Union Station’s newest exhibit and summer sensation for families opens Friday, May 22. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition is produced by the Becker Group, Ltd., which recently combined operations with Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, in partnership with Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media. Based on the blockbuster film series and C.S. Lewis’ beloved fictional books, the 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment and educational experience offers visitors the opportunity to tour scenes from the famed literary world of Narnia. Through authentic costumes, props and set dressings from the magical Narnia films, visitors will enter a three dimensional world that combines the wonders of science with aspects of fantasy. Tickets are on sale now at unionstation.org.

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Someone has posted on Wikipedia about a potential deal between Walden Media and Walt Disney Pictures.  It’s an uncited addition to the page, and my research into whomever it is that posted the data has turned up with nothing to verify the source.

On January 14, Disney renegotiated with Walden Media to produce the movie after coming to an agreement on the budget of the film.

I haven’t read that anywhere else, and when there’s no citation of the source, that’s where wikipedia falls short.

Take this news with a grain of salt until it is verified by a Press Release from either Disney or Walden Media.  We’ll try to do some investigations of our own to see what we can dig up, in the meantime.  It could be that this is a hoax.

UPDATE: A registered editor of Wikipedia has removed the statement.  No citation came about, and the person that posted it was probably confusing this with Watchmen, where 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers came to terms regarding the release of Watchmen.

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Return to the magical world of Narnia in the second installment of C.S. Lewis’ timeless epic, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, coming to market on December 2, 2008 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Packed with exclusive featurettes, interviews and deleted scenes, the entertainment title of the year is available on DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def, as well as a special two-disc Collectors Edition perfect for holiday giving. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian packaging also includes a special DisneyFile, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on a variety of portable devices for the whole family to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

From the creators of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian features even more groundbreaking special effects and breathtaking action than its predecessor. William Moseley, Georgie Henley, Anna Popplewell and Skandar Keynes return as Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, the Pevensie siblings, along with Academy Award® nominee Liam Neeson (1993 nominee for Best Actor, Schindler’s List) as Aslan the Lion and Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton (2008 winner for Best Supporting Actress, Michael Clayton) as the White Witch. They are joined by Ben Barnes (Stardust) as Caspian, heir to the Narnian throne, with Sergio Castellitto (Arthur and the Invisibles), Eddie Izzard (FX: The Riches), Warwick Davis (the Harry Potter films) and Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) appearing as new residents of Narnia. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is fantasy adventure that will delight the entire family.

Lewis’ seven-book Chronicles of Narnia series is regarded as one of literature’s most enduring classics, selling over 100,000,000 copies in more than 35 languages, making it the second biggest book series the world over.

In The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, the Pevensie children face a perilous mission and a greater test of their faith and courage. They find a world in which 1,300 years have passed. The White Witch is gone, the realm is ruled by a cruel tyrant and Aslan has been missing for over a thousand years.

The four children embark on a remarkable journey to restore magic and glory to the land. Accompanied by Trumpkin, a valiant dwarf, Reepicheep the talking mouse and a suspicious Black Dwarf named Nikabrik, they raise an army of Narnians to rise up against the evil king Miraz.

BONUS FEATURES:

DVD

• Special audio commentary by director and actors

Collector’s Edition DVD

All of the above, plus:

• Special audio commentary by director and actors, a behind-the-scenes interview with the cast and crew, a tour of the film’s locations and sets, inside view of the technology and production behind the movie, bloopers, deleted scenes and much, much more!

Blu-ray Hi-Def Exclusives

All of the above, plus:

• Enhanced Disney’s BD-Live Network exclusives, interactive Narnia game, downloadable features and much, much more!

