Come on into the Big Blue House - Brief Article

DSN Retailing Today,  June 10, 2002  

Tags: IBM Corp.

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In 2003, Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House[TM] will be busting out - of the house, that is - into the world of Woodland Valley with 26 new episodes, new characters, new adventures, and even more licensees.

Airing on Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney programming block since October 1997, the live-action, interactive preschool show that stars the loveable and curious 7-ft. Bear[TM] and friends will venture out to the General Store, Movie Theatre, Library and Mouse School and tackle such themes as the first day of school, learning to ride a bike, and making new friends. It's all aimed at widening BEAR'S appeal to school age children.

Season 4 also celebrates BEAR'S 100th episode.

You're Always Welcome at the Big Blue House

BEAR is loved by moms and preschoolers. In an average month, Bear in the Big Blue House is seen by:

# 8.8 million unique viewers

# 3.6 million preschoolers

# 2.1 million women 18-49. *

There's more to Bear in the Big Blue House than TV.

More than 750,000 kids and their families in 95 markets saw Bear in the Big Blue House Live! "Surprise Party," a 90-minute live theatrical production produced by VEE Entertainment Corporation that has been touring for nearly two years. The super successful show that premiered in September 2000 is heading to Europe, further widening the Bear in the Big Blue House audience.

A new 40-city theatrical show for the U.S. also produced by VEE Entertainment Corporation will soon continue the momentum of Bear in the Big Blue House Live! "Surprise Party," entertaining even more American families. Look for this new production in fall 2002!

And for vacationers, Bear is featured in Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! 10 times per day at Disney-MGM Studios theme park in Orlando, FL.

*1 Source: Nielsen Media Research, February 02 (1/28/02-2/24/02) NPOWER Research & Frequency: unduplicated viewing.)

The Bear Facts

Bear's a star who has won the hearts of parents and children-boys and girls - on TV, in the theatre and at retail. The show has won:

* Two Emmy[R] Awards

* Toy of the Year from FamilyFun magazine for Fisher-Price's Love to Dance Bear

* Parent's Choice 2002 Gold Award for Potty Time with Bear (DVD) from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment

* Kids First! Award for Excellence by The Coalition for Quality Children's Media (for several BEAR VHS titles)

BEAR has also secured such big name promotional partners as Yoplait[R] Yumsters[R] Yogurt, national tour sponsor for the 2001/2002 tour of Bear in the Big Blue House Live! Surprise Party, Sbarro, and Subway among others.

In addition, BEAR has sold more than 6 million books by Random House, Simon Digest in the U.S. alone. Walt Disney Records plans a new BEAR holiday album to bow Oct. 1; Songs from Bear in the Big Blue House, out since January 1999, should go gold this year.

And Wal-Mart is backing BEAR! New products are now rolling into the retailer's infant & toddler department.

Wal-Mart is committed to BEAR, allotting in-line and feature space to licensed products.

BEAR merchandise also is sold at The Disney Store and at Disney's theme parks.

Bear Really Does Love to Cha-Cha-Cha with You

Promotional partnerships have heightened BEAR'S exposure to the public. In addition to Yoplait Yumsters, other promotional partners have included Sbarro, Subway and Langer's Juice.

Bear is available for special appearances. He's been on.

* Hollywood Squares

* Today

* The CBS Early Show

* Live! with Regis and Kelly

He appeared at a Chicago Cubs baseball game on April 26 and is expected at the June 23 Mets game in New York.

A packaged goods promotion is set for October 2002; a QSR promo begins January 2003; and an educational outreach program is planned for 2002 with extensive publicity.

At the Big Blue House There's Lots of Room for you!

BEAR has more than 35 licensees and counting in the U.S., 150 licensees worldwide.

The property is firmly established in key categories: entertainment, music and publishing and The Jim Henson Co. continues to sign on the best licensees in related child friendly categories of fashion, juvenile products and accessories.

New BEAR licensees include The Betesh Group, Millennium Apparel, AME, Warren Industries and Fun 2 Learn, a UK-based company that makes kiddy rides.

One of the brightest features of BEAR'S licensing program is home video via Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. By year-end, BEAR will have 20 VHS and 8 DVDs at retail, including the critically acclaimed Potty Time with Bear DVD.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group