Title:

Hallmark Hops Aboard 'The Polar Express'

: 331

Summary: "The Polar Express," Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, published by Houghton Mifflin, captures the pure spirit of the holiday season. It is a time of wonder, of enchanting discovery, of boundless fascination.

Key phrases: Hallmark Hops Aboard 'The Polar Express'

Write-up Body: "The Polar Express," Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, published by Houghton Mifflin, captures the pure spirit of the holiday season. It is a time of wonder, of enchanting discovery, of boundless fascination.

The inspirational tale will turn out to be even bigger than life with the theatrical release of "The Polar Express." The movie, from Warner Bros. Photos, stars the Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis. And now, fans of "The Polar Express" can take house a small bit of the story's magic with exclusive gifts from Hallmark Gold Crown shops.

"'The Polar Express' is such a classic Christmas story, it seemed suitable that Hallmark Gold Crown shops, a conventional holiday destination, serve as 'The Polar Express' headquarters," said Greg Raymond, vice president of license acquisitions at Hallmark. "The 1-of-a-type Hallmark collection really brings the classic story to life."

In the movie, a young boy who wants to think in Santa, no matter what the doubters say, is given an unexpected train ride to the North Pole. When the train reaches its destination, Santa himself materializes and provides the boy whatever his heart desires. In the end, the boy learns that the wonder of life by no means fades for those who think.

Fans can really feel the excitement of the movie with Products from Hallmark's collection, such as an authentic reproduction of the bell Santa offers the boy as the "initial gift of Christmas."

Also obtainable in the collection are copies of "The Polar Express" book, Keepsake Ornaments, photo frames, gift-wrap, a tea-light holder, stocking holders, greeting cards and partyware. The selection of gifts in the collection will delight even those not so familiar with "The Polar Express" story.

"Hallmark has a lengthy history of celebrating warm holiday traditions and these traditions are perfectly in sync with what 'The Polar Express' symbolizes," said Karen McTier, executive vice president of domestic licensing for Warner Bros. Consumer Goods. "Now filmgoers can take a bit of the movie magic and enchantment house with them."