Walmart Plans for Twilight Events and Includes "Star talk" with Taylor Lautner

Fans can send an “eBite” to friends for DVD movie release activities

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Walmart today announced detailed plans to bring teens, women and “Twilighters” of all ages more access to their beloved Twilight story as it gears up for the March 21 DVD release from Summit Entertainment. Bringing “Twilight shops” to all Walmart stores next month, the retailer announced today it will also host midnight events and giveaways in its 24-hour stores upon the DVD’s release, including a program for fans to interview Twilight cast member Taylor Lautner on BlogTalkRadio.

Today, its special micro site www.walmart.com/twilight shares more details on these events, viewing party ideas, new behind-the-scenes movie footage, and a way to engage friends with a create-your-own electronic invitation (“eBite”) on the site.

“Fans of all ages have fallen in love with the Twilight series and we will bring to as many as possible special access to the stars, great priced products and additional, memorable activities around this DVD movie release, both in our stores and online,” says Greg Hall, vice president, Merchandising at Walmart.

Behind the Scenes with Taylor Lautner (aka Jacob Black) on BlogTalkRadio
In partnership with BlogTalkRadio, Walmart will host actor Taylor Lautner, who plays “Jacob Black” in Twilight, on the “Stardish Radio” program March 9, 2009 at 9 pm (EST). Speaking from the set of The Twilight Saga’s New Moon, Taylor will take questions from fans “logged in” to BlogTalkRadio with hosts Jo Ann Kubasek (Stardish Radio) and Amy Clark (MomAdvice).

“BlogTalkRadio is excited to join forces with Walmart to bring Twilight fans direct access to one of the year’s hottest new actors,” said Alan Levy, CEO of BlogTalkRadio. “By logging onto our live broadcast, they’ll be able to interact with other members of the hit film’s rapidly-expanding global community to talk about the movie and hear directly from Taylor about his experience.”

Midnight Twilight Events and In-Store Giveaways
Walmart plans to give fans thirsting for more Twilight a good reason to be at its 24-hour stores late Friday evening Mar. 20 as they await the midnight DVD movie release. Among store activities will be ideas and products for fans looking to host their own Twilight viewing party. And, especially for Twilight super fans, Walmart has reserved exclusive Twilight gifts for those first 50 fans in line to purchase the DVD movie at each 24-hour store.

Send an “eBite,” see exclusive movie footage, download your Twilight widget
If you ever wondered what a Twilight vampire bite might look like on you, and want a way to gather your Twilight friends together, Walmart.com/twilight has the perfect “eBite” (electronic invitation) for groups and events. Fans can use the eBite to invite fellow fans to activities like the Taylor Lautner interview, midnight DVD movie release or their at-home Twilight viewing party.

In addition, customers can visit the Twilight pages on Walmart.com to see new behind-the-scenes movie footage and to download a widget that tests their knowledge daily with Twilight story trivia.

Walmart this spring aims to be the source for fans everywhere to find more Twilight with in-store and online activities and the best prices for accessories, apparel, books, music and the upcoming DVD movie. All Walmart stores will have a special Twilight section in all of its stores days before the DVD movie release, pulling together a wide assortment of Twilight items. Pre-orders for the single disc DVD movie (a Walmart exclusive for only $17) and the special edition DVD are available today at Walmart.com.

About Walmart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmartstores.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.