Companies Renew Relationship Following Tremendous Success Of Barbie In The Nutcracker

Further solidifying its status as one of the preeminent distributors of family-oriented home entertainment, Artisan's Family Home Entertainment division has been awarded by Mattel the North American home entertainment rights to its highly-anticipated Barbie as Rapunzel full-length animated movie. Barbie As Rapunzel is currently in production and is expected to be released on both VHS and DVD formats in October 2002. The announcement was made today by Glenn Ross, President of Family Home Entertainment.

FHE was selected following its tremendous success serving as the distributor of Mattel's first Barbie full-length feature, Barbie In The Nutcracker. Since its release in Fall 2001, FHE has shipped more than 3.4 million Barbie In The Nutcracker VHS & DVD units to retail with an astounding 93% sell through rate.

Mattel is the world's leading toy manufacturer and Barbie is the world's premiere girl's brand. Expanding our relationship with Mattel and the Barbie property in particular was our top priority as we continue to build one of the industry's strongest family entertainment brands. Barbie As Rapunzel provides positive messages for young girls and the values behind this kind of programming aligns directly with the philosophy of FHE, said Mr. Ross. Barbie As Rapunzel will help make 2002 another banner year for FHE as it will serve as a cornerstone to our strongest release line-up to date that also boasts new titles in our best-selling Clifford The Big Red Dog and Hallmark Home Entertainment series.

Rob Hudnut, Executive Producer, Mattel Entertainment, added, Artisan did a terrific job with Barbie In The Nutcracker and we are pleased that they will be our partners on Rapunzel as well.

Barbie As Rapunzel will be a full-length, computer animated film that features the voices of Academy Award-winning actress Anjelica Houston, Kelly Sheridan and veteran voice actress Cree Summer. Animation will again be by the award-winning Mainframe Entertainment. A contemporary twist on the classic fairytale, Mattel's screenplay casts Barbie as Rapunzel, a courageous, imaginative girl who is locked away in a tower and magically paints her way to a life of freedom and love.

The full-length, motion-capture CGI video will be accompanied by a colorful world of characters, accessories, and licensed products - all of which reflect the story's magic and beauty. Coinciding with the release, Mattel will launch a new Barbie As Rapunzel toy line featuring a Barbie as Rapunzel doll, a Ken doll with shiny, neatly trimmed hair, and a white horse with a nearly foot-long golden mane. Additionally, Artisan and Mattel will support the home video's launch with an extensive advertising, marketing and promotional program. Details will be unveiled in the next few months.

Also see: Barbie Dolls

About The Author:

Shan Bowe is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com. Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.

	Mattel
Companies Renew Relationship Following Tremendous Success Of Barbie In The Nutcracker