Having produced some of the last century’s signature films such as ROCKY, RAIN MAN, THE PINK PANTHER, and FARGO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) is a legend of a studio, famously signified by its golden roaring lion logo. 2014 will mark a special year for the studio, as it is set to celebrate its 90th birthday and last night MGM announced its yearlong celebratory plans.
The celebration kicked off at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood where MGM icon Leo the Lion had his paw prints immortalised in concrete at the world famous ceremony. Leo the Lion was joined by the writer and star of ROCKY, Sylvester Stallone, who joined MGM to commemorate this special occasion. After all, it’s not everyday that you see a lion leave his print in Hollywood.
For those that weren’t able to celebrate with MGM yesterday, the studio will also be debuting a special 90th anniversary trailer, set to play in theatres, MGM channels, DVD products and across social media. Included in the trailer will be a variety of images and scenes from the studio’s most iconic films, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a promise for the future of good films still to come.
To make sure audiences all over the world get to enjoy the splendour of MGM in the highest definition, several of MGM’s most famous films including RAIN MAN, ROCKY, ROBOCOP, FARGO and THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY, have been restored in 4K resolution and will be presented in Blue-ray for high-definition home entertainment.
In addition to this, a whole new selection of MGM films from all genres will be release in Blu-ray, including IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, A CHORUS LINE, and THE BIRDCAGE. To commemorate its 90 astonishing years, MGM has also created a one-of-a-kind collector’s book and bonus video disc companion, which will include interviews from award-winning filmmakers, directors, and actors discussing the significance of their contributions to MGM’s legacy. Fans will also be able to visit the unique Tumblr website MGM90th.com and relive their favourite film moments in the first Tumblr integration to feature a studio’s full library.
And now for some background history. MGM was founded in 1924 when theatre magnate Marcus Loew bought and joined Metro Pictures Corp. with Goldwyn Picture and Louis B. Mayer Productions. In its 90 year history, MGM has housed some of Hollywood’s greatest stars and created over 175 Academy Award-winning films, 14 of those winning the title of Best Picture.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGM Gary Barber had this to say:
“What a supreme honour it is to preside over a company with such an unparalleled legacy. It’s remarkable to have this opportunity to reflect on MGM’s amazing achievements in film history while also looking ahead to MGM’s bright and promising future.”
Well we at The Hollywood News certainly wish them all the best and hope for at least 90 more years of amazing films!
Source: MGM
