Best Buy Movie Mode free app launched

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) today unveiled Best Buy Movie Mode, an exclusive first-of-its-kind mobile application designed to transform the way moviegoers engage and interact with the films they enjoy. Available as a free download, Best Buy Movie Mode comes to life via “The Minionator,” created as part of an exclusive collaboration with Universal Pictures and tied to the July 9 release of its must-see RealD 3-D CGI feature “Despicable Me produced by Chris Meledandri.”

“The Minionator” is Movie Mode’s first film enhancing experience and offers fans a deeper connection to “Despicable Me” by translating for audiences what the film’s mischievous little yellow characters, the Minions, are saying. The app acts as a translator during the 3-D theatrical end credits for the special language of the Minions. The app will also translate the Minion language throughout the entire movie on Best Buy’s exclusive “Despicable Me” DVD released later this year.

Best Buy Movie Mode uses new patent-pending technology to provide enhanced content to movie lovers during both the theatrical and DVD viewing experience. Additionally, it serves as a locator for both theaters showing “Despicable Me” in 3-D and Best Buy stores while also providing an interactive interface to unlock exclusive free digital content, courtesy of Best Buy.

A phone in Best Buy Movie Mode automatically dims the mobile screen, silences the ringer and discourages texting to ensure audiences have a positive movie-going experience. Beyond The Minionator, Movie Mode will offer users new movie enhancing experiences and exclusive content for future theatrical and DVD releases.

“Best Buy Movie Mode changes the way audiences connect with great entertainment, both inside a theater and at home,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager of the home entertainment group at Best Buy. “The innovative technology, unique to Best Buy, provides us with an opportunity to evolve with customers into the growing digitally connected world. We are thrilled our first partnership is with Universal and ‘Despicable Me’ producer Chris Meledandri. The collaboration throughout this process has been a delight.”

“Throughout the planning for this film, we have been impressed with Best Buy’s vision and its desire to create an innovative experience for moviegoers,” said Stephanie Sperber, president Universal Partnerships & Licensing. “We can’t wait for fans to finally experience ‘The Minionator.’”

Added James Meredith, vice president of marketing for Cinemark Theatres, “Movie theaters and cell phones have never been friends—until now. Because Best Buy Movie Mode disables the ringer, discourages texting and dims the phone screen, all moviegoers can now enjoy a delightful theater experience free from cell phone distractions. Joining forces with Universal to bring ‘The Minionator’ to life, Best Buy is giving movie lovers a truly compelling reason to experience ‘Despicable Me’ in RealD 3-D on the big screen”

Leading up to the film’s debut, Best Buy’s Reward Zone Silver members will have an opportunity to attend one of several exclusive pre-screenings of “Despicable Me” in 20 markets across the country.

RZS members can also visit www.myrewardzone.com to enter for a chance to win tickets to the film’s world premiere in Los Angeles on June 27.

Best Buy Movie Mode is expected to be available on most mobile platforms this week including iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile. To learn more and to download The Minionator app, visit www.BestBuyMovieMode.com
or text MINION to 332211.