Adventure Abounds In Peter Rabbit, Nickelodeon's New Animated Preschool Series Premiering On Nick USA Tuesday, Feb. 19, At 12 PM (ET/PT)

Nickelodeon has announced in the following Nickelodeon Press Release from PRNewswire the exciting Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon USA, also known as Nick, will start to premiere and show the brand new CGI-animated preschool series "Peter Rabbit" on Tuesday, February 19, at 12 pm (ET/PT)!

The series follows Peter, a mischievous, charming and brave rabbit who overcomes obstacles, outwits predators and avoids danger. Clever, resilient and funny, Peter Rabbit wants to grow up to be just like his late father and carries his journal (a guide to everything you to need to know to be a good rabbit) on his fun and exciting adventures with his best friends Benjamin Bunny and Lily Bobtail. Set in Potter's treasured Lake District in the UK, Peter lives in a world where behind every rock there is a surprise to discover and where dangers, be it a sly fox or bad-tempered badger, lurk around every corner.

The series is a fresh re-imagining of the popular Beatrix Potter children's books based on Peter Rabbit, which have sold over 250 million copies worldwide and been translated into 35 languages. Peter Rabbit features educational goals that encourage preschoolers to learn problem-solving and interpersonal skills, self-efficacy, resilience, positive re-framing and fostering an interest in and respect for nature. Nickelodeon's "Peter Rabbit" is produced in conjunction with Silvergate Media and animated by Brown Bag Films.

The series premiere episode of "Peter Rabbit" will feature the stories "The Tale of the Radish Robber", in which Peter and his friends try to find the perfect place to eat the radishes they took from Mr. McGregor's garden, but little do they know they've got a radish robber on their tails, and "The Tale of Two Enemies", which, when Peter decides to set Mr. Tod and Tommy Brock against each other, he soon finds out that breaking the food chain is harder than it looks:

Adventure Abounds In Peter Rabbit, Nickelodeon's New Animated Preschool Series Premiering Tuesday, Feb. 19, At 12 PM (ET/PT)

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2013 /Nick PR via PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon brings treasured literary icon Peter Rabbit to life with the debut of the brand-new CG-animated preschool series, Peter Rabbit, on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 12 p.m. (ET/PT). The series is a fresh re-imagining of the popular Beatrix Potter children's books based on Peter Rabbit, which have sold over 250 million copies worldwide and been translated into 35 languages. Peter Rabbit features educational goals that encourage preschoolers to learn problem-solving and interpersonal skills, self-efficacy, resilience, positive re-framing and fostering an interest in and respect for nature. Peter Rabbit is produced in conjunction with Silvergate Media and animated by Brown Bag Films.

(Download image - Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130207/NY56665 )
"This beloved bunny has touched families for many generations and Nickelodeon continues his legacy with brand-new Peter Rabbit stories for them to enjoy," said Teri Weiss , EVP, Production and Development, Nickelodeon Preschool. "This series captures the spirit of Potter's timeless books, while adding high stakes adventures to illustrate that with determination and friendship, you can overcome even the toughest of obstacles."

The series follows Peter, a mischievous, charming and brave rabbit who overcomes obstacles, outwits predators and avoids danger. Clever, resilient and funny, Peter Rabbit wants to grow up to be just like his late father and carries his journal (a guide to everything you to need to know to be a good rabbit) on his fun and exciting adventures with his best friends Benjamin Bunny and Lily Bobtail. Set in Potter's treasured Lake District, Peter lives in a world where behind every rock there is a surprise to discover and where dangers (be it a sly fox or bad-tempered badger) lurk around every corner.

The series premiere episode will feature the following stories:

"The Tale of the Radish Robber" – Peter and his friends try to find the perfect place to eat the radishes they took from Mr. McGregor's garden, but little do they know they've got a radish robber on their tails!

"The Tale of Two Enemies" – When Peter decides to set Mr. Tod and Tommy Brock against each other, he soon finds out that breaking the food chain is harder than it looks.

At NickJr.com, Nickelodeon's award-winning website, parents and kids can watch sneak-peek Peter Rabbit videos and print out Peter Rabbit games and activities, including a Peter Rabbit coloring pack and Peter Rabbit puppet theater. In March, preschoolers will be able to play the new online game, "Peter Rabbit's Downhill Dash."

In December, Nickelodeon premiered the Peter Rabbit "Peter Rabbit's Christmas Tale" primetime holiday special, which drew three million total viewers and ranked as the number-one program with K2-5 and K2-11 across all TV in its time period.

About Silvergate Media

Silvergate Media is a privately-held creative company, formed in October 2011 through the purchase of the rights to two preschool properties: Peter Rabbit and The Octonauts. Upon formation, Silvergate immediately resumed production of the Peter Rabbit animated series and greenlit Season 2 and Season 3 of The Octonauts. Silvergate Media exploits its properties across a range of formats, from new television productions to toys, apparel and licensed merchandise.

