WHAT: The premiere of "Rock Star," the story of wannabe rock star Chris Cole (WAHLBERG), who is plucked from obscurity and catapulted to fame when Steel Dragon, the rock band he worships, chooses him to replace their lead singer after seeing a videotape of Cole fronting his Steel Dragon tribute band.

WHO:  From the film: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West, Jason Bonham, Jeff Pilson, Zakk Wylde, Blas Elias, Brian Vander Ark, Dagmara Dominczyk, Stephan Jenkins, Rachel Hunter, Jamie White, Stephen Herek (Director), John Stockwell (Writer), Toby Jaffe (Producer), Robert Lawrence (Producer), George Clooney (Executive Producer), Steve Reuther  (Executive Producer).

      Other Celebrity Guests: Alice in Chains (Mike Inez), Beautiful Creatures (Joe Leste, DJ Ashba, Anthony Focx, Kenny Kweens, Glen Sobel), Brad Pitt, BusBoys (Brian O'Neal), Coal Chamber (Dez Farfara, Meegs, Mick Mars), Danzig (Glen Danzing), Def Leppard (Phil Collen, Rick Allen, Vivian Campbell), Dokken (Don Dokken), Everclear (Craig Montoya, Art Alexakis, Scott Cuthbert, Greg Eckland), Jessica Biel, LL Cool J, KISS (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons), Korn (Fieldy, Head, Munky, Dave Silveria), LA Guns (Traci Guns), Limp Bizket (Fred Durst), Lit (A. Jay Poppoff, Jeremy Poppoff, Kevin Baldes, Allan S. Berger), Machine Head (Rob Flynn, Ahrue Luster, Adam Duce, Dave McClain), Virginia Madsen, Motley Crue (Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars), Onesidezero (Jason Radford, Levon Sultanian, Brett Kane, Rob Basile, Christian Hernandez), Orgy (Jay Gordon, Ryan Shuck, Amir Derakh, Paige Haley, Bobby, Hewitt, Jeff Varner), Poison (Brett Michaels, CC Deville, Rikki Rocket), Powerman 5000 (Spider, Dorian Heartsong, Mike Tempesta), Quiet Riot (Rudy Sarzo), Rob Zombie Band (Rob Zombie, Rob Nicholson, John Tempesta, Riggs), Seal, Slayer (Kerry King, Tom Araya, Jeff Henneman, Paul Bostaph), Static X (Wayne Static, Ken Jay, Tony Campos, Tripp Rex Eisen).

WHEN: Tuesday, September 4th
      Arrivals - 7:00PM
      Screening - 8:00PM

WHERE: Mann Village
       961 Broxton Avenue
       Westwood

                Your coverage of this event is invited

Press Credentials must be picked up outside the theater after 5:30p.m. on the day of the event. There will be no exceptions

        "ROCK STAR" OPENS IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE SEPTEMBER 7th.

                  "ROCK STAR" is rated R by the MPAA.
                         www.rockstarmovie.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact: 
     Warner Bros.
     Print/Broadcast: Brooke Ensign, 818/954-6705
     Photo: Michael Taylor, 818/954-6585
     Online: Brenda Falitz, 818/954-6676
     International: Tricia Lewis, 818/954-6557

                          VH1'S "STRANGE FREQUENCY,"
    NETWORK'S FIRST-EVER DRAMATIC SERIES, DEBUTS NEW EPISODE ON SATURDAY,
                      SEPTEMBER 1, AT 10:00 P.M. (ET/PT)

         Ally Sheedy, Stuart Margolin, Peter Strauss, Wendie Malick,
         Jason Gedrick, Lindsay Sloane, Patsy Kensit, James Marsters,
                    John Hawkes, Pam Grier, Frank Whaley,
             Charisma Carpenter, Jamie Kennedy, Ileanna Douglas,
             Sebastian Bach And Roger Daltrey Are Among Stars Of
              Upcoming Episodes Of New Dramatic Anthology Series

                             Roger Daltrey Hosts
 

``Strange Frequency,'' VH1's first-ever, fully-scripted original dramatic series, will debut a new episode, ``Don't Stop Believin''' on Saturday, September 1, 2001 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Inspired by TV's classic horror anthologies, ``Strange Frequency'' originally debuted on January 24 as a two-hour movie comprising four chilling tales. Hosted by Roger Daltrey, upcoming episodes of ``Strange Frequency'' will feature Lindsay Sloane and Jason Gedrick (Sept. 15); Jamie Kennedy and Ileanna Douglas (Sept. 29); Frank Whaley and Pam Grier (Oct. 20); Ally Sheedy and Stuart Margolin (Nov. 3); Charisma Carpenter and Sebastian Bach (Nov. 10). 

