NEW YORK – Warner Bros. has decided to use this week’s DVD and Blu-ray release of tsunami film Hereafter to help raise funds for the relief effort following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The LA Times reported that Warner Bros. will donate an unspecified percentage of the film’s home video proceeds to the Japanese Red Cross Society, with sources putting the size of the donation in the $1 million range.
The news comes after the studio decided to pull the Clint Eastwood-directed film from theaters in Japan earlier than originally planned, with an official saying that its disaster scenes are “not appropriate” at this time.
“The devastation and loss Japan is facing is almost incomprehensible,” Eastwood said in a statement cited by the LA Times. “I’m glad to join Warner Bros. in this effort to help the Japanese people.”
Kevin Tsujihara, president of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, said: “We are committed to supporting relief and rebuilding efforts during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, the Walt Disney Co. has also decided to donate $2.5 million to the American Red Cross for the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan, the LA Times reported. The company will also match employee donations to certain charities aiding Japan up to a total of $1 million.
Said Disney CEO Robert Iger: “We send our continued thoughts of support and encouragement as this great nation begins the long road to recovery.”