About Brown Bag Films

Brown Bag Films® is an award-winning animation studio, producing high quality animation for the international market. Established in 1994 by Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O'Connell, Brown Bag Films remains a creative-led company. Their numerous awards include Oscar nominations for Give Up Yer Aul Sins (2002) and Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty (2010), and Bafta and Emmy nominations for The Octonauts (2012). Employing more than 120 full time staff in their Dublin-based headquarters, with a second office in LA, Brown Bag Films are committed to producing the highest-quality, cross-platform animation with strong stories and engaging characters.

Recent productions include Chorion's Olivia for Nickelodeon U.S., Enid Blyton's Noddy in Toyland for Chorion/FIVE UK, The Octonauts for Silvergate Media/BBC and Disney Junior's Doc McStuffins. Current productions include Henry Hugglemonster for Disney Junior, Peter Rabbit for Silvergate Media/Nickelodeon/CBeebies, and second seasons of The Octonauts and Doc McStuffins.

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 more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

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

Also, from BSCKids:

Adventure Abounds In Peter Rabbit Premieres Feb 19th

Nickelodeon is preparing for the launch of a new TV series, called Adventure Abounds In Peter Rabbit. The series will be based upon the famous tale written by the late Beatrix Potter, which will also have a fresh CG-animation of the popular characters. The series will revolve around Peter, who is a naughty bunny who wishes to be as a good bunny as his father who kept a journal on how to be so. He carries it around on his adventures with his 2 best friends, Lily Bobtail and Benjamin Bunny. The new series will kick off on Feb 19th, which you can read about the 2 premiering episodes in the press release down below.

I am so happy that they are releasing a series like this. If they did that when I was younger, I would have jumped up and down since I adored the story. It seems like it will be great way to introduce a childhood classic tale to a new set of kids, as well as teach them some real values along the way. Hopefully it will be as good as the books and I am really hoping that the CG-animation will be as amazing as the photo they released of it looks. That was part of the books beauty, so it looks like they will be doing a good job recapturing that beauty in the series.

How do you feel about this reboot of the classic books? I am happy that Nickelodeon got the rights for and not Disney. I have some serious hope that they will keep it as true to the book series as they can, unlike Disney. So I am excited to give this series a whirl, even though I doubt it will blow my socks off with amazement due to it being targeted at pre-schoolers.

Saban Brands Celebrates 20 Years Of Power Rangers At The American International Toy Fair 2013

Saban Brands has announced the Power Rangers News in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that, to celebrate 20 years of the mega popular "Power Rangers" franchise, the company and its licensing partners will showcase a playful assortment of "Power Rangers" inspired toys at the upcoming American International Toy Fair, Feb. 10-13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, USA! There will be a variety of PR action figures, plush, board games, consumer electronics and more to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the iconic franchise, plus new "Power Rangers Megaforce" products will be on display for the latest brand new series now airing on Nickelodeon USA (Nick), as well as some items inspired by the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" series to commemorate the 20th anniversary year. All products are expected to hit store/shop shelves throughout 2013!:

Saban Brands Celebrates 20 Years of Power Rangers at American International Toy Fair 2013

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2013 /Saban Brands News Release PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands and its licensing partners will showcase a playful assortment of Power Rangers inspired toys next week during the American International Toy Fair, Feb. 10-13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. There will be a variety of action figures, plush, board games, consumer electronics and more to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the iconic franchise. New Power Rangers Megaforce products will be on display for the all-new season now airing on Nickelodeon, as well as some items inspired by the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series to commemorate the 20th anniversary year. All products are expected to hit shelves throughout the year.

(Download image - Power Rangers - 20th Anniversary Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130207/NY56178LOGO)
"We are thrilled to be showcasing a new array of Power Rangers products from various licensees at Toy Fair," said Elie Dekel , President of Saban Brands . "Power Rangers is the longest running boys action series in television history, so it's clear why we have such a high demand for Power Rangers toys. We currently have over 190 licensee partners worldwide helping to continue making the Power Rangers a MEGA-force in consumer products."

Saban Brands ' licensee partners exhibiting Power Ranger products at the American International Toy Fair include:

Bandai America Incorporated (booth #1919): Bandai will be featuring a variety of Power Rangers Megaforce role play action figures and Zord builder toys including the new Deluxe Gosei Morpher and Deluxe Gosei Great Megazord.

Basic Fun (booth #1751): Basic Fun allows fans to take the Power Rangers with them wherever they go with Power Rangers key chains.

Bluefin Distribution (booth #4833): Bluefin Distribution will be showing its Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 20th Anniversary collectibles, imported from Bandai Japan's premium collectors brand Tamashii Nations.

