Make plans for Drum Corps International's "The Countdown"

Drum corps fans will have the exciting opportunity to act as judges at Drum Corps International’s “The Countdown” – a one-day in-theatre special event showcasing six of the top drum corps performances of recent competitive seasons. The “2008 Countdown Champion” will be chosen by those who attend “The Countdown” on Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. local time in select movie theatres nationwide. Tickets are available at presenting theatre box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of presenting theatre locations and prices please visit the Web site (theatres are subject to change).

Presented for the fourth consecutive year by National CineMedia’s Fathom and Drum Corps International (DCI), “The Countdown” will feature six full-length corps performances from among the best World Championship finalists of the past three years, including:

§ 2007 Blue Devils (Concord, Calif.)
§ 2007 Bluecoats (Canton, Ohio)
§ 2005 The Cadets (Allentown, Pa.)
§ 2006 Phantom Regiment (Rockford, Ill.)
§ 2006 The Cavaliers (Rosemont, Ill.)
§ 2007 Carolina Crown (Fort Mill, S.C.)

DCI fans in the theatres will act as judges, using score sheets downloaded from the DCI Web site (www.DCI.org) to keep track of and rate the corps performances during “The Countdown.” Following the in-theatre event, audience members will return to DCI.org to submit their scores – the corps receiving the highest marks will be named “2008 Countdown Champion.”

“We wanted to give our fans the chance to try their hand at the judging process and select the ‘Countdown Champion’ in this first-ever, interactive voting opportunity,” said Dan Acheson, executive director and CEO of Drum Corps International. “Bringing the excitement of drum corps in the cinema to a new level, fans will be an integral part of the action while experiencing some of the world’s most elite marching music ensembles.”

This exclusive event is presented in high-definition and Cinema Surround Sound in select AMC, Cinemark USA Inc., Georgia Theatre Company, Goodrich Quality Theaters, Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres, Loeks Movie Theatres & Cinema, Malco Theatres, National Amusements and Regal Entertainment Group movie theatres as well as the Penn Cinema (Lititz, PA) through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

“Tens of thousands of DCI fans across the country have faithfully attended DCI’s Classic Countdown year after year to experience the thrill of the competition in their local cinema,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of National CineMedia’s Fathom. “This year’s new format in ’The Countdown’ gives fans the coveted role of judge as they decide who deserves top honors in this exciting, fan-driven event.”

Through its annual Summer Tour and more than 35 World Championships in 16 North American cities, Drum Corps International provides entertainment to millions through live performances and nationally-recognized events.

About National CineMedia, LLC
NCM LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through long-term agreements with its founding members, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature program; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM LLC’s national network includes over 15,250 screens of which over 13,200 are part of the company’s Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC’s DCN covers 169 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50). During 2007, approximately 542 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres owned by the NCM LLC founding members (excluding Loews). National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 44.8% interest in and is the managing member of NCM LLC. For additional information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.

About Drum Corps International (DCI)
Drum Corps International (DCI) is the world leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers. Founded in 1972, Drum Corps International has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth organization with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Drum Corps International is Marching Music’s Major League™. Learn more about the exciting world of Drum Corps International and its member corps on the Web at www.DCI.org, or call (317) 275-1212. Drum Corps International is located in Indianapolis, Ind.