For Immediate Release

AN EPIC MASTERPIECE GOES DIGITAL NOVEMBER 6TH

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO

Debuts On Double-Disc DVD with Six Hours of Content Including
Omar Sharif Introduction, Commentary by Sharif,
Rod Steiger & Sandra Lean and a Behind-The-Scenes Documentary

Burbank, Calif., July 19, 2001 -- Doctor Zhivago -- David Lean's Academy Award®-winning landmark film that represents epic moviemaking at its best -- will have its long-awaited debut on a special double-disc DVD on November 6th from Warner Home Video (WHV).

Omar Sharif and Julie Christie star in Doctor Zhivago, based on Boris Pasternak's novel, which was the last of the three great historical sagas made by the grand master of the genre (Lean's others were The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia). The film captured 10 Academy Award® nominations and received five Oscars®, including Best Screenplay. Rod Steiger, Geraldine Chaplin, Alec Guinness, Ralph Richardson and Tom Courtenay also starred.

"We're proud to bring to DVD this movie masterpiece from Warner Home Video's library," said Mike Saksa, WHV vice president of U.S. marketing. "Doctor Zhivago is one of the bonafide classics of cinema, a work of monumental proportions. With its gripping story, brilliant cinematography, magnificent locations, one of the most memorable music scores in history and stellar cast, it appeals to men and women of every generation. Every DVD household will want to have this in their collection."

"In addition to the new digital transfer and enhanced picture for widescreen TV, we're pleased to have had Omar Sharif and Rod Steiger reunite and contribute their recollections along with David Lean's wife, Sandra Lean. Their commentary will illuminate Doctor Zhivago in a way that makes this DVD edition a keepsake to treasure."
Other features on the double-disc DVD include an introduction from Sharif and spectacular new Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. The entire package consists of nearly six hours of DVD content, selling for $29.99 SRP; the VHS will sell for $19.98 SRP.

The Extras

The complete Doctor Zhivago DVD features include:
- New 2001 digital transfer from refurbished elements
- New Dolby Digital 5.1 audio
- New feature-length commentary by Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger and the director's wife Sandra Lean
- Introduction by Omar Sharif
- 30th-anniversary behind-the-scenes documentary Doctor Zhivago: The Making of a Russian Epic
- 10 vintage documentaries profiling the production and its stars
- Music-only audio track highlighting Maurice Jarre's Oscar"- and Grammy-winning score
- Vintage audio sound bites of cast/director interviews and the December 1965 New York premiere
- Widescreen format [16 x 9 Panavision 2.35:1]
- Cast/director career highlights
- Theatrical trailer

About the Movie

The 1965 film captures the essence of Boris Pasternak's Russian tome of remarkable passion and sweeping grandeur, presenting an intimate and deeply emotional story against the enormous backdrop of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution. Over the years, critics have noted that while famous for its portrayal of one of the most cataclysmic periods of the 20th century, the ultimate power of Dr. Zhivago emanates from Lean's rendering of the fragile, yet indomitable human spirit -- and its capacity for love. Accompanied by Maurice Jarre's hauntingly memorable score and Freddie Young's rich photography, the film achieves a lavish level of production values rarely surpassed to this day.

Omar Sharif stars in the title role of Doctor Zhivago, portraying the surgeon-poet over a half-century period. Zhivago, who is married to Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), an aristocratic girl with whom he raises a family, is also in love with Lara (Julie Christie), a nurse whose life has been destroyed by tragedy. Repeatedly brought together and separated from each woman by war and revolution, Zhivago is torn apart by conflict. He loves Tonya deeply but his poetic soul belongs to Lara. Much like his beloved country, Zhivago's spirit becomes battered by the devastation of war as he struggles to maintain his individualism in the face of overwhelming odds.

Doctor Zhivago's Oscars® were for Best Screenplay (Robert Bolt), Best Cinematography (Freddie Young), Best Music Score (Maurice Jarre), Best Art Direction - Set Decoration (John Box, Terence Marsh, Dario Simoni) and Best Costume Design (Phyllis Dalton). The film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Tom Courtenay).

Doctor Zhivago

- CATALOG: DVD #65571
- $29.99 SRP DVD
- STREET DATE: November 6
- RATING: PG-13 (Mature Themes)
- RUN TIME: 201 minutes

With operations in 78 international territories -- more than the video division of any other studio -- Warner Home Video commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment Company, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Video.