• Circle-Vision Interactive: Creating the Castle Raid – Walt Disney’s famous Imagineers introduced the world to Circle-Vision in the 50’s and 60’s, which immersed Disneyland visitors in 360-degree film tours of America, and later, China and Canada. Now, through HDRI camera technology and the rapidly-evolving interactive capabilities of Blu-ray, the Disney team has taken the first step towards advancing this unique and memorable experience. Only on THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN on Blu-ray Disc can fans take a 360-degree look behind the scenes of the castle raid sequence and get unique access to the secrets of how this latest adventure to Narnia was pulled off. It’s all a part of CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE: CREATING THE CASTLE RAID. First, start off in the CIRCLE-VISION preview lobby, and choose to get a private tour of the castle raid from Director Andrew Adamson, Producer Mark Johnson, or a number of other key filmmakers and artists who brought the latest adventure to NARNIA to life. Then, select one of the exclusive CIRCLE-VISION experiences to be virtually transported to the set in the Czech Republic. The moment you enter these panoramic worlds, you will be able to turn in any direction, and fully-explore how this compelling sequence was painstakingly created. Discover a myriad of progression reels, developmental animatics, 13 audio commentaries, pop-up facts, slide shows, and a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes footage with cast and crew that is revealing, interesting, compelling, funny and exclusively accessed through this new-reimagining of a classic idea. It’s all a part of CIRCLE-VISION INTERACTIVE: CREATING THE CASTLE RAID, only on THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN on Blu-ray Disc.

The DVD of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian has a suggested retail price of $29.99 (U.S.) and $35.99 (Canada). The Two Disc Collector’s Edition is $39.99 (U.S.) and $46.99 (Canada). The Blu-ray disc is priced at $35.99 (U.S.) and $45.99 (Canada).

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In a pre-CES press release, Disney has unveiled their expected upcoming Blu-ray releases through the summer. While the list is by no means complete, it does give us a good indication of what to look for in the coming months.

As part of its continued worldwide Blu-ray release strategy, WDSHE will be announcing the addition of many exciting movie titles to their 2008 Blu-ray line-up in North America, Europe and Asia. ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe‘ has once again been put on the Blu-ray release list for May, which should be released around the May 16th theatrical release of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian‘.

North America
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Spring)

Europe/Australia
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (May)

Japan
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (May)

Press Release:

WDSHE Expands Blu-ray Line-Up with First Platinum Blu-ray Release, BD-Live and Full Motion Picture-in-Picture

Also Announces the Extension of Disney’s Magical Blu-ray Tour

BURBANK, Calif.–(Business Wire)–Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) announces an exciting new line-up of Blu-ray initiatives in 2008, an ever-expanding Blu-ray slate and new technological-advancements in bonus feature materials, all which guarantee a superior high-definition home entertainment experience.

“This is an exciting time for Disney as we not only announce the release of our first Platinum Disney animated classic on Blu-ray with Sleeping Beauty, but also allow consumers to create an entirely new home entertainment experience with stunning new bonus features and amazing interactive capabilities like never before seen,” stated Bob Chapek, President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

For the first time ever, WDSHE will begin releasing its treasured animated classics on Platinum Edition Blu-ray Disc(TM) launching with Sleeping Beauty in the fall of 2008. Taking advantage of the numerous technological advancements of the Blu-ray format, these all time favorites have been revitalized to include exceptional high-definition picture and sound quality and compelling interactive content such as virtual games, full motion picture-in-picture and online shopping capabilities via BD-Live broadband connection.

Sleeping Beauty will be WDSHE’s first Platinum Edition Blu-ray Disc and will feature a Virtual Castle, utilizing the new BD-Live technology, as well as the interactive game Maleficent’s Challenge which puts viewers face-to-face with one of Disney’s greatest villains. Sleeping Beauty Blu-ray Disc will also feature an all-new enhanced home theater mix in 7.1 surround sound.

Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo Blu-ray Disc will debut the first Cine-Explore featuring full motion picture-in-picture (BonusView). This interactive visual commentary with director Andrew Stanton, co-writer Bob Peterson and co-director Lee Unkrich allows the viewer to dive deeper into the making of Finding Nemo without ever leaving the film. For kids and families, there is the all-new BD-Java enabled learning mode “Mr. Ray’s Ed-venture.” Hosted by Dory, Marlin and of course Mr. Ray, viewers will learn all about sea life and have the opportunity to earn stickers for their virtual sticker book by answering “quizlettes” while watching the movie. Viewers can also go to their sticker book at any time and create their own scene. Finding Nemo will also feature an all-new enhanced home theater mix in 7.1 surround sound.

