National Geographic Entertainment Names Best Buy as Exclusive Consumer Electronics Presenting Sponsor for U2 3D Theatrical Release in U.S.

National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) announced today that Best Buy has been named the official Presenting Sponsor and exclusive consumer electronics partner for the "U2 3D” theatrical release in the United States. The film, directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, was produced by 3ality Digital and will open in limited release Jan. 23, 2008, in approximately 25 IMAX™ theaters and will go wide to national digital 3D theaters in February. The movie, filmed during the South America leg of U2’s Vertigo Tour, captures the intimacy between band and audience in a unique, visceral way and establishes a new standard in 3-D digital technology. "We are thrilled to welcome Best Buy as a valued partner in rolling out this unique theatrical experience,” said Lisa Truitt, president of National Geographic Cinema Ventures, a division of NGE, the film’s worldwide distributor. "What better sponsor to support this film than Best Buy, one of the world’s most respected brands for providing cutting-edge technology products to consumers?” Best Buy will be incorporated in NGE’s expansive online, in-store, in-theater, radio and print marketing campaign for the film. As presenting sponsor, Best Buy also will receive pre-film credit for all "U2 3D” screenings and will be able to provide members of the Reward Zone loyalty program with access to Preview Nights at IMAX™ theaters in more than 25 markets. "We are extremely excited to join NGE in presenting such a special cinematic adventure,” said Barry Judge, senior vice president of marketing, Best Buy. "This sponsorship allows us to support new, ground-breaking entertainment technology while at the same time providing our customers with a completely new experience with one of the world’s greatest bands.” "U2 3D is the first live-action digital 3-D movie ever produced, and we are very happy that Best Buy is collaborating on this ground-breaking endeavor,” said Sandy Climan, CEO of 3ality Digital and executive producer, U2 3D. "We are pleased to have developed the filmmaking techniques and proprietary digital 3-D technology that are now allowing fans to experience music and motion pictures in an immersive way that we could only imagine a few years back. It is technology that will allow fans a new way to experience music.” "U2 3D” transforms a series of live concerts by one of the world’s most acclaimed bands into a completely new entertainment experience. Owens, U2’s visual content director for more than 15 years, and Pellington, who directed U2’s "One” video, take viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films and traditional 3-D. 3ality Digital’s Steve Schklair, Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro and John Modell, along with Owens, produced the 3ality Digital production. 3ality Digital’s Sandy Climan, Michael Peyser and David Modell are executive producers. Distribution of the film will be led by Mark Katz, president of NGCV distribution. Russell Schwartz, former president of marketing for New Line Cinema, will oversee the marketing of the film’s release. About National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) was established in 2007, combining into a single operating group National Geographic’s Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of the newly established National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007 as a result of a restructuring at National Geographic that brings together all editorial platforms to streamline collaboration, refine digital content and further support the Society's mission. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, and television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com. About Best Buy Co., Inc. Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through approximately 1,200 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com), Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn) and Speakeasy (Speakeasy.net). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education. About 3ality Digital 3ality Digital is one of the world’s preeminent digital 3-D production and postproduction companies, rooted deeply in research, technology and production. 3ality Digital uses its advanced proprietary technologies in the development and production of feature films, alternative content (e.g., music, sports) and television in the digital 3-D format. About "U2 3D” Through the leadership of 3ality CEO Sandy Climan, the technical know-how of industry pioneer Steve Schklair and the support of David and John Modell (former owners of the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens), the "U2 3D” project took root through the vision of entertainment producers Jon and Peter Shapiro. With breathtaking digital 3-D visuals and 5.1 Surround Sound, "U2 3D” captures the excitement of a U2 stadium show in a way never before experienced.