Jackson promotes gorilla plight with DVD release

King Kong director Peter Jackson has added a documentary film about the plight of gorillas to the blockbuster's forthcoming DVD release, in a bid to prevent the extinction of the endangered species.

The film-maker is teaming up with the International Gorilla Conservation Programme for the environmental campaign, after the original 1933 Kong movie prompted a huge upsurge in gorilla hunting.

The DVD release of the remake - due to hit stores later this year - is hoped to increase public awareness of the species, which is predicted to be extinct within 30 years.

Charity premieres of King Kong have also raised more than $100,000 (€82,801) for the conservation project.

Jackson says: "Gorillas are truly amazing animals - without them there wouldn't be entertainment like King Kong.

"It's really vital that we take this opportunity to realise how similar they are to us, and how endangered they are."