As part of its continued worldwide Blu-ray release strategy, WDSHE will be announcing the addition of many exciting movie titles to their 2008 Blu-ray line-up in North America, Europe and Asia.

In North America, WDSHE will be releasing new theatrical titles to Blu-ray Disc day-and-date with DVD including The Game Plan (Walt Disney Pictures) on January 22; Gone Baby Gone and Becoming Jane (both Miramax) on February 12; and Dan In Real Life (Touchstone Pictures) on March 11. WDSHE will expand its catalogue titles on Blu-ray Disc with the releases of The Rock (Hollywood Pictures) and Con Air (Touchstone Pictures) on January 8; Crimson Tide (Hollywood Pictures) on February 5; The Rookie (Walt Disney Pictures) on March 4; Hidalgo (Touchstone Pictures), Coyote Ugly: The Double Shot Edition (Touchstone Pictures), Unbreakable (Touchstone Pictures), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Walt Disney Pictures) and National Treasure: Collector’s Edition (Walt Disney Pictures) in spring 2008.

In Europe/Australia, WDSHE will roll out Blu-ray Discs in 2008 beginning with The Recruit (Touchstone Pictures) in January; and Dark Water (Touchstone Pictures) in February; Underdog (Walt Disney Pictures) and Starsky & Hutch (Buena Vista) in February; Coyote Ugly (Touchstone Pictures) and The Rookie (Walt Disney Pictures) in March; Hidalgo (Touchstone Pictures) and Gone Baby Gone (Miramax) in April; Signs (Touchstone Pictures), There Will Be Blood (Miramax), Shall We Dance (Miramax), Ladder 49 (Touchstone Pictures), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Walt Disney Pictures) and National Treasure: Collector’s Edition (Walt Disney Pictures) in May; and The Game Plan (Walt Disney Pictures) and Unbreakable (Touchstone Pictures) in summer 2008.

Japan will see WDSHE release Blu-ray titles starting with Hollywoodland (Miramax) in February; The Rookie (Walt Disney Pictures), Hidalgo (Touchstone Pictures), Meet The Robinsons (Walt Disney Pictures), and Starsky & Hutch (Buena Vista) in April; The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Walt Disney Pictures), Coyote Ugly (Touchstone Pictures) and National Treasure: Collector’s Edition (Walt Disney Pictures) in May; and Unbreakable (Touchstone Pictures) and Signs (Touchstone Pictures) in summer 2008.

Following overwhelming consumer response WDSHE is also announcing the extension of Disney’s Magical Blu-ray Tour, sponsored by Panasonic, to eight additional North American cities. The first stop will be to Toronto, Canada the weekend of January 25th and continue on to Nashville, Denver, Dallas, Raleigh-Durham, Hartford and conclude with Chicago at Unity 2008 in July.

The results of the 2007 tour not only reaffirmed consumers’ continued desires for high-definition picture without compromise but reaffirmed the need to be educated on how to achieve the ultimate high-definition home entertainment experience beyond just owning an HDTV.

About Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

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If you’re going to the Comic-Con in San Diego this year, and plan on attending the Disney/Pixar presentation on Saturday, please e-mail us a report of the presentation so that we can post it here in the news. Here, you can find the details of where and when the presentation is. WALL•E will also be presented, which looks fantastic as well.

2:15-4:00 Walt Disney Pictures and Disney•Pixar showcase two upcoming films with this exclusive Comic-Con presentation!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian — Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present never-before-seen footage and a Q&A panel with the filmmakers of the second installment of the epic fantasy adventure series! Be sure to collect the exclusive Prince Caspian Comic-Con poster, designed by fans on Narnia.com, and selected by director Andrew Adamson!