BrainStorm Products, LLC (booth #5083): Fly high with BrainStorm Products' Power Rangers Megaforce kites on display.

The Bridge Direct (booth #4B2): The Bridge Direct will be showcasing a variety of Power Rangers Megaforce plush items, ranging from 3" Mini Collectibles to the 15" Battle Buddies which include Megaforce phrases and battle sound effects.

Cardinal Industries, Inc. (booth # 2507): Cardinal Industries, Inc. is making the Power Rangers a part of family game night with various Power Rangers puzzles and a Mega version of everyone's favorite card game, Uno.

CDI (JAKKS Pacific) (booth # 1041): CDI will unveil its Giant Size 31" Megaforce Red Power Ranger.

Funko Inc. (booth #4805): Mighty Morphin Power Rangers POP! Vinyl Figures are at the Funko booth, available in Pink, Red and White Rangers.

Jada Toys, Inc. (private meeting room, 2D16, by appointment only): Jada Toys will be unveiling radio control vehicles including the Megaforce Mega Flip R/C and the Megaforce Dragon Zord Cycle R/C.

Jazwares (booth # 4820): Jazwares will be featuring Power Rangers inspired electronics, including Megaforce Walkie Talkies.

MEGA Brands, Inc. (booth #751): MEGA Brands' new items will allow fans to fight evil and build their favorite Megazords and Zords with the new Robo Knight Lion Zord and Gosei Great Megazord.

Pressman Toy Corporation (booth #1703): Pressman will have new games on display, including the Power Rangers Samuraizer Switch Game and Power Rangers Pop N Race.

Tech 4 Kids (booth #3151): Tech 4 Kids has new items for fun in the dark, including the Megaforce Project-A-Lite, Glo-vision glasses and the Grab'N Glow night light/flashlight combo.

Trends International, LLC (booth #2367): Power Rangers Megaforce posters will be on display at the Trends International booth.

USAopoly (booth #457): USAopoly will give you the first look of the upcoming Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Editions.

About Saban's Power Rangers

Saban's Power Rangers franchise is the brainchild of Haim Saban , creator and producer of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit series that launched in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States and remains the No.1 live-action kids series on television. The series follows the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morph" into superheroes and save the world from evil. It is seen in more than 150 markets around the world, translated into numerous languages, and is a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. The Power Rangers franchise is celebrating its 20th Anniversary throughout 2013, which started with the launch of its newest season Power Rangers Megaforce on Nickelodeon and other broadcasters worldwide. 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 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.

SOURCE Saban Brands

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

LEGO Systems Unveils 250 New Building Sets, Including Their New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Line, At The 2013 American International Toy Fair

LEGO Systems, Inc. has announced the Nickelodeon / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that the company, makers of the world's leading construction toys, will unveil its largest collection of build and play toys ever, which will include LEGO's brand "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" product range, which will allow action-packed TMNT adventures come to life in brick form! "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" will be able to build Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael in a series of six sets ($12.99-$59.99) and recreate action-packed scenes from the hit Nickelodeon CG-animated television series, at the American International Toy Fair in New York City! LEGO will showcase their new merchandise range at Booth #1351 in Hall 3B of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center between Sunday 10th-Wednesday 13th February 2013:

LEGO Systems Unveils 250 New Building Sets at American International Toy Fair

-Builders of all ages will be inspired by endless LEGO possibilities, from new preschool play options to classic themes and new licenses to the introduction of the most advanced LEGO® robotics product ever-

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- American International Toy Fair -- LEGO Systems, Inc., makers of the world's leading construction toys, will unveil its largest collection of build and play toys ever–250 new products–at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. With new products launching throughout the year, children of all ages and interests will find a LEGO® building set or theme to spark their building creativity, inspire storytelling and role play or keep them engaged in imaginative play for hours. New items are on display in Booth #1351 in Hall 3B of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from February 10-13.
"We know that both children and parents love the interactive fun and play value that LEGO play offers, and our new collection of versatile and innovative products delivers countless hours of building possibilities to fans of all ages," said Soren Torp Laursen , president, LEGO Systems. "With new kits focused on open-ended creative building, new themes and exciting licenses that appeal to boys and girls, the continuation of some of the most successful LEGO lines, new preschool building sets, family board games, buildable action figures, and the next generation of our robotics platform, we have a LEGO offering for every age, any interest, current trend, shopping occasion and play need, and across the board, we're raising the bar for children's expectations of toys."