On Friday, August 31
Hit This!
Hosted by VH1's Cane, Hit This! is a one-hour video show that focuses on
the rock side of the pop charts, complete with news, artists' interviews, and
exclusive footage. (Premieres from 10-11a)
Rock Show

This week Jason Newstead hosts. 
(Premieres from 12-1a)

On Saturday, September 1
VH1 Cast Party: Behind the Movie: Rock Star
This is a half hour special in conjunction with the Warner Brothers'
motion picture Rock Star. Includes interviews with stars Mark Wahlberg and
Jennifer Aniston. Spotlights the movie's soundtrack, which features huge hard
rock anthems from the last 20 years and original tracks penned by some of
today's biggest hitmakers. Among the classics on the Rock Star soundtrack:
Motley Crue's "Wildside," Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" and Kiss's "Lick it
Up." The album also has new original songs from Everclear, the Verve Pipe and
other established writers who penned material for Steel Dragon. (Premieres
from 11:30a-12p)
Rock Across America Top 20 Countdown with Sugar Ray & Uncle Kracker Hosted by ``Survivor'' Jenna Lewis, the countdown is brought to you on location in Orlando, Florida. (Premieres from 12-2p)

Strange Frequency: Don't Stop Believin'

This week's episode of ``Strange Frequency'' is ``Don't Stop Believin''' in which a Senate candidate is carried back in time by his campaign theme song to relive the night his political career was ruined. Peter Strauss and Wendie Malick star.

Upcoming episodes of ``Strange Frequency'' will feature Lindsay Sloane and Jason Gedrick (Sept. 15); Jamie Kennedy and Ileanna Douglas (Sept. 29); Frank Whaley and Pam Grier (Oct. 20); Ally Sheedy and Stuart Margolin (Nov. 3); Charisma Carpenter and Sebastian Bach (Nov. 10). (Premieres 10-10:30p)

Cover Wars: Semi-Finals III

A tournament-style game show featuring the country's top cover bands. Each week, three bands compete in a game designed to test their setlists and their musical skill. Over the course of the season, all but three bands are eliminated from the tournament. The last bands standing meet in the Cover War Finals to vie for the grand prize -- a fully loaded van -- and the title of Cover War Champion. Judges are Ace Frehley, Sebastian Bach and Edwin McCain. (Premieres from 10:30-11p)

``Cover Wars'' is one of the shows that highlights ``My VH1 Primetime'' Weekend Premieres, anchored by new VH1 specials and series that will debut this summer. 

On Sunday, September 2
Top 80 of The 80's
Hosted by Emilio Estevez, this five-hour program will count down the

80 best music videos of the '80s. This series will explore how a new breed of
rock star came to life (including such legends as Michael Jackson and Madonna)
through the power of the music video and how some landmark music videos
pioneered a new art form, irrevocably changing pop culture, television and the
music industry. (Premieres from 5-10p)
On Monday, September 3
What's My 20?: Jackson Nation
Hosted by VH1 viewers, this show counts down the top Jackson songs, as
determined by on-line voters. Includes clips on Michael Jackson's "Billie
Jean" and "Thriller," Janet Jackson's "Black Cat" and "Rhythm Nation" and
more. (Premieres from 10-11p)
``What's My 20?'' highlights ``My Mondays,'' an evening of viewer-driven, interactive programming, also featuring an episode of the hit series ``Behind the Music'' chosen by viewers at VH1.com. 

On Wednesday, September 5
Movies That Rock!: American Hot Wax
This musical takes an in-depth look at the innocence with which American

teenagers first tuned on to rock music and how it became the symbol of
youthful defiance. Stars Tim McIntire, Fran Drescher, Jay Leno, Laraine
Newman, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis. (1978) (Premieres from 9-11p)
``American Hot Wax'' highlights ``Movies That Rock,'' presenting feature film favorites plus all-new VH1 Original Movies made exclusively for VH1 viewers, every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m.