WALL•E — From Academy Award–winning director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), WALL•E is the story of one robot’s comic adventures as he chases his dream across the galaxy. Meet director Andrew Stanton and sound designer Ben Burtt (Star Wars) as they present a first look at Disney·Pixar’s next animated adventure! Hall H

[Full Comic-Con Saturday Schedule]

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Walt Disney Pictures has sent us the official plot synopsis of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. It should be no secret if you’ve read the book, but for those that thrive on spoiler material, here you go.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN

Release Date: May 16, 2008
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: TBD
Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes, Peter Dinklage, Pierfrancesco Favino and Sergio Castellitto, with Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan
Director: Andrew Adamson
Based on the book by: C.S. Lewis
Screenplay by: Andrew Adamson and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely
Producers: Mark Johnson, Andrew Adamson, Philip Steuer
Co-Producer: Douglas Gresham
Executive Producer: Perry Moore

The characters of C.S. Lewis’s timeless fantasy come to life once again in this newest installment of the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically transported back from England to the world of Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them.

One year after the incredible events of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the Kings and Queens of Narnia find themselves back in that faraway wondrous realm, only to discover that more than 1300 years have passed in Narnian time. During their absence, the Golden Age of Narnia has become extinct, Narnia has been conquered by the Telmarines and is now under the control of the evil King Miraz, who rules the land without mercy.

The four children will soon meet an intriguing new character: Narnia’s rightful heir to the throne, the young Prince Caspian, who has been forced into hiding as his uncle Miraz plots to kill him in order to place his own newborn son on the throne. With the help of the kindly dwarf, a courageous talking mouse named Reepicheep, a badger named Trufflehunter and a Black Dwarf, Nikabrik, the Narnians, led by the mighty knights Peter and Caspian, embark on a remarkable journey to find Aslan, rescue Narnia from Miraz’s tyrannical hold, and restore magic and glory to the land.

Directed once again by veteran director Andrew Adamson, screenplay by Andrew Adamson and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely and produced by Mark Johnson, Andrew Adamson and Philip Steuer, the film reunites the original cast and creative team behind the blockbuster first film in the series.

One Liner: The enchanted characters of C.S. Lewis’s timeless fantasy come to life again in this second installment of the seven book series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically and mysteriously transported back from England to Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them.

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Walden Media and Walt Disney Pictures are bringing another fantasy world to life with Bridge to Terabithia. It is coming to theatres this February. Now it has a trailer that is very fascinating! Here’s a synopsis of the film:

While playing on an old rope swing in the woods, two unlikely friends (Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb) discover a fantastical land of walking trees, sword-wielding insects and an evil Dark Master.

As the friends battle the Dark Master for the salvation of the magical land they call Terabithia, they learn the importance of friendship, imagination and being yourself. Get your first breathtaking peek at ‘Terabithia.’

[Click Here for the Trailer, only at MovieFone]
[Stay Tuned to WaldenFans.com for the latest on all Walden Media projects]

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Walt Disney Pictures’ follow-up to Andrew Adamson’s blockbuster The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has been pushed back from December 14, 2007 to summer 2008.

Disney has moved its “Narnia” sequel off the Christmas 2007 release schedule to summer 2008 to avoid competition with the similarly themed fantasy fable “The Water Horse.”

Tuesday’s move of “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” came hours after Columbia Pictures staked a claim on December 8, 2007 for “The Water Horse.” “Prince Caspian” had been slated for December 14, 2007.

Both epics are produced by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz’s Walden Media and likely would have cannibalized one another. The perceived threat to its family audience during the lucrative holiday period was enough to make Disney blink.

“We’re going to movie ‘Prince Caspian’ to summer of ‘08,” said Dennis Rice, sr vp publicity at Walt Disney Studios. “Sony and Walden wanted to announce ‘Water Horse’ and the best we can do is move into summer which will open up the holiday frame that Walden wanted.”

Rice said the studio has yet to determine a solid date, but the date change gives director Andrew Adamson and his team of filmmakers more breathing room.

Adamson also directed the first film, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” which earned about $740 million at the worldwide box office.

