Universal 100th Anniversary - Official® [HD]
Universal will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012, and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio's rich film history and cultural legacy. The campaign draws its inspiration from Universal's extraordinary and diverse library of films, many of which will be highlighted throughout the year, and is designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of moviemaking.
A significant element of the centennial includes the extensive restoration of 13 of the studio's most beloved titles such as To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa , Frankenstein and Schindler's List.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment will kick off the celebration in January with a special 50th anniversary release of To Kill a Mockingbird, debuting on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever. Throughout the year, Universal will pay tribute to other influential films in the Universal library with special events and Blu-rayTM releases of such iconic classics as Jaws and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, which celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Universal will reveal an updated animated logo tied to the centennial. The animated logo will make its first appearance in front of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax at its premiere in February, and for that film's U.S. theatrical release on March 2nd. (The new static version of this logo is unveiled today and is featured at the top of this release.) Other activities surrounding the studio's 100th anniversary include a vibrant social media campaign, special events, theme park activities, promotions and many surprises to engage fans throughout the yearlong celebration.
Fans and film enthusiasts can start celebrating online today at the official Universal Centennial website, Universal100th.com, a one-stop destination dedicated to Universal's 100 years. The site, as well as a number of social media platforms, will bring the centennial to life online. Universal will be sharing archival content on its brand new Tumblr (Universal100.tumblr.com), fans of Universal classics on Facebook will find exclusives and special opportunities across their favorite pages, followers of @UniversalPics on Twitter can find the activities using the hashtag #Universal100, Foursquare users who check in at iconic Universal locations such as the studio and theme parks will be able to unlock special behind-the-scenes tips and content, and for those who are followers of fashion, Universal's Pinterest account (Pinterest.com/Universal) will be drawing inspiration from favorite films for everyone's Pinboards, starting with 10 inaugural titles of pop-culture classics such as The Breakfast Club, Scarface, Sixteen Candles, Bridget Jones 's Diary and Bridesmaids. These online initiatives will roll out throughout various times of the year and will tie back to the Universal Centennial official site.
On April 30, 1912 , Universal Film Manufacturing Company filed its certificate of incorporation with the state of New York . In 1915, Carl Laemmle officially opened Universal City , the largest film production facility in the world. Throughout Universal's 100 years, the studio has served as a home for many of the most talented filmmakers of all time (such as Alfred Hitchcock , Steven Spielberg , Robert Zemeckis , Martin Scorsese , Ron Howard , Peter Jackson , Spike Lee , John Hughes and Judd Apatow ) and created films that have touched the hearts of millions and fueled culture's fascination with cinema.
Universal's key centennial activities included throughout the anniversary year are as follows:
Major Film Restoration Commitment
Universal will restore 13 films over the course of the centennial year. The restoration effort includes the following films: All Quiet on the Western Front, The Birds, Buck Privates, Dracula (1931), Dracula Spanish (1931), Frankenstein, Jaws, Schindler's List, Out of Africa , Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein, The Sting and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Unveiling of New Logo
Universal will reveal an updated animated logo at the February premiere of the upcoming feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax and at that film's U.S. theatrical debut on March 2 , 2012. The updated logo will be used on all Universal Pictures films going forward, and will be integrated into all aspects of the company's business as well.
Home Entertainment
Universal Home Entertainment will be introducing a limited edition 100th Anniversary Collector's Series featuring some of the aforementioned film restorations on Blu-rayTM in collectible, book-style packaging showcasing rare movie memorabilia and brand new 10-minute video featurettes. In addition, special collections will be released throughout the year, culminating in the highly anticipated Blu-rayTM releases of Universal's Classic Monster and Alfred Hitchcock series. A selection of movies that have shaped Universal's legacy will also be released in commemorative packaging, many of them on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever.