Hollywood’s First Studio-Backed Broadband Movie Streamed In Its Entirety For Free

MTV New Media, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, both part of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), and BLOCKBUSTER® today announced they are unleashing “JACKASS 2.5,” the first-ever, studio-backed feature streamed in its entirety online.

Jackassworld.com - December 15, 2007

jackass 2.5 production photo.

(PRNewsChannel) / Los Angeles, Calif. – MTV New Media, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, both part of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), and BLOCKBUSTER® today announced they are unleashing “JACKASS 2.5,” the first-ever, studio-backed feature streamed in its entirety online. JACKASS 2.5 will be made available for free courtesy of BLOCKBUSTER at blockbuster.jackassworld.com beginning December 19th through December 31st, 2007. To mark this unprecedented event, Johnny Knoxville delivered a special message to the media on jackassworld.com, a new site and joint venture of MTV Networks and Dickhouse Productions that officially launches February 9th, 2008.

JACKASS 2.5 is every bit as unbelievable as the preceding movies, combining stunts, pranks and all new lows. JACKASS 2.5 includes never-before-seen footage and interviews and features long-standing cast members Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Steve-O, Ehren McGhehey, Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Preston Lacy and Ryan Dunn.

“There’s no better franchise than JACKASS to launch our new media division,” said David Gale, Executive Vice President of New Media for MTV Networks’ Music Group. “With JACKASS 2.5 and soon jackassworld.com, we’re giving fans cool, viral content that’s perfect for the digital space.”

“We are very excited to be able to deliver Jackass 2.5, the first feature-length movie from a major studio which will debut free on the internet,” states Thomas Lesinski, President of Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment. “The Jackass movie is the first of several feature films that we plan on distributing online and as the digital world evolves, Paramount will continue to turn digital distribution of content on its head.”

Streaming JACKASS 2.5 is open to anyone in the U.S. 17 or older, whether you’re a BLOCKBUSTER member or not. And best of all, it’s free! Go to blockbuster.jackassworld.com, download the free Microsoft Silverlight media player and with a few quick steps you’re watching the movie.

“We are thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking event”, said Keith Morrow, Chief Information Officer for Blockbuster Inc. “Streaming JACKASS 2.5 emphasizes our commitment to provide consumers with the entertainment they want, in the format they want, whether it’s through our stores, through the mail or online.”

“When we set out to make ‘jackass number two,’ we made more than a movie – we made almost two movies. All the guys were so red hot, we just couldn’t stop filming,” said Jeff Tremaine, Producer and Co-Creater of JACKASS. “Now with JACKASS 2.5, we finally have a great way to release the rest of this movie-worthy footage.

On December 26th, the unrated “JACKASS 2.5” DVD with bonus features and an extra 45 minutes of never-before-seen footage will be available for rent exclusively at participating BLOCKBUSTER stores and blockbuster.com. It will also be available for purchase at all major DVD retailers, including BLOCKBUSTER, as well on jackassworld.com.

Additionally, beginning December 26th consumers can download-to-own JACKASS 2.5 at movielink.com, iTunes, Amazon.com and other participating services. Beginning Jan 1st, 2008 the movie will also be available for download-to-rent exclusively at movielink.com.

The launch of JACKASS 2.5 is the first in a torrent of new stuff to come from the JACKASS crew on all platforms. From your TV, to your computer and even your local participating BLOCKBUSTER store, no place will be safe from their hi-jinks in the coming weeks.

About Paramount Pictures Digital EntertainmentParamount Pictures Digital Entertainment (PDE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation. Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About MTV Networks - MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Blockbuster - Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B) is a leading global provider of in-home movie and game entertainment, with more than 7,800 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company may be accessed worldwide at www.blockbuster.com.

Contacts:

MTV

Jeannie Kedas -

Matthew Hutchison -

Jennifer DeGuzman -

Paramount

Jodi Lederman -

Blockbuster

Karen Raskopf -

Tami Cannizzaro -

Source: Jackassworld.com