Now that you’ve had the opportunity to experience the single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, we wanted to let you know about an exciting downloadable content pack that Luxoflux has been hard at work on to support the growing TF: RotF community.

Set to launch later this summer for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, the robust DLC offering will appeal to fans of both the original Transformers animated series and the blockbuster films.

We are pleased to announce that the pack will include the following:

• Over TEN new multiplayer characters including ultimate fan favorites such as G1 Starscream and movie favorites like Sideswipe.
• Three all-new multiplayer maps.
• Play new characters in both the Autobot and Decepticon single player campaigns.
• New Expert difficulty mode with a fresh set of leaderboards to challenge more experienced gamers in the single-player campaigns.
• New Achievements and Trophies to earn.

Share on Facebook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACTIVISION SECURES ALL-STAR TALENT LINE-UP FOR TRANSFORMERS™: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN VIDEO GAME

Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker

Return to Provide Voice-Over Performances

Santa Monica, CA – May 15, 2009 – Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has assembled an all-star cast for the upcoming Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen video game, including the film’s leads Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, who will reprise their starring roles in the game, and fan favorites Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, the voices of OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON from the original animated series. In the new game, developed under license from Hasbro, players are thrust into an adrenaline-pumping battle to defend Earth from a DECEPTICON attack that threatens mankind.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen features an extensive line-up of film actors, along with the voice talent that fans will recognize from the classic animated series,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “The diverse cast allowed us to not only capture the epic storyline from the film, but also seamlessly expand the fiction to create a unique and authentic TRANSFORMERS experience that fans of all ages will enjoy.”

In addition to Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Mark Ryan (Bumblebee), Jess Harnell (Ironhide), Charles Adler (Starscream) and Robert Foxworth (Ratchet) reprised their film roles for the game. Voice-over veterans John Di Maggio (Sideways) and James Arnold Taylor (The Fallen) also join the roster.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is based on the upcoming live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, which opens nationwide on June 24, 2009.* The game lets players take on the role of their favorite AUTOBOTS® or DECEPTICONS®, picking from the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers – each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry. Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. After engaging in single player action, players for the first time ever will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is currently in development by Luxoflux for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and is rated “T” (Teen – Mild Language, Violence); the Windows PC version is being developed by Beenox Studios and is also rated “T” (Teen – Mild Language, Violence); the distinct Wii™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system versions are being developed by Krome Studios and are rated “T” (“Teen” – Fantasy Violence); two unique AUTOBOT® and DECEPTICON®-specific Nintendo DS™ versions are being developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older – Fantasy Violence); the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system version is being developed by Savage Entertainment and is rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older – Fantasy Violence).

For more information on the game and to receive exclusive updates about the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, visit www.TransformersGame.com.

Share on Facebook

THE TRANSFORMERS: The Complete First Season 25th Anniversary Edition

Synopsis
Four million years after crash-landing on an unfamiliar planet, sentient robots with the ability to disguise themselves as common vehicles awaken on present-day Earth. Engaged in a crucial race to find a new energy source for their home planet of Cybertron, Optimus Prime and the heroic Autobots must defend the innocent people of Earth against their archnemeses, Megatron and the power-hungry Decepticons.

Bonus Features Include:

• Restored To The Original Broadcast Versions With A New Stereo Soundtrack Created From The Original Audio
• Triple Changer: From Toy To Comic To Screen – The Origins Of The Transformers
• A Printable Script
• Rare PSA

Technical Information
Street Date: June 16, 2009
Packaging: The 3 DVDs are collected in thin packs with a deluxe foil board sleeve with embossed accents
Rating: Not Rated
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99
DVD Selection Number:
Running Time: approx. 360 min.
Discs: 3
Aspect Ratio: 4:30
Technical Info: English, Stereo.

Share on Facebook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACTIVISION GEARS UP FOR MONUMENTAL BATTLE WITH

TRANSFORMERS™: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

Santa Monica, CA – February 6, 2009 – The fate of the earth and the survival of the human race hang in the balance in the Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen video game from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI). Based on Hasbro’s legendary TRANSFORMERS property and the most anticipated blockbuster film of 2009 from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, the game propels players straight into an adrenaline-pumping battle for supremacy across the globe where every second and every choice makes the difference between mankind’s salvation and annihilation.

“The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game will give fans the chance to experience their favorite AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS in an all-new, movie inspired adventure packed with the thrilling and explosive action that only the TRANSFORMERS universe can deliver,” said Rob Kostich, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “We are thrilled to announce that after experiencing the rush of commanding colossal robots on their own, players can challenge their friends for the first time ever in full-featured, blistering multiplayer action as their favorite characters.”

“Activision has developed a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game that will give gamers and fans a truly compelling way to experience TRANSFORMERS,” said Mark Blecher, Hasbro’s General Manager of Digital Gaming and Media. “The Activision team’s passion for the property clearly shows in the character development, intense action and rich graphics that really deliver an immersive experience for the user.”

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game lets gamers step into the shoes of the AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS, select any available mission and pick from the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers – each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry. Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. After engaging in single player action, players for the first time ever will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is currently in development by Luxoflux for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and for Windows PC by Beenox Studios.

