Thursday, May 13, 2010

New Power Rangers Shows Coming

We've just gotten word that Power Rangers have returned to Saban, the guys that started it all. The deal puts 700 episodes of Morphin badassedness back in the hands of Saban and drops 20 new episodes on Nicktoons. Toy rights will remain with Bandai who have some awesome plans for the line. Here's the announcement...

Saban Capital Group, Inc., in cooperation with Toei Company Ltd., the original Japanese creator of the Power Rangers television show, announced today that it has acquired the Power Rangers property from The Walt Disney Company. The acquisition represents the return of the global franchise to its original developer, Haim Saban, who introduced the first Power Rangers series in 1993. The acquisition includes worldwide rights to the brand as well as over 700 episodes produced over 17 years.

Power Rangers marks the first property for Saban Brands, the recently formed subsidiary of Saban Capital Group, Inc., which was created to manage and license entertainment properties and consumer brands across media and consumer platforms throughout the world. Concurrent with the acquisition of the Power Rangers franchise, Saban Brands has announced a new, long-term master toy and video game license agreement with BANDAI NAMCO Group. Bandai has been the toy partner for Power Rangers since its inception.

“Power Rangers is one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment properties and we are delighted to see its return,” said Haim Saban, chairman and chief executive officer, Saban Capital Group, Inc. “We are also very proud and excited to renew our long-standing partnership with Namco/Bandai and know that this powerful combination of experience and capabilities will continue to support the global success of Power Rangers.”

Following its introduction in 1993 on the Fox Kids Network, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children’s television program in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others Power Rangers follows the always exciting and often humorous adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes. The series has been translated into numerous languages and rose to become the #1 boys brand in the world from 1993-97, based on toy sales and television ratings. The Walt Disney Company acquired the franchise in 2001 as part of its purchase of Fox Family Worldwide, which included Saban Entertainment and its library of children’s programs. To date, Power Rangers has aired in over 60 countries and the property’s licensed products and promotions have generated well over $5 billion worldwide.

“I am confident that the talented management team at Saban Brands will expand our licensing partnerships and capitalize on the significant growth potential of this powerful brand,” said Haim Saban.

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