``My Mondays,'' ``Movies That Rock'' and Weekend Premieres are part of ``My VH1 Primetime,'' a new programming strategy that spotlights themed destination viewing nights in a new 9:00 p.m.-midnight VH1 primetime schedule.

Director Tim Burton's reworking of the 1968 science fiction classic has raked in more than ten million pounds, including 2.3 million pounds over the weekend, according to data from Screen International on Tuesday.

The 20th Century Fox epic, starring Helena Bonham Carter and Mark Wahlberg, recouped two thirds of its $100 million production costs in its opening weekend in the U.S. alone.

Wahlberg plays a U.S. Air Force astronaut who crash lands on a bizarre planet where talking apes rule the humans.

He teams up with an enlightened chimp called Ari, played Bonham-Carter, to search for a sacred temple inside the Forbidden Zone which holds the key to mankind's past.

There were more talking animals at number two as Warner Brothers' ``Cats & Dogs'' grossed one million pounds over the weekend.

Director Lawrence Guturman's animated adventure sees family pets waging a high-tech war under their unsuspecting owners' noses. It has made 17 million pounds in Britain so far this summer.

Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt were a new entry at number three, starring as mother and daughter con artists in ''Heartbreakers.''

Director David Mirkin's comedy follows the pair as they seduce wealthy men and trick them out of their fortunes. It grossed 750,000 pounds in its first weekend.

Jackie Chan's high-kicking martial arts comedy ``Rush Hour 2'' dropped one place to number four after grossing 600,000 pounds.

``Shrek,'' the cartoon fantasy starring Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz, was a non-mover at number five.

It has made more than 26 million pounds since it opened in the U.K. two months ago.

Australian actor Paul Hogan's return as the Outback ingenue Crocodile Dundee entered the charts at number seven with ticket sales of 354,000 pounds.

``Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles'' sees the hero struggling to understand life in California. It was described by The Independent as ``about as lively as a rotting emu at the bottom of a croc watering hole.''

``Full Monty'' director Peter Cattaneo broke the U.S. domination of the top ten with FilmFour's ``Lucky Break,'' straight in at number eight.

The comedy about a group of inmates who try to break out of prison by staging an amateur musical made 350,000 in its first weekend.

Comic Steve Coogan dropped to ninth spot with ``The Parole Officer'' while John Travolta's spy thriller ``Swordfish'' was down to No. 10. 

SYDNEY (Variety) - ``A Knight's Tale'' lanced the top spot in Australia and New Zealand this weekend in its international debut, while ``Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within'' kept audiences real in Germany, Spain and Italy.

In Oz, ``Knights'' jousted with stayers ``Planet of the Apes'' and ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' to take pole position and earn $1.2 million. The medieval romp benefited from a long lead tour by its star, Heath Ledger, a favorite homegrown thesp. New Zealand's $168,000 and South Korea (news - web sites)'s $626,000 helped deliver an international weekend gross of $2 million. Next week, the picture rolls out in Malaysia, Singapore and parts of eastern Europe.

``Captain Corelli's Mandolin'' and ``Blow'' also bowed in Oz, but failed to rate.

``Final Fantasy,'' a resounding flop in North America, spun audiences in Germany, Spain and Italy but proved slightly less popular in Belgium, Austria, Venezuela and Finland. The film's overseas total stands at $27.7 million.

In Italy, new entrants ``Final Fantasy,'' ``Driven,'' ``Dr. Dolittle 2'' and ``Spy Kids'' were bested by competition from the warm weather.

France welcomed Tim Burton's ``Planet of the Apes,'' which grossed $6.6 million on its opening weekend -- admissions were almost double the bows of ``Pearl Harbor,'' ``Jurassic Park III'' and ``The Mummy Returns. ``

Fox's ``Moulin Rouge'' opened No. 1 in Brazil with $424,000. The international total is $21.5 million to date, with the European campaign kicking off in the U.K. Sept. 7.

``Jurassic Park III'' earned $7 million over the weekend, including premieres in Russia, Sweden and Turkey. The foreign total stands at $137 million.

``Bridget Jones's Diary'' bowed in the top spot in Austria with $247,000, and nabbed the No. 2 slot in Germany with $1.8 million. ``Final Fantasy'' was tops in Germany with $2.5 million, but third in Austria ($230,000).

In Hong Kong, ``A.I. Artificial Intelligence'' bumped ``Rush Hour 2'' -- and not much else -- to take the top spot with $897,000, 41% of the box office.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- ShopNBC today announced its first round of programming initiatives for the fall 2001 season, when the network will introduce new programs and special telecasts that will air in tandem with an array of expanded brands and merchandise.

ShopNBC merges entertainment, information and commerce in its broadcasts and simulcasts them live on the Web at ShopNBC.com and Yahoo! ShoppingVision. The new line-up of programming will be supported by a marketing campaign beginning October 15 lasting through the holiday season as the network enters into the next phase of its rebranding from ValueVision to ShopNBC. Other new programs will be added to the schedule as part of the major ShopNBC rebranding initiative, and will be announced as details are confirmed.

``This first round of new programming and vastly expanded merchandise is just the beginning,'' said Gene McCaffery, chairman and chief executive of ValueVision Media, which owns and operates the ShopNBC network. ``We are pleased to be on the cutting-edge in developing entertainment programming that offers consumers the opportunity to buy products from popular manufacturers, retailers, and cataloguers along with well-known personalities. Additionally, we are in talks with many other big name manufacturers, retailers, cataloguers, and entertainment companies who are looking to be part of ShopNBC's redefinition of shopping on television and the Internet. We will continue to make these new announcements in the near future.''

David Page, senior vice president and executive producer of ShopNBC, added, ``This is a terrific line up of new programs. It's excitement, entertainment, and stars. Most of all, it's got the very best brand name products.''

Following is a list of the new programming and expanded merchandise:

``Bass Pro Shops' Outdoor World''

Debuting this November in prime time, Bass Pro Shops and ShopNBC will present ``Bass Pro Shops' Outdoor World''. The new series will feature just about everything for any level of outdoor enthusiast, from hunters and fisherman to backyard cooks. Bass Pro is America's outdoor authority, the country's largest retailer of outdoor recreational goods, well-known for its stable of experts, and the producer of thousands of hours of entertaining television about outdoor pursuits. This dynamic hour on ShopNBC puts it all together in one place each week. Highlights to include entertaining vignettes following the adventures of some of America's leading outdoorsmen; tips and advice from Bass Pro experts; special visits from champion competition sportsmen; and the opportunity to purchase everything you need to successfully enjoy all the outdoor activities and more with products ranging from hunting to cooking to hiking to the finest sports gear and gadgets available anywhere.

``The Yahoo! Shopping Hour''

One of America's best known brands, Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO), a leading online shopping destination, now brings to ShopNBC in-demand merchandise from some of the country's most popular brands. The weekly ``Yahoo! Shopping Hour'' will offer products from a variety of merchants, including major brand-name retailers currently featured online at Yahoo! Shopping. This new program expands ShopNBC's existing relationship with Yahoo!. Currently, ShopNBC is a featured content provider on Yahoo! ShoppingVision, provides Yahoo! Shopping Vision with live ShopNBC programming 24 hours a day, and provides archived video content on demand as well.

``The SpeedShop Program''

Debuting this November, ``SpeedShop'' brings the world of auto racing with its millions of wildly devoted fans to ShopNBC. Whether you're looking for that hard to find motorsports collectible, one-off piece of NASCAR memorabilia, or unique accessories to spruce up the project car or daily driver, ``SpeedShop'' on ShopNBC will have it all. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in racing , including the superstars of NASCAR and NHRA like Team Roush and John Force, as well as racing legends Carroll Shelby and Phil Hill, SpeedShop will entertain racing fans by offering them the opportunity to purchase a broad range of racing related merchandise. Products will range from collectibles, such as exclusive autographed products related to the teams, one-of-a-kind or limited editions, to literally, pieces of championship race cars that will be cut apart for sale on the program as viewers watch.

