DVDs Mark Three Pieces Of NZ History

Press Release
24 April 2008

DVDs Mark Three Pieces Of NZ History

In response to immense public demand, TVNZ is proud to announce DVD releases marking three pieces of New Zealand history.

Next month, a comprehensive two-disc package paying tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary's life and legacy will be released.

Sir Edmund Hillary 1919 2008 includes TVNZ's coverage of the State Funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary in Auckland; the TV ONE documentary Remembering Sir Ed: A Tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary examining the legend, his life after summiting Mt Everest and the legacy he has left behind; and the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Sir Edmund Hillary, from St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

A donation of $5 from the sale of each DVD will be made to the Himalayan Trust.

"We are privileged to make this keepsake of Sir Edmund Hillary available to New Zealanders, which includes a record of the final chapters of his life," says TVNZ General Manager Content Licensing, Leigh Wilson.

And in the first in a new series of TVNZ Classics, the unforgettable television adaptation of the Maurice Gee novel Under The Mountain is also being released in May.

The children's science fiction television series thrilled and frightened a generation of viewers, and continues to have a loyal following.

"Although Under The Mountain screened in 1981, it is still one of our most requested series by both Kiwis at home and abroad," says Wilson. "The demand for classic television series on DVD has increased significantly in recent years, and many broadcasters such as the BBC and ABC in Australia are responding to this demand and releasing selected archival series on DVD. We hope Under The Mountain will be the first in a series of well-loved Kiwi classics to be released on DVD. We are thrilled to make this available to its loyal and ardent fans."

In June, TVNZ will also release the recent documentary The Wahine Disaster, which drew a huge response from viewers when it was broadcast to mark the 40th anniversary of the event.

Sir Edmund Hillary 1919 2008, Under The Mountain and The Wahine Disaster are distributed by Roadshow Entertainment (NZ) Limited on behalf of TVNZ .

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