In the second film installment of the fantasy epic written by C.S. Lewis, the Pevensey siblings find themselves on an island at a time when Narnia is ruled by the Wicked King Mirax. The Pevenseys ally themselves with the young Prince Caspian, and the mighty lion Aslan, in an effort to revive Narnia’s past and overthrow the evil king.

“The Water Horse” is the story of a young lonely Scottish boy who discovers a mysterious egg on the shore of a loch. The egg hatches and a mysterious creature – the mythical water horse, the sea monster of Scottish legend – emerges. As the monster grows, the boy has his hands full trying to hide the monster from people who don’t understand it and want to hurt it. Weta Digital and Weta Workshop will be creating the effects for the film. Based on the novel by Dick King Smith, it is directed by Jay Russell (”Ladder 49″).

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The quest to save the enchanted land of Narnia has begun. Buena Vista Games, Inc., the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company, brings gamers and Narnia fans an unforgettable adventure with video games inspired by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media’s epic feature film, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” scheduled to release in theaters December 9. The video games are now available at retail outlets worldwide for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance system and PC, Buena Vista Games announced today. Players are thrust into a mysterious frozen world where they will play as four heroes — Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy Pevensie — to free Narnia from a cold, bleak eternity under the control of the evil White Witch.

“‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ video games beautifully translate the film into an epic interactive experience,” said Andrew Adamson, film director. “They demonstrate the importance of having a film team that is involved in the production of the video games inspired by that film. Players will truly feel as if they have walked through the wardrobe doors and into Narnia, where they can control the destiny of the characters.”

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” video games take the classic story from the renowned book from C.S. Lewis to new heights by bringing the cinematic experience to life in a stunning interactive adventure. Playing as each of the four Pevensie heroes, gamers will battle the White Witch’s sinister minions in team-based, action-packed combat. Taking on a variety of creatures, including Minoboars, Cyclopes, Werewolves and Ankleslicers, gamers must utilize each hero’s unique combat skills, weaponry and special moves to defeat hoards of enemies, solve elaborate puzzles and advance towards restoring Narnia.

“‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ is one of The Walt Disney Company’s most highly-anticipated ventures this year,” said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. “The Narnia video game represents collaboration between film making and game development at its best. The game immerses players into the land of Narnia and lets them experience an extensive adventure beyond the epic film.”

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and PC is developed by Traveller’s Tales and is rated “T” for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions carry a suggested retail price of $49.99. The PC version carries a suggested retail price of $39.99. The Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions are developed by Amaze Entertainment. The Nintendo DS version has an ESRB rating of “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older and carries a suggested retail price of $34.99. The Game Boy Advance version is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

About “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” video games

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” video games uniquely convey the classic story. The console and PC versions are action/adventure games featuring 15 levels of combat and puzzle solving game play. The game also features seamless integration of film footage with game play and includes extensive use of voice talent from the film. Included are numerous unlockable bonus levels and features that reveal secrets about the making of the game. Also, the console and PC versions include a two-player co-op “drop in/drop out” feature in which a second player can easily join a single-player game already in progress.
[Order for PC]
[Order for Xbox]
[Order for PS2]
[Order for PS2 (with free movie ticket)]
[Order for GameCube]

The Nintendo DS version is an action/adventure game with role playing game features. The Nintendo DS game, which includes 60 maps, utilizes the touch screen for game play options, including managing inventory, conversing with allied creatures, casting spells and controlling one of four possible characters in real-time combat. A wireless multiplayer mode allows up to four people to play simultaneously.
[Order for Nintendo DS]

The Game Boy Advance version is an action/adventure game that includes 17 levels of game play inspired by the film. Players earn role playing game-based Nobility power-ups to defeat the minions of the White Witch. The game includes a two-player linked or wireless multiplayer mode (accessories sold separately).
[Order for Game Boy Advance]

[Check out the Developer Diary here]
[Read Narniaweb's Interview with the DS Developer]

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To help audiences understand C.S. Lewis, the celebrated 20th-century author behind Disney’s upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” movie — Ignatius Press offers six top author-experts on the author and his writings.

