RETRO ALVIN
ILLS, Calif. -- Bagdasarian Productions, creators of "Alvin & the Chipmunks," signed Evergreen Concepts as the licensing agency to develop a line of consumer products for the characters. The retro licensing program will include T-shirts, loungewear, sportswear and collectible Christmas ornaments developed in partnership with other companies. The licensing partnership also encompasses the launch of "Little Alvin & the Mini-Munks," a preschool entertainment program, on DVD in 2004. "Little Alvin" carries a suggested retail price of $24.95. The Chipmunks property first debuted in 1961 with "The Alvin Show," then ran again as a children's show from 1983 to 1991, giving it appeal to multiple generations.
ROCK SCHOOL ADS
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Paramount Home Entertainment here will release "School of Rock" on DVD and VHS accompanied by a national consumer advertising campaign and grassroots field promotions during spring break. Advertisements for the March 2 release will run on network, syndication and cable TV in the United States and Canada, as well as print ads in leading magazines in both countries. There will be additional radio promotions in the top 100 U.S. markets and the top nine Canadian markets. The release is priced at $19.95 for DVD and priced for rental on VHS.
DVDS FOR BREAKFAST
MINNEAPOLIS -- General Mills here has partnered with Sony Pictures Television, Culver City, Calif., to offer free DVDs inside boxes of Total and Oatmeal Crisp Cereal. Consumers receive one of four limited-edition DVDs of "The King of Queens," "Mad About You," "Barney Miller" and "The Donna Reed Show" with purchase of specially marked boxes. The DVDs are visible through the front of the box, allowing consumers to choose which show they would like to have. The promotion is available while supplies last.