``In The Zone With Dr. Barry Sears''

Best-selling author and world renowned expert on weight loss and nutrition, Dr. Barry Sears brings his knowledge, advice, and unique nutritional product exclusively to ShopNBC. Dr. Sears' programs will combine cutting-edge health information, lifestyle counseling, first-person stories, and step-by-step weight loss instruction with the opportunity for viewers to purchase his groundbreaking nutritional products. Dr. Sears will also answer questions from some of his millions of devotees.

``Motivational Jewelry With Dr. Sonya Friedman''

A new program that helps you focus on your life and look good comes to ShopNBC this fall hosted by Dr. Sonya Friedman, one of the most recognized psychologists in the country. Author of several books on New York Times best-seller list, former host of the CNN information/news program ``Sonya Live,'' and former ABC talkradio's resident psychologist, Dr. Sonya Friedman brings her unique ability to connect with ShopNBC viewers. Dr. Sonya will offer guidance and advice on daily living, relationships and careers, while also offering viewers the opportunity to purchase Dr. Friedman's exclusive new line of motivational jewelry that embody her special outlook on life. Products showcased will include ``Sanity Beads,'' ``Pearls of Wisdom,'' and ``Forget Me Not Rings,'' among others.

``The Rockstar Movie Soundtrack Hour''

Live the life of a rock star and own the music. ShopNBC is thrilled to announce it is partnering with Warner Brothers Films and Priority Records to kick off the theatrical release of ``Rock Star,'' with the soundtrack CD exclusively available by advance order on shopnbc.com (http://www.shopnbc.com ) for a limited time. It will be a premiere television event with behind the scenes footage of stars Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston about the story of a wannabe rocker who got to be a star. Along with the soundtrack CD, ShopNBC will also offer Musicplayground's Vpick Virtual Guitar-a unique digital device that actually allows so-called air-guitar players to generate real music through a home computer. (Rockstar movie by Warner Bros Films, Soundtrack released by Priority Records)

``Vera Brown's Bel Air Spa''

Nestled in the Bel Air hills of Los Angeles, California, Vera Brown's Retreat is the spa of choice for some of Hollywood's best known celebrities. There, they are pampered with Vera's exclusive skin care and beauty products. Now Vera Brown, who has been covered in Vogue, In-Style, Glamour, Allure, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, and many more, for her expertise on state-of-the-art skin care, brings her exclusive skin care line to ShopNBC, offering viewers the same luxury previously available only to the select few who could visit her spa. During this regular program, Vera will also offer tips and advice for looking, feeling, and staying your youngest.

``The Serta Hour - Counting Sheep Live''

Mattresses manufactured expressly for ShopNBC will soon be available by Serta, who is celebrating its 70th year in business. Launching this fall, ``The Serta Hour'' will educate viewers on the importance of a good night's rest and how Serta's pillow top and firm mattresses with innovative foams and fibers can alleviate aches and pains, which lead to improved alertness. The Serta sleep system will offer ShopNBC customers superior comfort, unparalleled support and unsurpassed durability. Appealing to whatever your sleeping preference, sales of Serta mattress will be accompanied by special promotions.

``The Tempur-Pedic Hour''

The Tempur-Pedic sleep system, mattresses designed with specially developed foam to completely eliminate pressure points, will be available on ShopNBC this fall. ``The Tempur-Pedic Hour'' will feature a conventional bedding system built around a state-of-the-art material originally developed by NASA as well as an wireless remote control adjustable bed with a massage feature. Special promotions will accompany Tempur-Pedic mattress sales.

``The Panasonic Hour''

Debuting this September, ``The Panasonic Hour'' will launch on ShopNBC featuring a vast assortment of consumer electronics such as TVs, camcorders, DVDs, high-end cordless phones, and more. Millions of consumers depend on Panasonic for the newest and best in consumer electronics. Get ready to be introduced to new products and educated on how to use them.

``Franco Sarto and Easy Spirit Shoes''

Franco Sarto shoes come to ShopNBC this fall in a series of programs featuring live fashion shows. These wildly popular shoes are well known for combining comfort and classic style with a twist, such as unique heal and toe treatments. The premiere of Franco Sarto shoes on ShopNBC expands the range of brand name footwear available to ShopNBC viewers. Easy Spirit, one of America's leading women's shoe brands found in over 5,000 retail stores and whose spokesperson is Cybill Shepherd, continues its programming on ShopNBC this fall. Easy Spirit shoes are well known for combining comfort with casual style.