Preschool Building (Ages 1½+)

LEGO DUPLO® introduces youngsters to construction play by inspiring them to be creative and tell stories as they build. New sets cater to even younger children, such as a Toddler Build and Play Cubes ($12.99) and Toddler Build and Pull Along ($14.99) which both offer larger, colorful cubes and elements that are easier for smaller hands. Two additions to the Read and Build ($12.99 each) series blend early reading with construction play. A collection of " My First " DUPLO sets – My First Garden ($12.99), My First Construction Set ($19.99), My First Circus ($34.99) and My First Train Set ($44.99) – combine creative building and imaginative role play. New licenses include LEGO DUPLO brand Jake and the Neverland Pirates™ and LEGO DUPLO brand Disney® Planes™ that bring beloved characters and stories from top preschool properties ($14.99 - $39.99).

Classic LEGO Building (Ages 4+)

Open-ended LEGO Bricks & More sets ($9.99-$24.99) provide endless building opportunities and offer a variety of LEGO bricks and elements to set imaginations in motion. New Pink Suitcase and Blue Suitcase ($24.99 each) offer a fun and practical storage option and enable on-the-go building fun. LEGO CREATOR™ kits ($6.99 - $69.99) offer three models in one box in themes such as vehicles, creatures, and buildings, enabling children to build, play, and then rebuild their creations. Experienced builders enjoy the challenge of LEGO Technic® sets, such as the Race Car ($19.99) and Excavator ($79.99), featuring detailed functionality that mimics their real world counterparts, and two building instructions so that children can create multiple models with one kit.

Robotics (Ages 10+)

LEGO MINDSTORMS pioneered a new way to build and play with LEGO bricks when it was first introduced in 1998. To commemorate the 15th anniversary, the world's original smart toy gets an upgrade in LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 ($349.99), the most exciting and innovative LEGO robotics set ever. With the new platform, children can build, program and play with a starter robot in less than 20 minutes and can ease into the process with on-brick programming. Advanced users get tech upgrades, like a Linux operating system, that make sophisticated robot building and programming child's play. PC and Mac compatibility, plus integration with iOS and Android phones, MP3 players and tablets, take robot command and control to a whole new level.

LEGO Themes (Ages 5+)

One of the most popular themes of all time, LEGO CITY allows young builders to build and role play with the everyday heroes they know and love. Along with three new sets in the Transportation theme ($19.99 each), there is a Starter Set ($29.99) featuring a fire truck, ambulance, police motorcycle and corresponding minifigures. Fire and Police themes are both back with new models ($6.99-$99.99) and in August, builders can build and explore adventure with sets from the Cargo Airport ($19.99-$99.99) and Coast Guard ($6.99-$79.99).

Following one of the most successful launches in the company's global history, LEGO Friends furthers the story of five girls who live, work and play in Heartlake City. A new Collectible Animals series ($4.99 each) provides a trial building opportunity to construct a small habitat for each pet. A series of sets such as Stephanie's Soccer Practice ($9.99) and Emma's Karate Class ($9.99) let builders create and explore extracurricular activities and hobbies. Launching in time for back to school, children can build Heartlake High ($49.99), featuring classroom, art and music room, cafeteria and lockers. The Dolphin Cruiser ($69.99) yacht opens to reveal a luxury home inside and includes recreational sports equipment.

LEGO Legends of CHIMA™ is a new original property that combines the fun of building with role play, social competitive play and digital and video game play. Builders compete via heroic animal characters, such as a lion, gorilla or crocodile, to obtain the power of CHI. The collection includes new Speedorz™ challenges, featuring a flywheel vehicle, ripcord launcher and buildable obstacles and stunts, in sets such as the CHI Waterfall ($14.99) and Ice Tower ($14.99) for action-packed competitive play. There are also classic building sets like Cragger's Command Ship ($69.99) and The Lion CHI Temple ($119.99), six Buildable Action Figures ($14.99 each) and a new LEGO Legends of CHIMA board game ($19.99) which together create the entire fantasy play world of CHIMA. Digital games and an original television series will launch later in the year.

LEGO Galaxy Squad, a new space fantasy theme, allows builders 8 and up to role play as the hero team saves the galaxy from a swarm of alien insects. Each of the 10 models in the collection ($11.99-99.99) offers a split feature function, turning every large model into two separate vehicles with ease. The 25th anniversary of LEGO Castle is marked by five new sets, including Gold Getaway ($19.99) and King's Castle ($99.99), to build a classic kingdom of knights in shining armor, dragons and treasure for builders ages 5 and up. LEGO NINJAGO™, one of the most popular LEGO properties ever introduced centered on the story of four young Ninjas mastering the art of Spinjitzu, enters its third year with six new sets ($9.99-$69.99) that introduce the Gold Ninja. Fans of all ages will want to collect 48 never-before-seen LEGO Minifigures ($2.99 each) via three new series releasing throughout the year.

Licensed Building Fun (Ages 2+)

Action-packed adventures come to life in brick form with LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™. Young fans can build Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael in a series of six sets ($12.99-$59.99) and recreate action-packed scenes from the hit Nickelodeon CG-animated television series.

