"This Internet alliance with Formovies.com should significantly increase the level of service we are able to provide both our store and Internet customers," said John H. Marmaduke, president and chief executive officer. "The service enables us to enhance the entertainment experience for our existing customers, as well as introduce our unique multimedia concept to customers visiting our Web site for the first time."

The alliance provides additional customized and informational resources, including:

• Movie Wizard - a movie recommendation service utilizing the individual consumer’s tastes and preferences to suggest videos available for rent at a local Hastings superstore or for purchase at http://www.gohastings.com;
• Movie Informant - a weekly e-mailing of new video releases, coming attractions and other store-related information;
• Links to movie studios and other movie-related Web sites.

Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of books, music, software, periodicals, DVDs and videotapes with the rental of videotapes, DVDs and video games in a superstore format. The Company currently operates 131 superstores, averaging 21,200 square feet, primarily in small to medium-sized markets in the Midwestern and Western United States. The Company opened two superstores during the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and is scheduled to open 18 additional superstores during the remainder of 1999. Hastings also operates a new e-commerce Internet Web site, http://www.gohastings.com, providing access to more than 10 million new and used entertainment products to the global community, as well as a line of low-priced computers and accessories. The site currently features books on the New York Times bestsellers list at 50% off list price and a "lowest price" guarantee. General financial information about Hastings and complete terms and conditions related to the "lowest price" guarantee program can also be accessed on the Web site.