SAN FRANCISCO, June 21, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Columbia Pictures, Square Pictures, and Eyetide Media Inc., developer of the next-generation screensaver network(tm), are delivering up to 80 "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within" images straight to fans' computer desktops at www.eyetide.com/finalfantasy/?ref=1354.
Using Eyetide's unique screensaver, the Eyetide Viewer(tm), movie fans can customize their desktops with high-quality, full-screen movie images and the latest information about this summer's highly-anticipated film, "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within," scheduled to be in theaters everywhere beginning July 11.
Eyetide's screensaver platform presents an interactive experience where each image is linked to actions and information. Using a sleek, mouse-activated toolbar, fans can browse breaking news, sweepstakes opportunities, and other promotional activity surrounding the film. In addition, users can click through to launch the Final Fantasy Web site, view the film's trailer, and purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale. To top it off, this official "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within" screensaver updates every day, automatically, so users can receive new images and information through an unobtrusive background download process.
"We are excited to broadcast such coveted images and information; 'Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within' is one of the most anticipated movies of the summer," said Sheryl Huang, Eyetide's Director of Entertainment Business Development. "With Eyetide's unique and compact application, we are confident that fans will enjoy the sharp, stunning images and timely information as well as the automatic deliveries to their desktop."
Sony's success using Eyetide's platform was demonstrated by the screensaver promotion of their first film, "Charlie's Angels," and then repeated with films such as "Vertical Limit," "Snatch," and "The Wedding Planner." In the initial weeks following launch of the "Charlie's Angels" screensaver, an average of 46% of unique users per week clicked through to the film's Website to view the trailer, listen to the soundtrack, and purchase tickets and merchandise.
This announcement follows Sony's and Eyetide's launch of the official "A Knight's Tale" screensaver several weeks ago. In the summer months ahead, as they prepare to launch several major motion pictures, Sony plans to market many of its films using Eyetide's screensaver platform.
About Eyetide Media, Inc.
Eyetide Media, Inc. has created a software platform that revolutionizes the way media assets are distributed and viewed via the Internet. Eyetide's next-generation screensaver network turns the idle computer screen into a new media channel, allowing partners to broadcast rich interactive content directly to user desktops everyday. In addition to Sony Pictures, Eyetide's present media partners include the NFL, Magnum Photos, Aurora Photos, and more.
Eyetide Media, Inc. can be found at www.eyetide.com.
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CONTACT: Eyetide Media, Inc., San Francisco
Anne Roy
(415) 615-9980, x214
anne@eyetide.com