Voom HD Networks Partners with Julien’s Auctions for a Celebrity Memorabilia Auction
New York, NY – October 3, 2005 – VOOM HD Networks, television’s largest suite of high definition channels, has partnered with world-renowned Julien’s Auctions for what is sure to be one of the most memorable celebrity auctions of the decade. The sale of over 250 lots of celebrity memorabilia, including items from the life and career of John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin, to name a few will be aired live in the first-ever gavel to gavel auction coverage on Gallery HD, one of the ten channels available on Voom HD, found exclusively on the DISH Network.
VOOM HD Network’s Gallery Channel (Dish Network’s #9472) offers viewers a sneak preview of an exciting new HD channel that is scheduled to launch in early 2006, completely dedicated to the collectible genre. Gallery HD is currently part of the ten core channels that Voom HD Networks announced back in August of 2005. Eleven new high-definition channels will roll out on DISH beginning January 2006, making the total suite of 21 HD channels.
Interested bidders can tune-into Gallery HD and log onto www.voom.com and/or www.juliensauctions.com to preview all of the lots for sale and also place reserve bids. The stunning high-definition production will give collectors and fans an up-close and detailed look at the items on sale. Viewers will witness every stitching, marking, and color variation on each lot. Then On October 29th the live auction event will begin at 1PM EST. The auction will be held live at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. During the sale, bidders will be able to place live bids online. Rare costumes, props, scripts and other ephemera from significant moments in entertainment history will be made available to viewers via phone and Internet bidding at the start of the auction on October 29th.
VOOM HD Series Executive Producer George Lansbury said, “Working with Julien’s, an established auction house with an amazing following, is the perfect way to launch our efforts in the collectibles category. All these pieces have an astounding provenance and will have bidders clamoring throughout the auction. The fact that Julien’s understands the importance of new media, and the advantages of airing this event in high-def, makes this the perfect partnership.”
Highlights from the auction include:
- John Lennon’s white suit that he wore on the final Beatles album cover of “Abbey Road” (Capitol Records, 1969). ESTIMATE: $100,000-150,000
- A 1956 Austin Princess, owned and used by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in “Imagine” (Joko, 1973) together with original registration signed by Lennon at the time of his purchase. ESTIMATE: $200,000-300,000
- Marilyn Monroe’s “1961 Daily Reminder” red hardcover appointment book having gold lettering and “MM” in handwritten notation on cover containing Marilyn’s appointments, invitations, engagements, phone calls and notes relating to her 1961 personal and professional schedule. ESTIMATE: $8,000-10,000
“Property consigned by Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, Shirley Jones and Larry Hagman to name a few, will be shown in high definition offering unparalleled and eye-popping clarity. Viewers at home can bid real-time online as they watch the auction live” says Darren Julien, President of Julien’s Auctions.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of property from the life and career of John Lennon, will benefit Amnesty International USA. Amnesty International is a worldwide grassroots movement that promotes and defends human rights. Additionally, highlights from this auction will tour Planet Hollywood Japan (Sept. 28th – Oct. 1st), Planet Hollywood New York (Oct. 11th – Oct. 15th) and the Aladdin Resort and Casino Las Vegas (Oct. 24th – Oct. 28th).
About VOOM HD
The VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar’s DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high definition programming, building on Rainbow Media’s history of original programming innovation.