Launching in April, five LEGO The Lone Ranger™ building sets inspired by the scenes and characters from the Walt Disney Pictures film premiering this July feature the masked hero, his horse, Silver, and companion, Tonto, in sets such as Stagecoach Escape ($29.99) and Constitution Train Chase ($99.99), for hours of building and role play fun.

LEGO DC UNIVERSE Super Heroes recreates famous comic heroes and villains. Available now, a collection of new BATMAN™ sets includes The Bat vs. Bane™ Tumbler Chase ($39.99). Three sets tied to the summer feature film, Man of Steel, will launch in May.

Two LEGO MARVEL Super Heroes sets are now available that feature Spider-Man™, including the Daily Bugle Showdown ($49.99). Three Iron Man 3 sets will launch in March, inspired by the forthcoming summer feature film.

Two epic themes first introduced to the LEGO world last year continue with a new collection of building sets based on The Lord of the Rings™ and The Hobbit™ characters and scenes. Four kits ($12.99-$99.99) based on The Lord of the Rings trilogy will launch in June. Details of building sets tied to The Hobbit: The DESOLATION OF SMAUG™ will be revealed later this year.

Perennially popular LEGO Star Wars™, inspired by the Star Wars film saga and the animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, features new favorites such as the Battle of Hoth™ ($49.99) and Rancor™ Pit ($59.99) available now, and AT-TE™ ($89.99) and Jabba's Sail Barge™ ($119.99) coming in August.

Buildable Action Figures (Ages 6+)

The LEGO HERO FACTORY is where heroes are designed, equipped and built to accomplish any mission that beams in from across the universe. Children can build articulated action figures ($9.99-$34.99) that coincide with an online game and a free mobile app that, in 2013, tell the story of a devious Brain Attack.

LEGO Games (Ages 6+)

Bringing families together through building and gaming fun, the LEGO Games collection of board games adds a family game, Story Mixer ($29.99), that encourages hours of family fun through silly storytelling inspired by mini LEGO creations. A LEGO Legends of CHIMA game allows children to build and play with the property in a gaming format. Two new licensed games include BATMAN ($29.99) and The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of Helm's Deep ($34.99) allowing fans of all ages to compete as their favorite characters from both iconic properties.

About LEGO Systems, Inc.

LEGO Systems, Inc. is the North American division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, one of the world's leading manufacturers of creatively educational play materials for children. The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen : "Only the best is good enough." Visit the virtual LEGO world at www.LEGO.com

LEGO, the LEGO logo, DUPLO, MINDSTORMS, Legends of CHIMA, the Minifigure and brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. © 2013 The LEGO Group.

© 2013 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

© Disney. All rights reserved.

©2013 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved. Nickelodeon, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logo and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Incorporated. Based on characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman .

© Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Jerry Bruckheimer , Inc. LONE RANGER TM & Classic Media.
DC Universe and all related characters are elements or trademarks of and © 2013 DC Comics. (s13)
TM and © 2013 Marvel & Subs.

© 2013 New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG™ and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc. (s13)

© 2013 New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc. (s13)

© 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.

SOURCE LEGO Systems, Inc.

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

Also, below is LEGO's Sales Report News Release from PRNewswire:

LEGO Systems Builds Eighth Consecutive Year of U.S. Sales Growth

-Brand relevance and play pattern at an all-time high as company's 2012 sales increase by 26%-

NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR -- LEGO Systems, Inc., the North American division of the world's leading construction toy brand, achieved its eighth consecutive year of double-digit U.S. consumer sales growth in 2012, increasing category and overall toy industry shares over record performance in 2011.

2012 U.S. Year-End Highlights (Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service)

* Continued year-on-year growth trend in the U.S. as consumer sales grew +26% to reach $1.32 billion.

* Increased U.S. total toy market share to 7.9%, up +1.6 share points over 2011, maintaining rank as America's third largest toy manufacturer. The company's share of the total U.S. toy market has quadrupled in five years.

* Grew share of U.S. Building Sets category +5.3 points to 84.6% in a year of increased category competition.

* Gained +12.1 share points to reach 51.4% of the Preschool segment of U.S. Building Sets.

* Surpassed expectations of LEGO® Friends to become the #6 U.S. girls' property of 2012 in fourth quarter.

* Manufactured 48 of the top 50 Building Sets of 2012.

* Accounted for 4% of total video games units sold industry wide, ranking #3 in overall video game franchises.

"Achieving another year of record growth in the U.S. is both an exciting and humbling reflection of our strategy to deliver a wide range of building opportunities that invites builders of all ages, interests and skill levels," said Soren Torp Laursen , president, LEGO Systems. "Last year's sales growth is the result of a well-balanced core business of themed and licensed building sets, amortized by innovative play options for preschoolers, girls, and board game enthusiasts, all of which capture and inspire children's imaginations and compel them to keep building."

