NICKELODEON AND FISHER-PRICE ANNOUNCE BRAND-NEW BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES PRESCHOOL PRODUCT LINE, BASED ON THE HIT TV SERIES
Product Line to Be Unveiled During American International Toy Fair in New York City
Pictured: L-R: Gabby, Blaze, AJ, Pickle, Crusher in BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES on NICKELODEON. Photo: Nickelodeon. ©2014 Viacom, International, Inc. All Rights Reserved
NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2015 – Nickelodeon and Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc., announce today an all-new toy line based on the network's hit preschool series Blaze and the Monster Machines. Debuting at this year's New York Toy Fair, the lineup includes a die cast collection, vehicles, playsets and plush that are as fun and dynamic as the characters and adventures featured in the series. Products will be available at select retailers starting in May with full nationwide rollout in August.
Launched in October of 2014, Blaze and the Monster Machines is consistently the number-one preschool show in its time period on all TV and already is the top preschool series with boys 2-5. It is the first preschool show to comprehensively cover all areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) in every episode. Blaze and the Monster Machines follows Blaze and his eight-year-old driver, AJ. Together, Blaze and AJ have adventures that explore the physics of how things move; tackle problems through scientific inquiry and mathematics; and discover the parts needed to make everyday technologies work.
"We are excited to join forces with Fisher-Price on an innovative toy line that captures and conveys the roaring spirit of Blaze and the Monster Machines," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "The new Blaze line is a great adaptation of the series' action and adventures that inspires kids to reimagine the property in a playful way."
"Bringing the Blaze toy line to life is the result of a fantastic collaboration with Nickelodeon centered on this very toyetic property that introduces STEM principles," said Steve LaBella, Senior Vice President, Fisher-Price Preschool. "We're thrilled to capture the exciting world of Axle City with die cast vehicles and playsets powered by the unique personalities and unstoppable actions of monster stunts and transformations."
Each action-packed episode of Blaze and the Monster Machines is filled with monster trucks, physical humor and upbeat original songs with lyrics that highlight a STEM concept such as adhesion, friction, force, trajectory and magnetism. The series, created by Jeff Borkin (Team Umizoomi head writer) and Ellen Martin (Bubble Guppies supervising producer), airs weekdays at 10:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.
Highlights of the 2015 Blaze and the Monster Machines line from Fisher-Price includes:
Blaze and the Monster Machines™ Vehicle Assortment
These monster trucks feature big wheels and even bigger personalities. Capturing their signature styling, these die-cast vehicles are perfect for recreating races and spectacular stunts as seen on the television show. Each sold separately and subject to availability. Ages 3+
Available in Blaze, Crusher, Pickle, Zeg, Darington, Stripes, Starla, Blazing Speed Blaze, Mud Racin' Blaze and Big Horn Sheep
SRP: $4.99
Available Summer 2015
Slam & Go Assortment
It is race day and Blaze and the Monster Machines are ready for some high-octane action. Press down on these race-ready vehicles to watch them accelerate! Each sold separately and subject to availability. Available in Slam & Go Blaze, Slam & Go Crusher and Slam & Go Stripes
SRP: $9.99
Ages 3+
Available Summer 2015
Talking Blaze Assortment
Perfect for recreating the amazing adventures of Blaze and the Monster Machines™, with the help of sound waves, each of these freewheeling vehicles comes to life with phrases, awesome action sounds and authentic styling. Each sold separately and subject to availability. Ages 3+
Available in Talking Blaze, Talking Darington and Talking Zeg
SRP: $14.99
Available Summer 2015
Transforming Blaze Jet
Blaze can transform into just about anything including a jet plane. When you lift Blaze up, his jet wings automatically pop out and transform him from a road-ready monster machine to a high-flying hero who uses thrust to zoom into aerodynamic action. As kids make Blaze fly in jet mode, he will speak flightrelated phrases. Once his tires are back on the ground, he'll race back into Monster Machine mode with sounds and phrases to match. Ages 3+
SRP: $24.99
Available Summer 2015
Monster Dome Playset
It is race day at the Monster Dome and crafty Crusher will stop at nothing to beat Blaze even if that means building a chomping Sharkbot. This super-speedy track set can be configured into multiple layouts so race fans can recreate all the action and adventure of Blaze and the Monster Machines™! Create side-by-side races between Blaze and Crusher or customize your set into champion courses of your choice. Two launchers will give the Monster Machines the speed and momentum they need to race around the track and perform spectacular stunts. Launch the trucks up a ramp and into a 360° loop or speed through the ring of fire. The set includes die-cast Blaze and Crusher vehicles but you can add to the adventure with even more of Axle City's heroes! Fisher-Price® Blaze and the Monster Machines™ vehicles sold separately and subject to availability. Ages 3+
SRP: $29.99
Available Summer 2015
Super Stunts Blaze
Rev up this Monster Machine to see Blaze use balance as he performs side-wheelies, back-wheelies and even a 360° spin on his rear tires. Just like this big-wheeled hero does on the television show, Super Stunts Blaze can accelerate into action with Blazing Speed and he will rear back into position before racing off in a Blaze of glory. Blaze's mouth, side flame and boosters light up and come to life with interactive phrases. Blaze asks kids to rev him up for full speed, celebrate with a high tire, and even make a pit stop to get ready for more super stunts! Ages 3+
SRP: $39.99
Available Fall 2015
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th 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-onerated basic cable network for 20 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).
About Fisher-Price
In 1931, Herman Fisher and Irving Price embarked on a journey to change the toy industry. Their goal: creating playthings that inspire a child's development. More than 80 years later, Fisher-Price remains deeply rooted in the belief that play is the way children learn best. To this day, understanding the importance of play in building a child's skills is the fundamental principle, as the company strives to enrich the lives of families with young children around the globe. United by the passion for a child's safe care and development at each age and stage, the people of Fisher-Price work tirelessly to bring families the best toys and baby products in the world. Some of the company's best-known brands include Laugh & Learn®, Little People®, Power Wheels®, and Imaginext®, and it's also a leading developer of character-based toys for children's programming such as Thomas & Friends™, Dora and Friends: Into the City!, and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Fisher-Price is a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT). For more information, visit www.fisher-price.com (U.S.) and www.fisher-price.ca (Canada) or connect with Fisher-Price on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
