NEWS ROUNDUP 1994-02-28 (4)

Nintendo System Uses Cartridges

of America's next generation video game system will use high-capacity cartridges and not compact discs, said Peter Main, vice president of marketing.

The new 64-bit system, code-named "Project Reality," will debut in arcades this fall and will be in stores sometime in 1995. It will be priced under $250, he said. Nintendo is developing the system with Silicon Graphics, San Francisco. The company apparently decided against CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory) because the cartridge offers faster game play. "When it comes to speed, no other format approaches the silicon-based cartridge," said Main.

Musicals Promoted With Flowers

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- MGM/UA Home Video is targeting Mother's Day for a cross-promotion involving 12 classic musicals and FTD floral service. The campaign will begin on April 13 and will be supported by national print advertising, direct mail, a dollars-off coupon and point-of-purchase materials. Preorder date is March 13.

Consumers who buy any of the 12 musicals priced at $19.98 will receive $20 in FTD coupons good on purchases made using FTD's toll-free order line. The offer expires on Oct. 16.

The titles are "Brigadoon," "Easter Parade," "High Society," "Kismet," "Kiss Me Kate," "On the Town," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Show Boat," "That's Entertainment," "That's Entertainment, Part 1," "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" and "Ziegfeld Follies." Merchandisers of 24 and 48 pieces will be available.

Camelot Aims Line at Food Stores

DALLAS -- Camelot Entertainment is targeting supermarkets with its launch of a 14-title line of $9.99 educational software. "Professor Nozall's Kids University Educational Software" also has a companion line of 12 video programs priced at $7.99.

Camelot had commitments from six major supermarket chains by mid-February, said Danny Wettreich, chairman and chief executive officer. Wettreich would not identify the supermarket chains. "We anticipate making some significant shipments in March and April," he told SN. "It's a new phenomenon for supermarkets to be selling quality software. This product combines very competitive pricing and dynamic point-of-purchase material."