Growth Across the Product Portfolio

LEGO Friends, LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO CITY, LEGO Star Wars™, and LEGO Super Heroes ranked among the top five LEGO properties of the year, together accounting for 50% of all Building Sets sold in the U.S. in 20121. An expanded and diversified LEGO DUPLO® collection introduced new builders to the brand to drive the company's share of the Preschool segment of Building Sets to its highest level ever. Sales of the classic LEGO CREATOR™ line of 3-in-1 models increased +20%, and the company's Bricks & More collection of buckets, tubs and boxes grew +28%2, signaling that demand is very strong for the open-ended creativity of non-themed building sets.

Introduced in January 2012, LEGO Friends is one of the company's most successful global launches ever. In the U.S., the line ranked #6 overall girls' property in the all-important fourth quarter of the year.3 Measured in dollars, the line was the number-one property if ranked among the Dolls Play Sets segment4, where it is sometimes found in stores. The line tripled the number of girls who build with LEGO bricks in the United States in its launch year5, significantly growing the company's active user base in the U.S.

The Year Ahead

To fuel continued U.S. growth, LEGO Systems introduces 250 new products at the American International Toy Fair this week in New York City. Building on its winning themes such as LEGO CITY, LEGO Friends and LEGO Star Wars are new themes, LEGO Legends of CHIMA™, LEGO Galaxy Squad, and a 25th anniversary LEGO Castle collection. New licenses, Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ and Disney's The Lone Ranger™, join continuing powerhouse lines of DC UNIVERSE and MARVEL Super Heroes, the LORD OF THE RINGS™ and THE HOBBIT™. New DUPLO preschool products, board games, and the next generation of the world's original smart toy, LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, round out an innovative portfolio that makes the potential for continued growth very strong.

"We are very confident in our ability to achieve growth again in 2013 as we continue to redefine the way children play and build, recruit new builders to the LEGO system and reinforce our single brand status with every new experience," Laursen said. "For example, LEGO Legends of CHIMA marks the first time we have applied the same original story line to all of our play patterns–construction, social competition gaming, buildable action figures, board games, video games, and online gaming–anchored by a Cartoon Network television series and surrounded by a calendar full of events and engagement opportunities, and is sure to be among the hottest properties this year."

"As a privately-held company with a fixed mission, we have the flexibility to take bigger risks, develop long-term strategic offerings, and truly place consumer needs at the center of our business to drive continuous growth," Laursen concluded.
About LEGO Systems, Inc.

LEGO Systems, Inc. is the North American division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, one of the world's leading manufacturers of creatively educational play materials for children. The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen : "Only the best is good enough." Visit the virtual LEGO world at www.LEGO.com

LEGO, the LEGO logo, DUPLO, Legends of CHIMA and MINDSTORMS are trademarks of The LEGO Group. © 2013 The LEGO Group.

© 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.

© 2013 Viacom International, Inc. All rights reserved. Nickelodeon, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logo and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Incorporated. Based on characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman .

© Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Jerry Bruckheimer , Inc. LONE RANGER TM & Classic Media.

DC Universe and all related characters are elements or trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s13)
TM and © 2013 MARVEL & Subs.

© NLP ™ Middle-earth Ent. Lic. To New Line. (s13)

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG™: © WBEI ™ Middle-earth Ent. Lic. To New Line. (s13)

1 The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service
2 The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service
3 The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service
4 Internal Analysis of The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service
5 LEGO Systems, Inc. proprietary research

MEDIA CONTACT:
Michael McNally
LEGO Systems, Inc.
860-830-5885 / michael.mcnally@lego.com

SOURCE LEGO Systems, Inc.

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

Schedule Change: Nickelodeon UK To Premiere The Brand New "Victorious" Episode "The Hambone King" On Monday 25th February 2013 Instead Of "Crazy Ponnie"; Nick UK Changes The Name Of "Wanko's Warehouse"; Nick.co.uk Unveils New Exclusive "Victorious" Video Clips!

