Following is the official press release for the June 19th release of Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media’s Bridge to Terabithia on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. “Based on Katherine Paterson’s Newbery Award-winning novel, Bridge to Terabithia recounts the heartwarming tale of kids who stumble upon the fantasy kingdom Terabithia, where they face the challenges of childhood and learn that friendship is life’s one true reward.” The film was directed by Gabor Csupo, co-founder of leading animation house Klasky Csupo, with computer animation provided by Weta Digital. The press release even mentions there being “several Narnia sequels” in production:

From Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, the studios that brought you The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, comes Bridge to Terabithia

The Imaginative Fantasy Hit Will Enchant Adventurers of All Ages
on Disney DVD and Blu-ray Disc® June 19th
Includes Special Effects Featurette,
Music Video Featuring AnnaSophia Robb and More

BURBANK, Calif., May 8, 2007 – Bridge to Terabithia will transport your living room to a fantasy world when the 2007 box office hit arrives on DVD and Blu-ray Disc June 19th from Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Walden Media.

Based on Katherine Paterson’s Newbery Award-winning novel, Bridge to Terabithia recounts the heartwarming tale of kids who stumble upon the fantasy kingdom Terabithia, where they face the challenges of childhood and learn that friendship is life’s one true reward. Jess Aarons—played by Josh Hutcherson (RV)—a shy, artistic 5th grade boy, is the fastest runner in school until new girl in town, outgoing Leslie Burke (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory star AnnaSophia Robb), busts Jess’s speed record. The two eventually form a friendship over their love of storytelling and discover that the make-believe world they created has come to live in a secret forest. Their adventures in Terabithia, where they are crowned king and queen, help them face the challenges of growing up.

Rounding out the cast are Zooey Deschanel (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), the beautiful music teacher Mrs. Edmonds who is Jess’ first crush; and Robert Patrick, best known as the Terminator 2: Judgment Day bad guy, playing Jess’ austere father. Bailee Madison plays May Belle Aarons, Jess’s little sister and friend.

The enchantment continues with the bonus features including educational documentary Behind the Book: The Themes of Bridge to Terabithia. The film supplements classroom study of the book and helps young viewers understand the central themes and characters. Special effects featurette “Digital Imagination” also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the film. In the music video for “Keep Your Mind Wide Open” from the movie’s soundtrack, AnnaSophia Robb’s singing talents are front and center. Also included is a double dose of audio commentaries: the first with director Gabor Csupo, writer Jeff Stockwell and producer Hal Lieberman and the second featuring the film’s stars Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb with producer Lauren Levine.

DVD and Blu-ray Disc Bonus Features
• Behind the Book: The Themes of Bridge to Terabithia
• Digital Imagination: Bringing Terabithia to Life
• “Keep Your Mind Wide Open” Music Video Performed by AnnaSophia Robb
• Audio Commentary with Gabor Csupo, Jeff Stockwell and Hal Lieberman
• Audio Commentary with Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb and Lauren Levine

Bridge to Terabithia was directed by Emmy® Award-winning producer Gabor Csupo (Outstanding Animated Program For Programming One Hour or Less for The Simpsons, 1989). Co-founder of leading animation house Klasky Csupo, the Hungarian-born director has created such memorable animated television and movie franchises as Rugrats and The Wild Thornberries. Weta Digital, the visionary digital arthouse that created the visual masterpiece of Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, breathed life into the creatures of Terabithia and transformed Jess and Leslie’s make-believe world into a picturesque reality.

More than 30 years ago, Katherine Paterson was inspired to write the Bridge to Terabithia novel for her son David. Today, David Paterson (The Great Gilly Hopkins) is an accomplished playwright, who co-wrote the Bridge to Terabithia screenplay with Jeff Stockwell (“Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys”).

Bridge to Terabithia was produced by Walden Media (Charlotte’s Web), which partnered with Disney for the 2005 hit The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as well as Holes, a 2003 adventure-comedy starring Shia LaBeouf, Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight. Walden and Disney are producing several Narnia sequels for theatrical release including The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian which began filming this year with Director Andrew Adamson.

Bridge to Terabithia is priced at $29.99 in the U.S. and $37.99 in Canada (DVD) and $34.99 in the U.S. and $44.99 in Canada (Blu-ray Disc).

As part of the Disney Movie Rewards program, this DVD can earn points toward exclusive rewards such as prizes, merchandise and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Fans can visit www.disneymovierewards.com for more info about registering this and many other Walt Disney Home Entertainment titles.

STREET DATE: JUNE 19, 2007
Direct prebook: May 8, 2007
Distributor prebook: April 24, 2007
Suggested retail price: $29.99 U.S. / $37.99 Canada (DVD); $34.99 U.S. / $44.99 Canada (Blu-ray Disc)
Feature run time: 96 Minutes
Rated: “PG.” Thematic elements including bullying, some peril and mild language
Encoding: AVC (Blu-ray Disc)
Resolution: 1080p (Blu-ray Disc)
Sound: 5.1 48 kHz, 24-bit uncompressed sound (English, Blu-ray Disc only)
5.1 Dolby Digital (English, French, Spanish)

Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment is a division of Disney Enterprises, Inc.