7.05.2007 - 05:43pm ET

(CSRwire) SEATTLE- July 5, 2007 – Starbucks (Nasdaq: SBUX) Entertainment in its new relationship with Paramount Classics and National Geographic Films, will build awareness and foster discussion around "Arctic Tale," the new family-friendly wild life adventure which begins its limited theatrical engagement July 25, with a wider release slated for August 17. As part of the agreement, Starbucks will bring the story of “Arctic Tale” to its large and loyal customer base to help generate interest in the film as well as educate customers about the climate crisis and inspire them to be a part of the solution through simple, everyday decisions.

From July 31 to August 27, Starbucks will feature a comprehensive in-store marketing effort in support of the film throughout its Company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada. On August 15, across multiple U.S. markets, Starbucks will host a "National Day of Discussion" featuring environmental leaders who will direct conversations with customers about solutions to address the vital issue of climate change. Organizations such as The Climate Group, Conservation International, Earth Watch and Global Green USA will participate in in-store events across Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Houston, Boston, Phoenix, and other U.S. markets.

"We're really proud to share this powerful and entertaining story with our customers," said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment. "Starbucks has had a long and significant commitment to communities and the environment, and by highlighting 'Arctic Tale' to our customers, we can spark discussion on this issue and impact change all from right inside our stores."

From Paramount Classics, the studio behind "An Inconvenient Truth," and National Geographic Films, the people who brought you "March of the Penguins," "Arctic Tale," directed by Adam Ravetch and Sarah Robertson, is an epic adventure that explores the vast world of the Great North. The movie tells the story of a walrus pup and a polar bear on their life's journey from birth to adolescence to maturity and parenthood in the frozen Arctic wilderness. Once an almost perpetual winter wonderland, the walrus and the polar bear are losing their beautiful icebound world as it melts from underneath them. Queen Latifah is the Storyteller of "Arctic Tale," and the movie features a compelling soundtrack with contributing artists including Ben Harper, Aimee Mann and the Shins.

"We're thrilled to have Starbucks support our film," said John Lesher, president of Paramount Classics. "They have the ability to reach millions of people in a single morning, ensuring that the message behind 'Arctic Tale' will resonate well beyond the theater."

"In a summer filled with entertainment options and promotional possibilities for corporations, we're delighted Starbucks is championing 'Arctic Tale'," said Adam Leipzig, president of National Geographic Films. "It is a testament to their commitment to bring quality entertainment options to their customers and to encourage discussions about important issues."

The story of "Arctic Tale" aligns with Starbucks long-standing commitment to the environment and its support of many socially-responsible initiatives. Recognized by the EPA with a Green Power Partner of the Year Award in December 2006, Starbucks efforts to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis include purchasing renewable energy, focusing on energy conservation, and increasing public awareness.

In April, 2007, Starbucks partnered with Global Green USA to launch the "Planet Green Game," an interactive, educational online game that educates players about climate change through engaging game play, and advocates individual action to inspire players to become part of the solution.

About Starbucks

Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting experience that enriches people's lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit www.starbucks.com.

About Paramount Classics

Paramount Classics is the specialty film division of Paramount Pictures Corporation, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B). Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom, 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, DreamWorks Pictures, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About National Geographic

National Geographic Films, a division of National Geographic Ventures, acquires, develops and produces motion picture projects, co-presented the 2005 Academy Award(R)-winning hit adventure "March of the Penguins." Grossing over $77 million and named Best Documentary Film of 2005 by the National Board of Review and the Broadcast Film Critics Association, "March of the Penguins" ranks as the second highest grossing documentary ever. NGF's specialty division National Geographic World Films In 2004 co-presented "The Story of the Weeping Camel," which won the 2004 Director’s Guild of America Best Documentary Award and was nominated for the 2004 Academy Award for Best Documentary.

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