Fans bitten by Twilight mania will soon find much more than the popular vampire book series at Walmart as the retailer becomes a new nationwide Twilight destination. In conjunction with Summit Entertainment's DVD release of this box office smash launching next month, all Walmart stores and Walmart.com will offer unique "Twilight store" areas containing a wide array of crowd-pleasing merchandise at affordable Walmart values.

Today Twilight fans can go to Walmart.com/Twilight to pre-order the new Walmart-exclusive standard DVD movie or special edition DVD, both to release nationwide March 21. As the countdown to the DVD release begins, the Web site will host discussions and post news about exciting fan events and activities to come. Today fans can go to Walmart.com/Twilight to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes movie footage. In a few days, they also will find special features on the site to upload and enhance their digital photo to send an "eBite" to a friend. As teens, moms and friends prepare for Twilight "viewing parties" around the country, the site will continue to add special announcements and new material over the coming weeks.

Committed to bringing customers more affordable access to Twilight items than ever before, Walmart will dedicate a special area in each of its 3,500 stores to Twilight beginning mid-March - just days before the DVD movie release is available - to offer items including:

The Twilight DVD movie - standard and special edition
The Twilight CD soundtrack*
The Twilight book series* Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn
Twilight apparel
Twilight messenger bags and totes
Twilight posters*
Assorted Twilight licensed jewelry, key chains and accessories

"Twilight is a cultural phenomenon that has gripped both teens and adults across the country," said Greg Hall, vice president, Merchandising. "From the popularity we've already witnessed in books and music, we believe 'Twilighters' will be very excited about the items and values Walmart will bring together in a new in-store and online experience."

"We're delighted to partner with Walmart in bringing the highly anticipated Twilight DVD to the millions of enthusiastic fans who made the film such a groundbreaking success in its theatrical release," said Steve Nickerson, President of Summit Home Entertainment. "By creating specially-dedicated Twilight stores, both in their brick-and-mortar locations and on their website, Walmart is creating a unique home for this beloved franchise's passionate fan base."

Walmart will host these dedicated Twilight areas in stores through April, and continue to carry Twilight merchandise through the year, some items for a limited period only.

Twilight was the bestselling book of 2008 across all genres and the movie's November 21, 2008 opening weekend was one of the biggest in Hollywood history, grossing $70.6 million.