "bigger than the state of Texas," which includes new collectible merchandise, live events and the release of The Lone Ranger 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition, a 12-disc DVD box set, on November 11.

"The Lone Ranger is arguably the most popular Western character of all time," said Nicole Blake, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Entertainment Rights, North America. "He has influenced generations of fans and set the standard for the popular TV and movie genre, creating a lasting impact on American pop culture that continues today. True classics, like The Lone Ranger, never go out of style."

Saddle-Up With The Lone Ranger 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition DVD Set!

This week, Entertainment Rights and Genius Products will release The Lone Ranger 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition 12-disc DVD box set. It includes the complete first and second seasons of the Emmy-nominated "The Lone Ranger" series (78 episodes from 1949 and 1950), starring Clayton Moore as the 'Masked Man' and Jay Silverheels as Tonto. More than 1,900 minutes of The Lone Ranger adventures have been digitally re-mastered and packed into this box set. Fans of any age will enjoy the exclusive memorabilia, such as an 88-page commemorative book, complete episode guide, and rare comic book and photo reprints. An extra bonus DVD includes: three episodes from the 1960s animated series; a classic Lassie episode, "Peace Control," featuring a guest appearance by The Lone Ranger; and an original radio broadcast of "The Tribal Talisman" (May 22, 1950), accompanied by the script. The Lone Ranger 75th Anniversary Collector's Edition is available on November 11th for $119.93 SRP.

Capture the Spirit of the West with Lone Ranger Collectibles

Timed to the Anniversary, all-new The Lone Ranger collectibles and memorabilia will gallop into retail to save the day. In partnership with Entertainment Rights, Dynamic Forces has expanded its popular collectible line with the release of The Lone Ranger #14 comic book and a special over-sized publication of John Cassaday's cover art and key imagery from new The Lone Ranger comics #1-14. Volume II of the award-winning graphic novel The Lone Ranger, commemorative trading cards, resin statues, lithographs, and other memorabilia round out the program.

The Lone Ranger Rides into a Town Near You!

Earlier this year, Entertainment Rights began connecting with fans and families around the country when it launched a series of The Lone Ranger live events held at historic U.S. railroads. The Lone Ranger and Tonto will make special appearances at themed railroad attractions where the duo will save gold on the train from the bad guys. The events kicked off in Texas and will expand to other locations in 2009, including Colorado and North Carolina.

The Lone Ranger Looks to Ride Back to the "Silver" Screen

A major recent development for the franchise is the announcement of a feature film adaptation of The Lone Ranger in development from Walt Disney Pictures and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, with Johnny Depp currently slated to play Tonto.

About The Lone Ranger(R)

With one jaunty call, "Hi-Yo, Silver!," The Lone Ranger sparked a cultural phenomenon that would establish him as America's favorite hero of the Wild West. Mounted atop a white stallion, he became a steadfast symbol for truth and justice, capturing the hearts and imaginations of generations of fans. For more than seven decades, The Lone Ranger has been the star of more than 3,000 radio shows, 220 classic TV episodes, three feature films, and hundreds of comic books. 2008 marks the 75th anniversary of The Lone Ranger.

About Entertainment Rights

Entertainment Rights Plc (ER) is the UK's leading global media group specializing in the ownership of high quality children's and family programming, characters and brands. ER owns or controls the rights to many global characters including Basil Brush(R), Postman Pat(R), Jess the Cat(TM), Little Red Tractor(TM), Rupert Bear(R), He-Man and the Masters of the Universe(R), Fat Albert and the Cosby kids(TM), She-Ra(R), Jim Jam & Sunny(TM), Ghostbusters, The Lone Ranger, Lassie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Felix .

In January 2007, ER acquired Classic Media, The US-based owner of an extensive portfolio of children's and family characters and brands including Big Idea Productions Inc, producer and creator of the award-winning 'VeggieTales' series of programming which, to date, has sold over 50 million home entertainment units in the US. Since 1999, when ER owned rights to just 39 episodes of programming, ER's library has grown to circa 9,000 episodes of high quality children's and family characters and brands. This includes certain rights to global brands such as Mattel's Barbie(TM), Scholastic's Clifford(TM) and Hasbro's Transformers(TM). ER has grown rapidly. Annual revenues have increased from 1.8m pounds Sterling in 1999 to 68.1m pounds in 2007, the last reported financial year. Visit www.entertainmentrights.com

Press Contacts:
Sasha Junk/Elizabeth Hanske
The Morris + King Company
(212) 561 7455/ (212) 561 7452
sasha.junk@morris-king.com / elizabeth.hanske@morris-king.com

Sommer Hixson
Entertainment Rights
(212) 659 1993
SH@classicmedia.tv

Source: Entertainment Rights Plc

CONTACT: Sasha Junk, +1-212-561-7455, sasha.junk@morris-king.com, or
Elizabeth Hanske, +1-212-561-7452, elizabeth.hanske@morris-king.com, both of
The Morris + King Company, or Sommer Hixson of Entertainment Rights,
+1-212-659-1993, SH@classicmedia.tv

Web Site: http://www.entertainmentrights.com/

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