SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Announces the U.S. Release of "Turtle: The Incredible Journey"

ORLANDO, Fla., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment today announced the launch of "Turtle: The Incredible Journey," a family documentary directed by National Geographic Explorer's Nick Stringer.  The film will be distributed in partnership with Hannover House by SeaWorld's newly formed SeaWorld Pictures division.  Hannover House is the entertainment unit of Target Development Group (Pinksheets: TDGI).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110506/FL96865-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110506/FL96865-b)

Turtle: The Incredible Journey is an award-winning film that follows the life and migration of a loggerhead turtle from hatching to maturity and a return to its original Florida nesting grounds.  The loggerhead turtle, a threatened species, has one of the longest and most difficult migratory patterns of any marine animal: Sea turtles newly hatched on the East Coast of the United States (usually in Florida) make their way from the sand into the ocean, and then begin a voyage that can span the entire Atlantic Ocean, only to return decades later to that same beach.

"This is a remarkable story crafted by one of the world's most gifted documentary filmmakers," said Scott Helmstedter, Chief Creative Officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.  "Turtle: The Incredible Journey does what our parks have been doing for more than five decades: inspire, enrich and entertain.  Helping bring this film and its powerful message of the fragility and beauty of our oceans to the public is what SeaWorld is and what we have always been about."

Stringer's documentary team follows the loggerhead turtle on an adventure of more than 9,000 miles guided only by instinct. Stringer and his camera crew spent two years following loggerhead turtles on their trips across the ocean, and have captured on film the remarkable life cycle of a beautiful creature that struggles to survive in an increasingly unforgiving environment.

The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson, and will be released to theaters in both standard theatrical formats as well as 3D in selected locations. 

Turtle: The Incredible Journey opens the same week as SeaWorld San Diego's Turtle Reef, a new attraction that showcases this extraordinary species in a 300,000-gallon aquarium with a massive underwater viewing gallery.  The attraction also features thousands of tropical fish, a touch-screen interactive tracking map where guests can learn about sea turtles and SeaWorld's rescue efforts.  Turtle Reef also includes a new ride that takes guests on a thrilling rescue mission of their own.

Initial theatrical markets set for June 24 include New York, Los Angeles and theaters near three primary SeaWorld locations: San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando.  The film's official premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 at the large-format 3D theater at SeaWorld in San Diego.  

Expansion plans call for the release of the film to additional theaters and cities throughout July and August, with a target of more than 200 locations.

HANNOVER HOUSE

Hannover House has been active in DVD distribution since 2002.  The company added theatrical distribution operations last year with the release of the documentary "Racing Dreams" and the thriller "Twelve" to theaters nationwide.  During 2011, Hannover House is scheduled to release eight films to theaters in America, with 36 titles slated for home video release. For more information on the film and to view the trailer, visit www.turtle-film.com.

SEAWORLD PICTURES

SeaWorld Pictures was formed in April 2011 to create and distribute original and partner-produced film content that advances the company's mission to "celebrate, connect and care for the natural world we share through the power of entertainment."  SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group, plays host to 23 million guests each year and employs 20,000 people nationwide.  The company, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., owns and operates three SeaWorld parks, Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando, Adventure Island in Tampa, Water Country USA in Williamsburg and Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa. near Philadelphia.  Learn more at seaworld.com and seaworld.org.

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT

A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment to animals benefits animals around the world. The company has rescued more than 18,000 orphaned, injured or ill animals over the past four decades and contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship programs worldwide. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund -- a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable foundation – supports wildlife research, habitat protection, animal rescue and conservation education in the U.S. and around the world. For more information, visit www.seaworldcares.com.

SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment