DISNEY, DIC TO UNVEIL SUPERHERO SERIES

BURBANK, Calif. -- Make way for the "Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad." Buena Vista Home Video here and DIC Toon-Time Video, a unit of DIC Entertainment, will unveil the new live-action super hero video series on Nov. 11, shortly after the nationally syndicated television show makes its mid-September debut. Three 44-minute tapes will be released at a suggested retail price of $12.99. Each will contain two episodes. Prebook is Oct. 11. Packages of the tapes will include a set of four rub-on tattoos, and the titles will be cross-promoted by inserts in other Buena Vista products. Also, the hot-selling line of toys from Playmate Toys will feature the videos in package inserts. Starring Matthew Lawrence and the voice of Tim Curry, the videos feature high-tech special effects as the characters "samurize" into an animated electronic digital universe. DIC products are distributed by Buena Vista, which is the video marketing and distribution arm of Walt Disney Co. Another high-profile DIC release is the "Sonic the Hedgehog" video series, based on the Sega video game character. It is scheduled for Oct. 21. Three tapes will feature episodes from the ABC animated TV series. They will have a suggested retail price of $12.99 and will prebook Sept. 20. The "Sonic Wrist Game" will be offered through the mail free to consumers who buy two "Sonic" videos or for $5.99 with the purchase of one tape. There is a $1 shipping and handling charge. The "Sonic" titles also will be promoted by inserts in other DIC video releases. Another fall title from DIC and Buena Vista will be "The Shield of Shadow Khan," a feature length animated production. It is based on the popular video game, "Double Dragon." It will be offered in black clamshell packaging at a suggested retail price of $14.99. Street date is Nov. 11; prebook is Oct. 11. Coupons worth up to $5 on "Double Dragon" action figures and accessories from Tyco Toys will be included in the packages. The title will be cross-promoted by the inserts in other DIC product.