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A&E has acquired the right to re-run THE SOPRANOS®April 4, 2003 - The cable network Arts & Entertainment (A&E) has acquired the right to re-run THE SOPRANOS television program from HBO for more than $2.5 million per episode. A&E will begin broadcasting HBO's most popular show in the fall of next year and will retain exclusive rights for four years. At $2.5 million per episode, A&E has agreed to pay more than $162.5 million for the 65 episodes of THE SOPRANOS® series' first five seasons and $25 million more for the original episodes of the sixth season. Season six is scheduled for first run on HBO early next year. A&E would also have rights to reruns of a 7th season if that hoped for season materializes. The $2.5 million an episode price is reported to be a record for a drama sold into syndication.

This is a great sign for THE SOPRANOS® pinball machine, Stern's latest game. A&E's purchase will give the show greater and longer exposure. In turn, even more people will know and play THE SOPRANOS® pinball machine for its great characters, action, and drama, as taken directly from the show. This guarantees the longevity of THE SOPRANOS® pinball, plus its high resale value into the home market after it has earned for operators over many years. Featuring Tony Soprano, his immediate family and business "family", THE SOPRANOS® pinball machine challenges the player to rise through the ranks to Boss. THE SOPRANOS® pinball also has elements from the show, including the dancing girls of the Bada Bing!; Tony Soprano's boat, The Stugots, with a classic multi-ball feature; a safe that cracks open after being whacked by the ball; and the talking fish from Season Two that always jokes around with the player. THE SOPRANOS® pinball features the real voices of many characters on the show, including Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), Silvio (Steven Van Zandt), Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco), Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior), Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy). The pinball machine also plays THE SOPRANOS® classic theme song, "Woke Up This Morning," during game play. Pinball Hall of Fame artist Kevin O'Connor arted the playfield, while the cabinet and backglass artwork are taken directly from original HBO promotional art. THE SOPRANOS® pinball machine is definitely the most exciting "family" pinball to come along in years!