The online British and Irish TV guide website Digiguide is reporting the Nickelodeon UK News that Nickelodeon UK have made a slight schedule change and are no longer planning to premiere and show the brand new "VicTORIous" episode "Crazy Ponnie", which guest stars Nickelodeon & "iCarly" Star Jennette McCurdy, on Monday 25th February 2013. Instead, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will now premiere the brand new season four episode of the popular Nickelodeon original comedy series "Victorious" called "The Hambone King" on Monday 25th February 2013 at 6.00pm (repeated at 7.00pm on Nick UK's +1 (plus-one) timeshift channel, Nickelodeon+1), as part of "Victorious Month", which will be followed by a brand new episode of Nick UK's brand new Australian teen-oriented television drama series "Dance Academy" at 6.30pm (replayed at 7.30pm on Nick+1)! [Source: Nickelodeon UK fanblog NickUKHub]

In the all-new "Victorious" episode titled "The Hambone King", Robbie Shapiro (portrayed by Nickelodeon Star Matt Bennett) posts a video online spotlighting his rhythmic talent of hamboning, but Gerald, who claims to be the real hambone king sees it. He challenges Robbie and Robbie messes up and embarrasses himself. Later, Tori Vega (played by Nick Celeb Victoria Justice) reveals that seven years ago she and Gerald hamboned together. Robbie asks Tori to coach him. During the competition, Gerald's friend throws sushi at Robbie, causing him to mess up, which makes Tori decide to face Gerald once and for all. Meanwhile, Cat Valentine (portrayed by Nick Star Ariana Grande) practices nonstop for her tap-dancing class.

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland has also announced on their "What's On" schedule section on Nick.co.uk that Nickelodeon have renamed the upcoming brand new episode of the hit Nickelodeon sitcom "Victorious" called "Wanko's Warehouse", which Nick UK & Eire will premiere on Monday 11th February 2013 at 6pm (7pm on Nick+1), to "The Warehouse".

To celebrate Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK premiering brand new episodes of "VicTORIous" in February 2013, Nick UK & Ireland's official "Victorious" website has unveiled four brand new online streaming video clips which feature exclusive sneak peeks at the brand new "Victorious" episodes titled "The Hambone King" and "The Blonde Squad", which you can watch here at nick.co.uk/victorious!

Dark Horse Comics Announces Plans To Release Two Brand New Books Based On "Avatar: The Last Airbender" And "The Legend Of Korra" In July 2013

The video games-focused news website Kotaku is reporting the Nickelodeon News in the following news article that the North American comic book and manga publisher Dark Horse Comics has announced plans to publish and release two brand new "Avatar: The Last Airbender" in Summer 2013!

"The Last Airbender: The Search, Part Two" is a graphic novel continuation of the saga, featuring writing by the franchise's creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The storyline will follow on from Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru Studios' in-continuity "The Promise", which picked up where the hit television series left off. This trade paperback will be followed by "The Legend of Korra: The Art of the Animated Series, Book One", a hardcover collection of unseen artwork from the first season of Nickelodeon's original animated series, LoK, with captions by DiMartino and Konietzko. Both new Dark Horse books are scheduled for release in July 2013.

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" (known as "Avatar: The Legend of Aang" in Europe) ran for three seasons on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008, featuring the vocal talents of Zach Tyler Eisen (Nick Jr.'s "Little Bill" "The Backyardigans" (Season 1)), Mae Whitman (Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") and Jack DeSena (Nick's "All That"):

Return to the Airbender Universe with Two New Comics Projects

You could make a pretty good case for Avatar: The Last Airbender being one of the best new pop culture mythologies to debut in the last decade or so. Creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko made a world where young people embodied hope, even as they were thrust into a war that tore their lives apart. Yeah, there was a [...] movie, but overall, the Airbender fiction is a poignant adventure that constantly surprises you with how it ups the stakes.

Airbender acolytes can get a deeper look inside the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation and Air Nomads thanks to two new books being published by Dark Horse Comics. First up is Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search, Part Two, followed by The Legend of Korra: The Art of the Animated Series, Book One. Both books come out in July and you can get an exclusive look inside the Korra artbook via the images below.

THE LEGEND OF KORRA: THE ART OF THE ANIMATED SERIES BOOK ONE-AIR HC

Michael Dante DiMartino (W) and Bryan Konietzko (W/Cover)

On sale July 24
FC, 184 pages
$34.99
HC, 9" x 12"

This handsome hardcover contains hundreds of pieces of never-before-seen artwork created during the development of Season 1 of The Legend of Korra. With captions from Mike and Bryan throughout, this is an intimate look inside the creative process that brought the mystical world of bending and a new generation of heroes to life!

* Captions by creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko!

* Follow-up to smash hit animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender!

* Never-before-seen artwork!

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER-THE SEARCH PART TWO TP

Gene Luen Yang (W), Michael Dante DiMartino (W), Bryan Konietzko (W), and Gurihiru (A/Cover)

On sale July 10
FC, 80 pages
$10.99
TP, 6" x 9"

In search of their long-lost mother, Fire Lord Zuko and his deadly and insane sister Azula have brought Avatar Aang and his friends into a mysterious forest, but what they discover within may be more than they can face. Will they too be lost in these woods forever?

* Perfect companion to Legend of Korra!

* The official continuation of Airbender from its creators.

Also, from Digital Spy:

'Avatar: The Last Airbender' books announced by Dark Horse Comics

Dark Horse Comics has announced two Avatar: The Last Airbender books for release this summer.

