Nickelodeon Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Groundbreaking Preschool Series Dora the Explorer With New Primetime TV Movie, 'Dora's Big Birthday Adventure,' Premiering Sunday, Aug. 15

NEW YORK, July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- She did it! She did it! Nickelodeon  celebrates the landmark 10th anniversary of the world's most beloved Latina heroine, Dora the Explorer, with a brand-new, hour-long primetime TV movie, "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure," premiering Sunday, Aug. 15, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.  The TV movie, which follows Dora and Boots on a whirlwind journey through Magic Storybook Land and guest stars Rosie Perez as La Bruja (the witch), John Leguizamo as the Flying Monkeys and Hector Elizondo as the Wishing Wizzle.

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Following the TV movie, at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT), Nickelodeon will premiere the first-ever Dora 10th Anniversary documentary, a special 12-minute tribute executive-produced by Academy Award®- nominated Brett Morgen (The Kid Stays in the Picture) and directed by Debra Eisenstadt.  The documentary explores the series' cultural and educational impact and features appearances by Dora and her friends, commentary from creators Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh Valdes and Eric Weiner, industry experts, real-life kids and celebrities including Anderson Cooper, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Rosie Perez, Salma Hayek Pinault, Shakira, Soledad O'Brien, Sherri Shepherd and more.

"For the past 10 years, Dora the Explorer has been a pioneer – a symbol of empowerment, diversity and education," said Brown Johnson, President, Animation, Nickelodeon. "She has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world and will continue to inspire and entertain preschoolers for many years to come."

Since launching on Nickelodeon Aug. 14, 2000, Dora the Explorer has emerged as a pop culture phenomenon and is currently the number-one rated preschool show on commercial television year-to-date. (Source: NMR, Live+7 Blended with Live+SD from 12/28/09-7/20/10).  Dora the Explorer, which can be seen in 151 markets and is translated into 30 languages, has been honored with awards including the Peabody, NAACP, Alma, Imagen, Latino Spirit, Gracie Allen, Parents' Choice Award, the Television Critics Association Award and has received 16 Daytime Emmy nominations.

In "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure," a twisting wind has blown Dora and Boots into Wizzle World, a land located in the Magic Storybook.  Dora and Boots can't jump out of the Magic Storybook without first taking Dora's crystal to the Wishing Wizzle (Hector Elizondo) so he can wish them back home in time for Dora's birthday party with all her family and friends.  They set off an adventure to Wishing Mountain, but they better watch out for La Bruja (Rosie Perez) and her Flying Monkeys (John Leguizamo) who don't like wishes and try to stop Dora and Boots.  In order to overcome the obstacles, Dora and Boots reflect back on past adventures to guide them along the way.

The premiere of "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure" will simulcast on Nick Mobile on Sunday, Aug. 15.  Additionally in August, a selection of fan-favorite Dora the Explorer episodes will be available on Nick on Demand and celebratory-themed episodes of Dora will be released across Nickelodeon's Download-to-Own partners.  Fans can also visit www.nickjr.com for a sneak peek of "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure" on Monday, Aug. 2.  Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, the "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure" DVD will be available on Aug. 3, 2010.

Nickelodeon also is marking the 10th anniversary of Dora the Explorer, with a multi-year, multi-platform pro-social campaign titled "Beyond the Backpack."  Named for Dora's iconic backpack, "Beyond the Backpack," champions overall school readiness for preschoolers as they prepare for the important adventure of starting school.  

In partnership with National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and other experts and leaders in school readiness, "Beyond the Backpack" provides parents with tools and resources that can help kids prepare for a well-rounded, positive experience as they enter kindergarten. The components of "Beyond the Backpack," include dedicated PSAs; a web site (www.dora.beyondthebackpack.com) with customized resources and learning activities including a curriculum-focused checklist for parents to determine if their child is ready for kindergarten, links to partner organizations, financial resources and grants; fundraising activities; and community events.

Also, in support of "Beyond the Backpack," Salma Hayek Pinault along with other celebrities will be featured in PSAs alongside Dora speaking about the campaign.  Hayek Pinault, Shakira, and Slash along with other celebrities are designing one-of-a-kind, Dora-inspired backpacks to be auctioned globally this summer.  One hundred percent of the U.S. proceeds will benefit the Children's Defense Fund and international proceeds will go toward childhood education.  

Dora the Explorer, created by Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh Valdes and Eric Weiner, is a play-along, animated adventure series starring Dora (Caitlin Sanchez).  Dora is a seven-year-old Latina heroine whose adventures take place in an imaginative, tropical world filled with jungles, beaches and rainforests.  She explores her world just as preschoolers do everyday, and the show is designed to actively engage its audience in an interactive quest using a variety of learning techniques.  

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon