Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Bandai America And Saban Brands Celebrate The 20th Anniversary Of Power Rangers With An All New Toy Line Inspired By "Power Rangers Megaforce" TV Series

Bandai America Incorporated has announced the exciting Power Rangers news in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the "Power Rangers" franchise and Nickelodeon starting to premiere and show Saban Brands' latest "Power Rangers" series, "Power Rangers Megaforce", on Nick USA, the toy company has partnered with Saban Brands to release a brand new "Power Rangers Megaforce" toy line that will deliver on the series' action and excitement! Additionally, the new PRM toy line integrates key elements from the TV series with mobile innovation that allows for a deeper play experience, all while celebrating 20 years of Power Rangers!

With Power Rangers now in its 20th season, Bandai America is once again bringing authenticity from the mega popular series to the store shelf, by delivering unique show elements into the various play patterns of the toy line. In "Power Rangers Megaforce", the Rangers use Power Cards in their fight against evil. Bandai has announced that they have ensured that every toy in the line comes with at least one Power Card with multiple ways to play. "These Power Cards provide a great feature to connect with the history of this iconic series," said Brehan Maul , Senior Director Brand Management of Bandai America Incorporated. "Every Ranger from the past will be represented in the hundreds of Power Cards we are making available through our toy line, Acton Card Game and promotional partnerships." The Power Cards can be used with multiple role-play items to unlock show accurate sound effects. Kids can collect Power Cards of their favorite Rangers from the past to play the Power Rangers Action Card Game, the first-ever Power Ranger trading card game featuring all the Rangers from the Power Rangers universe. Additionally, kids can bring their Power Cards to life with the Power Rangers Card Scanner App available for download on smartphones and tablets. This free app allows the consumer to scan their Power Cards to unlock videos of that character in action.

Plus, for fans of the classic "Mighty Morphin Power Ranger" series, Bandai will be bringing back some legendary items with a new twist. This year (2013), MMPR fans will see the release of an updated version of the original Mighty Morphin Morpher and the Mighty Morphin Megazord, both with die-cast parts. Additionally, classic Ranger chase figures will be seeded throughout the line in almost every scale and style:
Bandai America And Saban Brands Celebrate The 20th Anniversary Of Power Rangers With An All New Toy Line Inspired By Power Rangers Megaforce TV Series

CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 6, 2013 /Bandai America Incorporated Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands and Bandai America Incorporated are pulling out all the stops for the epic 20th season of Power Rangers. The all-new Power Rangers Megaforce TV series will captivate kids as well as long-time fans and drive an inspired toy line that delivers on the series' action and excitement. Additionally, the toy line integrates key elements from the TV series with mobile innovation that allows for a deeper play experience, all while celebrating 20 years of Power Rangers.

Since its inception in 1993 with the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, the brand has been recognized throughout the world for its exciting and humorous adventures that feature ordinary teenagers who "morph" into superheroes and call upon their robotic Zords and Megazords in the fight against evil. With Power Rangers now in its 20th season, Bandai America is once again bringing authenticity from the series to the shelf, by delivering unique show elements into the various play patterns of the toy line. In Power Rangers Megaforce, the Rangers use Power Cards in their fight against evil. Bandai has ensured that every toy in the line comes with at least one Power Card with multiple ways to play.

"These Power Cards provide a great feature to connect with the history of this iconic series," said Brehan Maul , Senior Director Brand Management of Bandai America Incorporated. "Every Ranger from the past will be represented in the hundreds of Power Cards we are making available through our toy line, Acton Card Game and promotional partnerships."

The Power Cards can be used with multiple role-play items to unlock show accurate sound effects. Kids can collect Power Cards of their favorite Rangers from the past to play the Power Rangers Action Card Game, the first-ever Power Ranger trading card game featuring all the Rangers from the Power Rangers universe. Additionally, kids can bring their Power Cards to life with the Power Rangers Card Scanner App available for download on smartphones and tablets. This free app allows the consumer to scan their Power Cards to unlock videos of that character in action.

For fans of the classic Mighty Morphin Power Ranger series, Bandai will be bringing back some legendary items with a new twist. This year, fans will see the release of an updated version of the original Mighty Morphin Morpher and the Mighty Morphin Megazord, both with die-cast parts. Additionally, classic Ranger chase figures will be seeded throughout the line in almost every scale and style.

Highlights in the Power Rangers Megaforce toy line by Bandai are:

-- Deluxe Gosei Morpher (SRP $29.99)

Harness the power of the Gosei Morpher and unlock the secrets of the Power Cards. Featuring lights and sounds, this Morpher opens up to allow the placement of a Power Card that unlocks unique sounds and phrases – just like in the TV series. It comes with 10 Power Cards, 5 of which feature legendary Rangers from the past 19 seasons. Collect additional Power Cards to unlock even more sounds and phrases – over 180! Download the Power Rangers Card Scanner App on your smartphone or tablet for a deeper second screen experience!

-- Zord Builder™ System (Deluxe Megazord (SRP $34.99), Deluxe Zord Vehicle with Figure (SRP $24.99), Zord Vehicle with Figure (SRP $14.99), Zord Cycle with Figure (SRP $12.99)) (each sold separately)

Historically, one of the most unique and compelling features of the Power Rangers line has been and continues to be our ZordBuilder collection which includes Megazords, Zord Vehicles, and Zord Cycles. The presence of the universal connection point characteristic to this system throughout the line makes it easy for kids to pick up, play and create! For the 20th anniversary of Power Rangers, Bandai has created one extra connection point to each of these new Zord Builder toys for added play value that lets kids build even bigger Zord combinations.

-- Figures
6.5" Ultra Morphin Ranger Figure (SRP $12.99)

The development of these new Ultra Morphin Ranger Figures was inspired by the original head-morphin feature, which was present in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toy line in 1993. For the 20th Anniversary, Bandai has adopted a new take on this fun feature – kids can now power up their Ranger by pushing a button. This allows the chest armor to open up and morph into Ultra mode.

Armored Might Figure (SRP $16.99)

When the battle rages take the action to the next level by attaching the armor and multiple weapons to your Armored Might Figure! The figure comes with a ton of battle gear for an even more extensive play pattern and value. Each figure also features over 20 points of articulation to create the most realistic and amazing battle poses. As a celebration of the 20th Anniversary, these figures come in Megaforce and Mighty Morphin styles.

-- BattleFire Ultra Gosei Great Megazord (SRP $44.99)

Battle evil wherever it may lurk with the ultra-powerful BattleFire Ultra Gosei Great Megazord! When the battle gets big, the Rangers summon all of their Zords together to morph into this powerful weapon. Command and control the action by using your voice! Fire up to 15 Zord missiles utilizing the innovative voice recognition technology or the included manual trigger. Lights and sounds. Target your enemies to save the day!

About Saban's Power Rangers Megaforce

Power Rangers Megaforce is the all-new season of the No.1 live-action kids action series on television. The new series, which airs Saturdays at 1p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, delivers mega action, humor, excitement and entertainment, in addition to the core themes of friendship, teamwork, fitness, and helping others. Power Rangers Megaforce premieres as Saban Brands celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Power Rangers franchise, which is helmed by Haim Saban , who created and produced the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States. The series followed the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morphed" into superheroes. It was seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and was a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. SCG Power Rangers LLC, which licenses and merchandises the Power Rangers brand, is an affiliate of Saban Brands . For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

About Bandai America Incorporated

A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children's imaginative spirit and provide endless "Fun For The Future," Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai America brand family includes Power Rangers®, Ben 10™ and Little Battlers eXperience™, among other boys, girls, preschool and hobby product lines. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys and Hobby, Amusement Facility and Contents. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at www.Bandai.com.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a strategic transmedia management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing and finance. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

TM and © 2013 SCG Power Rangers LLC. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
Bandai logo: ® and © 2013 Bandai. Ben 10: TM & © CARTOON NETWORK. LBX: ©L5/PDS•TX

SOURCE Bandai America Incorporated

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bandai.com.

Nickelodeon Launches Brand New Limited-Edition "Dora Rocks!" Product Line, Exclusively Available At Target Stores Across The USA!

Nickelodeon has announced in the following Nickelodeon Press Release from PRNewswire the Nickelodeon News that, an exclusive apparel, toy and specialty goods line inspired by "Dora Rocks!", the brand music-themed half-hour primetime special based on Nickelodeon Preschool's Emmy award-winning animated preschool series "Dora the Explorer", which premiered on Nick USA in January 2013.

Available now exclusively at Target stores across North America and on Target.com until April 2013, the new "Dora Rocks!" product line features a array of musical elements, vivid colors and a fresh new outfit for Dora. The "Dora Rocks!" merchandise line features an array of themed products, only available at Target, including exclusive apparel and accessories such as T-shirts, backpacks, shoes and more, a DVD package, distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, featuring the direct-to-DVD release of "Dora Rocks!", "Dora Rocks! Music from the Special & More" CD featuring 12 upbeat tracks including the series theme song and tunes from the television special, and "Dora Rocks!" themed bedding, toys, games, headphones, musical instruments, books and activities.

In "Dora Rocks," Benny has a sing-along party where he and Dora perform a special song together. Before they arrive at Benny's Barn, Dora and Boots must use a microphone for the animals to create a rocky avalanche to cross Rumble Canyon. When they discover that Benny forgot to send out invitations to his party, they use the microphone again to call all of their friends to the barn for the sing-along.

To accompany the brand new "Dora The Explorer" television special, "Dora Rocks!", Nickelodeon's award-winning website, www.nickjr.com, offers parents and preschoolers the opportunity to learn more about the "Dora Rocks!" special and print out exclusive activities such as a musical learning pack, make your own microphone, puppet theatre, and much more. Parents are also able to submit videos of their kids rocking out to the song from the special for a chance to see them in a music video on TV and on the website. The website also features a brand new online game for kids called "Dora Rocks!: A Sing-Along Party Game" and a Dora fan club sweepstakes giving away the ultimate music party, plus other exclusive "Dora Rocks!" prizes:
Nickelodeon Launches Dora Rocks! New Limited-Edition Product Line

Preschoolers, Get Ready to Rock Out!

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2013 /Nick Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon today [Tuesday 5th February 2013] announced an exclusive apparel, toy and specialty goods line inspired by Dora Rocks!, the music-themed half-hour primetime special which premiered in January. Available now exclusively at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com through April, the product line features musical elements, vivid colors and a fresh new outfit for Dora. Emmy award-winning Dora the Explorer currently reaches more preschoolers than any other show on television (12.4 million), and averages a 4.9/661,000 K2-5 and 1.5 million total viewers.

"We are excited to bring the Dora Rocks! experience to Target's guests," said Ron Johnson , senior vice president of Retail Development, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "Dora Rocks! extends the interactivity kids and parents have come to expect from the show, bringing Dora into their homes with specially designed products."

Dora Rocks! features an array of themed products, only available at Target, including:

* Exclusive apparel and accessories such as T-shirts, backpacks, shoes and more

* A DVD package, distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, featuring the direct-to-DVD release of "Dora Rocks!"

* Dora Rocks! Music from the Special & More CD featuring 12 upbeat tracks including the series theme song and tunes from the television special

* Dora Rocks! themed bedding, toys, games, headphones, musical instruments, books and activities.

In "Dora Rocks," Benny has a sing-along party where he and Dora perform a special song together. Before they arrive at Benny's Barn, Dora and Boots must use a microphone for the animals to create a rocky avalanche to cross Rumble Canyon. When they discover that Benny forgot to send out invitations to his party, they use the microphone again to call all of their friends to the barn for the sing-along.

Nickelodeon's award-winning website, www.nickjr.com, offers parents and preschoolers the opportunity to learn more about the "Dora Rocks!" special and print out activities like a musical learning pack, make your own microphone, puppet theatre, and much more. Parents are able to submit videos of their kids rocking out to the song from the special for a chance to see them in a music video on TV and on the website. The website features a brand new online game for kids, Dora Rocks!: A Sing-Along Party Game and a Dora fan club sweepstakes giving away the ultimate music party, plus other Dora Rocks! prizes.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com.

Nickelodeon's Educational Preschool App "Nick Jr Draw & Play" And Nick Jr. UK's Animated Preschool Series "Dinosaur Train" Win At The 2013 iKids Awards!

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen's 'iKids' column the great Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon's educational preschool smartphone and tablet app "Nick Jr Draw & Play" was named the "Best Learning App" at the 2013 iKids Awards ceremony, the 1st annual iKids Awards which was held on Monday 4th February 2013 in New York, USA! Congratulations, Nickelodeon!

In addition, the official website of Nick Jr. UK's "Dinosaur Train", a CGI-animated preschool series which was created by Craig Bartlett, the creator of the popular Classic Nickelodeon original animated series (Nicktoon) "Hey Arnold!", and is produced by The Jim Henson Company, won the "Best Website (Preschool)" award at the inaugural iKids Awards.

In Nick Junior's "Draw & Play" app, kids can team up with Dora the Explorer, Diego ("Go, Diego, Go!"), Team Umizoomi and the Bubble Guppies to create amazing artwork. "Nick Jr Draw and Play" combines intuitive and easy to use drawing, coloring and painting tools with a set of magical effects that children can use to create amazing artwork! Animated stickers, magic wands, spinning splatter-tops, fireworks, bouncing balls and surprise blocks go together to make interactive creations that they can play with again and again. Guided-play activities include Picture Ideas, and parents can share their child's artwork via email and Facebook. Features include:

* Easy to use interface with 8 different brushes for drawing and painting
* 75 animated stickers with Dora the explorer, Milli, Geo and Bot of Team Umizoomi, and the Bubble Guppies
* Fireworks, Splatter Tops, Magic Wands and Surprise Blocks to create amazing effects in your pictures
* Picture ideas to help jump-start your child's imagination
* Animated Tutorials
* Airplay
* Sharing for parents via email and Facebook
* Parental Controls

The iKids Awards is a brand new awards show designed to celebrate the best digital offerings for preschoolers and kids ages six and up. The 2013 iKids winners were selected unanimously by a panel of five industry judges per category and were whittled down from 134 entries:
Winner of inaugural iKids Awards announced

Fifteen companies across web, mobile and video were recognized this evening at the first annual iKids Awards held in New York today. The awards, designed to celebrate the best digital offerings for preschoolers and kids ages six and up, precede the annual Kidscreen Awards that will take place this Wednesday at Kidscreen Summit. The 2013 iKids winners were selected unanimously by a panel of five industry judges per category and were whittled down from 134 entries.

And the winners are:

PRESCHOOL

Best Website
Dinosaur Train
The Jim Henson Company

Best Web/App Series
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse—Road Rally Appisode
Disney/ABC Television Group Digital Media

Best Learning App
Nick Jr. Draw and Play
Nickelodeon

Best Game App
Colorforms Revolution HD
Out of the Blue Digital

Best eBook
Sid the Science Kid Read & Play
The Jim Henson Company

Best Console Video Game
Sesame Street: Elmo's Musical Monsterpiece
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Best Streaming Video Platform
Kidobi
Kidobi

KIDS (6 AND UP)

Best Website
Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse
Mattel

Best Web/App Series
Om Nom Stories
zeptolab

Best Learning App
Whole Wide World
Fingerprint

Best Game App
Toca Tailor
Toca Boca

Best eBook
Crayola Ruckus Reader
Ruckus Media Group

Best Console Video Game
Skylanders Giants
Activision/Toys for Bob

Best Handheld Video Game
Skylanders Giants
Activision/Toys for Bob

Best Streaming Video Platform
Cartoon Network App
Cartoon Network

Tags: apps, digital media, iKids, iKids Awards, web

The Foundation And High1 Form Content Collaboration; To Include Nick Jr.'s Upcoming CGI-Animated Preschool Series "Quick, Quack, Duck!"

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen's 'iKids' column has announced the animation news that the Zodiak Kids-owned children's television production company The Foundation (Nickelodeon UK's "Summer in Transylvania" and Nick Junior's "Tickety Toc") and the Korean animation studio High1 Entertainment will co-develop a three-project slate of children's TV and digital content that will target preschool and tween demographics, including Nickelodeon's upcoming brand new 3D-animated preschool series "Quick, Quack, Duck!", a all-new 52 x 11-minute show that will air on Nick Jr. Channels worldwide, including Nick Jr. in the UK and US:
The Foundation and High1 form content collaboration

Zodiak Kids-owned The Foundation and Korean animation studio High1 Entertainment will co-develop a three-project slate of children’s TV and digital content that will target preschool and tween demographics.

Leading the initiative is a co-production between The Foundation and High1 for Nickelodeon’s 3D-animated preschool series Quick, Quack, Duck! The new projects will be in addition to this 52 x 11-minute series that will air on Nick Jr. Channels Worldwide, including Nick Jr. in the US.

The partnership comes as Zodiak Kids looks to commercialize more content in the digital space, as High1 will invest, develop and service the innovative digital assets that will form part of these properties.

Tags: High1 Entertainment, The Foundation, Zodiak Kids

"Monster High" Grows While Mattel Misses Wall Street Expectations In Q4

From the children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen:
Monster High grows while Mattel misses Wall Street expectations in Q4

Toyco [toy company] Mattel's 4Q net income fell 17%, due to the payment of US$137.8 million to cover compensation and punitive damages to MGA Entertainment to satisfy the judgement of ongoing litigation over the Bratz brand.

The El Segundo, California-based company earned US$306.5 million in the final quarter, compared to US$370.6 million over the same period last year. For the year, net sales were US$6.42 billion, representing a 2% growth over the previous year’s number. Revenue rose 5% to US$2.26 billion for the year, but missed Wall Street analysts expectations which were around $2.3 billion.

A bright spot for the company is the continued growth of the Monster High program. It is primarily responsible for the 5% bump in sales over last year for the Mattel Girls & Boys Brands business unit. The unit grossed US$1.41 billion, while Barbie sales were down 4% and the Wheels business, which includes Hot Wheels brand and Tyco R/C was down 1% from last year. Worldwide gross sales for the Entertainment sector were down 21%, due to a decrease in Cars 2 merchandise sales.

Last week, Mattel’s chief rival Hasbro also announced that its 4Q failed to meet expectations.

Tags: Bratz, financial reports, Mattel, Monster High