These articulate, entertaining, and renowned authors and scholars know C.S. Lewis and his fascinating world of Narnia inside and out.

Michael Coren is the author of C.S. Lewis: The Man Who Created Narnia, a biography of Lewis written for teens (Ignatius Press, January 2006). Coren examines how Lewis’ own life led him to write The Chronicles of Narnia. A Canadian broadcaster and columnist, Coren is host of the nightly television program, The Michael Coren Show, and also hosts a radio show of the same name. Michael is a columnist with the Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg Sun. He is the best-selling author of 10 books-including works on J.R.R. Tolkien, G.K. Chesterton, and H.G. Wells. Coren is also a highly popular and entertaining public speaker.

James Como, Ph.D., is a New York-based scholar of C.S. Lewis and a professor of rhetoric and public communication at the City University of New York. A founding member of the New York C.S. Lewis Society, Como’s books include Remembering C.S. Lewis (Ignatius Press, 2005) and Branches to Heaven: The Geniuses of C.S. Lewis. Como’s broadcast commentary on Lewis includes the PBS documentary The Question of God. In 1993 he visited the closed set of Richard Attenborough’s Shadowlands and interviewed the principals of that film.

Thomas Howard is an English professor at St. John’s Seminary in Massachusetts. In his soon-to-be-re-released book, NARNIA AND BEYOND: A Guide to the Fiction of C.S. Lewis, Howard examines Lewis’ joyous world view, evinced by dancing, drinking and partying rabbits, badgers, dwarves and children in the “fairy tales” of The Chronicles of Narnia. Howard says Narnia shows Lewis’ view those women-as embodied particularly in Lucy who sees things first-are especially receptive to mystical experiences. Most of all, Howard says that Lewis is “a storyteller in the tradition of the bards who sang to us because it is a worthy and beautiful thing to do.”

Joseph Pearce is the author of C.S. Lewis and the Catholic Church (Ignatius Press 2003), a biography that examines the Anglican Lewis’ relationship to the Roman Catholic Church. Pearce, a noted biographer of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, and others, is a former London skinhead who turned away from that racist world view and now teaches literature at Ave Maria University in Florida. Pearce answers each question asked clearly and with respect-a great interview for the journalist seeking a fellow Brit’s perspective on one of the 20th century’s greatest writers.

Peter Kreeft, a Boston College professor of philosophy, sees C.S. Lewis as one of the key prophets for the Third Millennium. Kreeft is a best selling author of more than 40 books, including C.S. Lewis for the Third Millennium, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Heaven, Love is Stronger Than Death, and Ecumenical Jihad: A combat manual for the culture wars. He lectures widely on Lewis and is probably America’s leading expert on his thought

Richard Purtill is the author of 20 books, including C.S. Lewis’ Case for the Christian Faith. Purtill is professor emeritus in philosophy at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. Purtill says Lewis’ knack for “marvelous metaphors” is one of his great strengths in both fiction and non-fiction.

For an interview to discuss C.S. Lewis with one of the six Ignatius Press author-experts detailed above, please contact Christine Valentine-Owsik at 215-230-8095 or valencom@aol.com.

Science Fiction Expert Available to Talk About the Popularity and Passion of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’

Phil Ray, associate professor of English at Connecticut College and a specialist in science fiction and fantasy literature, is available to talk about the social, religious and cultural relevance of the upcoming blockbuster movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Ray, who regularly teaches classes on “Narnia” author C. S. Lewis, said that “The Chronicles of Narnia” resonates with the public because Lewis presents the “truths” of Christianity through pictures and plots that even the youngest reader can grasp.

“”Narnia” is Lewis’s greatest work because he deals with his favorite theme, the central Christian “truths,” and because in the process he liberates himself from the restraints of logical and theological argument to revel in the pleasures of storytelling at its most basic level,” Ray said.

“In “Narnia” Lewis says goodbye to lay theology and re- embraces pure story.”

To contact Prof. Ray, contact the Connecticut College Office of Media Relations at 860-439-2508.

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