``The Canon Hour''

Canon, well know as a world leader in cameras, computer peripherals, and home office solutions, comes to ShopNBC with a line of unique products developed specially for ShopNBC viewers. This new program will be about technology made easy.

``Limoges from France''

Feeling a bit French? Tune in this fall and experience the French open air marketplace with distinctive collectibles from Limoges. Hand-painted porcelain enameled boxes and figures are one-of-a-kind collectibles to ShopNBC.

``The Mannheim Steamroller Holiday Music Hour''

ShopNBC exclusively presents a series of holiday music shows featuring the ``Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Extraordinaire'' CD release. The #1 Christmas artist of the last decade, selling more than 20 million albums, Grammy Award Winner composer/musician Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller will co-host the programs during which viewers will have the opportunity to purchase the CD along with other popular Mannheim Steamroller memorabilia. More than 25 years ago, Davis transformed popular instrumental music by introducing what has become known as the NEW AGE MUSIC genre by mixing pop music with classical and rock styles.

``Fitness Quest with Tony Little''

America's personal trainer Tony Little brings a new and expanded line of personal fitness products to ShopNBC this fall. Tony's Gazelle Freestyle total body trainer has been a big hit with ShopNBC viewers. Now Tony adds accessories to the Gazelle, other fitness machines, and videos. He will also continue to offer fitness tips and inspiration on the air as well as make his stable of elite personal trainers available to all of his customers by phone for step-by-step health advice and guidance.

Following is a list of previously announced programming:

``It's All About You With Star Jones''

Popular daytime television personality Star Jones comes to ShopNBC as host and co-producer of a compelling, new weekly program, ``It's All About You With Star Jones.'' Star will share the experiences and secrets that have enhanced her life and success. She will interview celebrities, friends, and experts, offer lifestyle advice, and present how-to segments such as ``The Five Essentials In Every Woman's Wardrobe,'' ``Picking the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion,'' ``Packing Light and Right for a Far Away Trip,'' and ``Worry-Free Champagne -- How to Throw a Party Even the Hostess Will Enjoy.'' In addition, Star will offer viewers the opportunity to purchase the timeless and essential products she uses -- and loves -- in all aspects of her own life. Jewelry, fashion, home decor, health & beauty, entertainment, and more. All will add Star's unique sense of style to any woman's life.

Special Telecast: ``Harrah's $1 Million Treasure Hunt''

ShopNBC and Harrah's Entertainment have teamed up to produce the seasons most exciting reality TV special. ``Harrah's $1 Million Treasure Hunt'' will debut November 23 and follow some 30 contestants on a mad scramble to find the million dollar prize hidden somewhere in the Nevada dessert. ShopNBC cameras will document every move and every near disaster along the way. At the same time, viewers will be offered the opportunity to purchase exclusive travel packages to Harrah's Resorts and Casinos.

``The Bright Life Hour ''

Partnering with 3rd Wave Marketing, ShopNBC will air a weekly show that brings to its viewers the kind of innovative, time-saving, and life-simplifying products that 20 million Bright Life and Home Health catalog shoppers have already come to depend on. The program will showcase a broad array of exciting new merchandise for home, garden, office, personal health, and travel, brilliantly designed to solve everyday problems and meet real-world needs. One look and you'll find yourself saying why didn't I think of that.

In addition to these shows, ShopNBC will debut programming on other personalities and special telecasts such as ``The LPGA's Solheim Cup,'' showcasing unique specialty branded merchandise, as well as featuring team players and previous-year reviews (ShopNBC is the official partner and sponsor of the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) Solheim Cup, a biennial international golf competition bringing together the best in women's professional golf from the U.S. and Europe); Charles Winston, who is a member of the world renowned Winston family and acclaimed throughout the jewelry community, featuring wonderfully crafted pieces at a fraction of boutique prices; international beauty expert Cathy Kangas, who will share the healing powers of the Prai Root and is a ``jet-set'' beauty advisor to the stars and beauty editor of the New York Society ``Brunch'' magazine; and skin care guru Harvey Tauman, featuring mild, gentle formulas for cleansing, toning and moisturizing skin.

Expanded Product Categories

ShopNBC will also be expanding and diversifying its current merchandise mix, which is predominantly jewelry and personal computers, to include home furnishings and textiles, floor coverings, Tiffany-inspired lighting, personal care, collectibles, and giftware. Additional product categories coming to the network's airwaves will be cookware, a new line of cosmetics, decorative table tops and accessories, and seasonal home decor.

``As we continue to aggressively broaden our product base, the reception we've received from industry-leading merchants who want to sell merchandise through our converged TV and Internet shopping venues has been very encouraging,'' said Steven Goldsmith, SVP and GMM, of ShopNBC. ``Of course we will remain strong in the jewelry category, but we will also soon be offering our viewers more great products at great values they've come to expect.''

About ShopNBC

ShopNBC is a leading national shopping network, formerly known as ValueVision TV, that is owned and operated by ValueVision Media (Nasdaq: VVTV - news). ValueVision operates in the home shopping industry, which is approximately $5 billion in size and growing, and is capitalizing on the convergence of television, the Internet, and commerce. The Company's mission is to be the most innovative multimedia network offering consumers an entertaining, informative, and interactive shopping experience. GE Equity and NBC own approximately 40% of ValueVision. As the nation's third largest and fastest growing shopping network, ShopNBC is broadcast 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is simulcast live on the Web at ShopNBC.com and on Yahoo! ShoppingVision. As of April 30, 2001, ShopNBC reaches about 46 million cable and satellite households (DIRECTV AND DISH).

Safe Harbor

This release contains certain ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are accordingly subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from the expectations contained herein due to various important factors, including (but not limited to): consumer spending and debt levels; interest rates; competitive pressures on sales, pricing and gross profit margins; the level of cable and satellite distribution for the Company's programming and the level of related distribution fees; the success of the Company's e-commerce and rebranding initiatives; the performance of its equity investments; the success of its strategic alliances and relationships; the performance of the Ralph Lauren Media venture; the ability of the Company to manage its operating expenses successfully; risks associated with acquisitions; changes in governmental or regulatory requirements; litigation or governmental proceedings affecting the Company's operations; and the ability of the Company to obtain and retain key executives and employees. More detailed information about those factors is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. The Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

SOURCE: ShopNBC 

SYDNEY (Variety) - ``Final Fantasy'' spent four years moving from script to screen, but the domestic dud took just one weekend to claim top spot in Germany, Italy and Spain.

In Italy, the computer-animated sci-fier reaped about $277,000 on Friday and hit No. 1 in a field awash with newcomers, including heavyweights ``Spy Kids'' and ``Shrek.'' The Cate Blanchett starrer ``The Gift,'' a 2000 release in North America, came out of the gates in second spot Friday.

In Spain ``Final Fantasy'' reaped about $905,000 in two days. That was double its nearest contender, ``The Mexican,'' in lap two.

In Germany, the video game-inspired picture reaped about $1.69 million over three days, ahead of ``Bridget Jones's Diary,'' which took about $1.29 million. In Austria, ``Bridget Jones'' took top spot with about $171,000, while ``Final Fantasy'' took $153,000.

In the U.K., newcomers failed to make an impact. ``Planet of the Apes'' stayed on top of the pile in lap two with a hairy $2.14 million in two days.

The Jennifer Love Hewitt/Sigourney Weaver starrer ``Heartbreakers'' entered the charts in third with $622,000, while ``Crocodile Dundee III'' took fifth with just $338,000, despite a meet-and-greet tour from star Paul Hogan.

France followed Blighty's example and warmly welcomed ``Planet of the Apes.'' Its $7.4 million in three days makes it the third-biggest opener for Fox in the territory after ``Independence Day'' and ``Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace.''

Down Under, local hero Heath Ledger drove ``A Knight's Tale'' to top spot in a four-day total of about $1.6 million. Other newcomers in that territory failed to ignite the box office. ``Captain Corelli's Mandolin'' was tuned to No. 4, strumming just $530,000, followed by ``Blow'' at No. 5 with $458,000.

``Moulin Rouge'' was the other opener of note, commencing its Latin American assault atop the totem in Brazil with full weekend takings of $405,000, double that for Baz Luhrmann's ``Romeo + Juliet.'' In Mexico, it took third spot with about $732,000; it landed in second in Argentina, with $250,000.