The Last Airbender: The Search, Part Two is a graphic novel continuation of the saga, featuring writing by its creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, reports Kotaku.

© Dark Horse Comics
This trade paperback will be followed by The Legend of Korra: The Art of the Animated Series, Book One, a hardcover collection of unseen artwork from the animated series with captions by DiMartino and Konietzko.

The Search storyline follows on from Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru Studios' in-continuity The Promise, which picked up where the hit television series left off.

Avatar: The Last Airbender ran for three seasons on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008, featuring the vocal talents of Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman and Jack DeSena.

Both new Dark Horse books are scheduled for release in July.

Also, from the official Dark Horse Comics blog on darkhorse.com:

ANNOUNCING THE LEGEND OF KORRA ART BOOK

Following the incredible success of the New York Times best-selling series of Avatar: The Last Airbender comics and the Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series art book, Dark Horse and Nickelodeon are collaborating on a gorgeous new art book that reveals previously unpublished art from the Legend of Korra animated series.

The Legend of Korra animated television series premiered four years after the conclusion of the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, elevating the Airbender franchise to a whole new level. Ever since the conclusion of season one, its insatiable fan base has been hungry for more!

This beautiful hardcover contains hundreds of pieces of never-before-seen artwork created during the development of season one of the show. With commentary from show creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko throughout, this is an intimate look inside the creative process that brought the mystical world of bending and a new generation of heroes to life!

The Legend of Korra: The Art of the Animated Series—Book One: Air is a must-have for any Airbender fan! This is the latest release in an ongoing partnership between Nickelodeon and Dark Horse to bring you the very best in Airbender books.

The Legend of Korra: The Art of the Animated Series—Book One: Air will be available for purchase on July 24.

Look for Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series now at a bookstore near you.

The Legend of Korra takes place seventy years after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender and follows the next Avatar after Aang—a girl named Korra who is from the Southern Water Tribe. With three of the four elements under her belt (earth, water, and fire), Korra seeks to master air. Her quest leads her to Republic City, the modern Avatar world that is a virtual melting pot where benders and nonbenders from all nations live and thrive. Korra quickly discovers that the metropolis is plagued by crime as well as a growing antibending revolution that threatens to rip the city apart. Under the tutelage of Aang’s son Tenzin, Korra begins her airbending training while dealing with the dangers at large.

Nickelodeon And Activision Sign Global, Multi-Year Deal To Produce Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Themed Video Games!

Nickelodeon Consumer Products and the video game publisher Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc., have today announced, in the following Nickelodeon Press Release from PRNewswire, the very exciting Nickelodeon News that they have made a worldwide, multi-year deal to develop and publish video games inspired by the new Nick's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series which are sure to take video gamers through interactive environments and action-packed adventures that truly capture the essence, tone and exciting elements of the Turtles, with the first of three game titles set to be released during Summer 2013! Under the new agreement, Activision has the global rights to produce interactive games based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles property. It is currently unknown whether Activision's upcoming brand new TMNT video games will be released on all the current major consoles or be exclusive to only one console brand (Playstation 3 (PS3), PS Vita, Nintendo Wii U, DS, 3DS, Microsoft Xbox 360, iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc), or whether fans will be able to drive the Shellraiser.

What do you think of the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles news? What would you like to see in a TMNT video game? Let NickALive! know on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook!:

Nickelodeon And Activision Sign Global, Multi-Year Deal To Produce Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Themed Video Games

First of Three Game Titles Set to be Released This Summer

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon and Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) today announced a worldwide, multi-year deal to develop and publish video games inspired by the new CG-animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Under the new agreement, Activision has the global rights to produce interactive games based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles property.

"Activision is a leader in the gaming industry and we are honored to have them as the global video game partner for our new hit series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," said Sherice Torres , Senior Vice President of Entertainment Products, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "We are confident that these upcoming games will take gamers through interactive environments and action-packed adventures that truly capture the essence, tone and exciting elements of the Turtles.

"The fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are unique in that they span generations and are very passionate," said Kurt Niederloh , Vice President, Activision Publishing Minneapolis, Inc. "We respect this passion and look forward to working with Nickelodeon to create games that embody the spirit of the property."

Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles premiered Sept. 29, 2012 and was an instant hit, drawing almost 12 million viewers during its premiere weekend. Funnier and with more ninjutsu than ever before Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles explores the companionship of four teenage brothers learning to rely on themselves and one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and grow to become the heroes in a half-shell that they are destined to be. The premiere episode was executive produced by Ciro Nieli , Joshua Sternin & J.R. Ventimilia and Peter Hastings . The series airs regularly on Nickelodeon, Saturday mornings at 11a.m. ET/PT.

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).

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release date are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

SOURCE Nickelodeon

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

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