Also, award-winning Krome Studios is developing distinct Wii™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system versions, utilizing the individual platform features to deliver an intense 3rd person action adventure game that combines dynamic robot combat with arcade-style vehicle sequences and flight-based levels. In addition, two completely different titles are being developed for Nintendo DS™ by Vicarious Visions, allowing players to take on AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON-specific campaigns. For the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, a unique, fast-paced action arcade title is being developed by Savage Entertainment.

For more information on the game and to receive exclusive updates about the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, visit www.TransformersGame.com.

Share on Facebook

If you’ve ever wondered what might happen to planet Earth without the Autobots to stand in the way of the Decepticon threat, ponder that bleak scenario no more. In July, that threat becomes dire reality in IDW’s all-new 12-part series, THE TRANSFORMERS: ALL HAIL MEGATRON.

In IDW’s long-running TRANSFORMERS series, the Autobots have stood as the first line of defense against these malevolent Robots in Disguise. Now, in ALL HAIL MEGATRON, the Decepticons run amok on our world, causing untold damage and taking over completely. And the Autobots are… nowhere to be found?

ALL HAIL MEGATRON, written by Shane McCarthy and featuring art by Guido Guidi, presents an epic tale that sets the series in an all-new direction. Both accessible to new fans and appealing to longtime fans who’ve wondered about just such a doomsday scenario, the series is an action-movie spectacle on paper. Will Earth survive? What happened to the Autobots? These questions and many others will be answered throughout the course of this series.

As for its appeal to new fans, well, all you need to concern yourself with, according to writer Shane McCarthy, are “some very simple things. There is an ancient race of giant robots that are embroiled in a very old civil war; there are two factions to this civil war, the Deceptions (bad guys) and the Autobots (good guys); this civil war is raging across the galaxy on many different fronts; the war has found its way to our home planet.” And now one of these factions is missing.

Fan-favorite Transformers artist Guido Guidi will be bringing McCarthy’s scripts alive on the page. “Translating all this visually is an amazing challenge for an artist, but Shane’s input and vision really inspired and helped raise the bar.”

“I’m sure this book is going to please old fans and new readers as well,” Guidi says. “We have an intriguing and dramatic story, plus tons of Transformers action featuring classic characters pushed to the edge of new, extreme, and never explored situations!”

It’s an adventure not to be missed. If you do, according to McCarthy, “you’ll be missing out on something only comics can really translate; a good, knock ‘em down, drag ‘em out ‘war’ between giant robots that’ll tear cities apart, bring down countries and make you look forward to walking into your local comic-book store.”

The Transformers: All Hail Megatron will be published in full-color, 32-page, monthly installments. Issue 1 (Diamond order code MAY08 3943) features covers by Klaus Scherwinski and Trevor Hutchison and will be in stores on July 9, 2008.

About IDW Publishing

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television’s #1 prime time series CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount’s Star Trek; Fox’s Angel; Hasbro’s The Transformers, and the BBC’s Doctor Who. IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children’s book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.

Share on Facebook

Hasbro Elevates Global Brands to New Heights with Focus on Entertainment, Fashion, Sports and Digital Games

Licensing International Expo 2008

PAWTUCKET, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Entertainment and Licensing division of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) will arrive at Licensing 2008 International with new, ground-breaking licensing programs supporting global powerhouse brands such as G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, LITTLEST PET SHOP and NERF across a variety of licensing categories with a focus on entertainment, fashion and sports as well as the first digital offerings coming out of Hasbro’s strategic licensing agreement with Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS). In addition, Hasbro will showcase innovative licensing programs built around its deep portfolio of coveted brands including MY LITTLE PONY, TONKA, PLAYSKOOL and MONOPOLY at the annual show on June 10-12 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

“Hasbro is pioneering the trend to extend classic and modern toy and board game properties to the entertainment sector,” said Lisa Licht, general manager, Entertainment and Licensing, Hasbro. “We are striking global, multi-year deals that allow our brands to live in worlds where consumers kick back, play and relax with movies, television, video games as well as sports. We’re also continuing to see an incredible demand for expressive fashion that helps define who you are, particularly in the area of graphic tees. Licensees and retailers alike have recognized that Hasbro’s unrivaled portfolio of properties provides the ultimate one-stop shopping solution to consumers’ insatiable appetite for pop culture infused apparel.”

TRANSFORMERS: EVEN MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE IN 2009

TRANSFORMERS has become a global phenomenon inspiring comic books, video games, animated series, films and a convention dedicated to TRANSFORMERS collectors. Fans of all ages are fascinated by the alien robots from CYBERTRON that live on earth as “Robots in Disguise” and have the ability to change from robot mode to vehicle mode.

Excitement is already building for the next movie – TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN — from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, due to hit theaters on June 26, 2009. With a cast of more than 250 licensees in 70 countries supporting the first blockbuster film release in 2007, Hasbro continues to expand the lineup of TRANSFORMERS licensed products that will come to market around the globe in conjunction with next year’s movie release.

Shifting gears to TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED, Hasbro is set to deliver a wide variety of licensed products supporting this brand in 2008 starting with an animated television programming series called TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED being jointly developed by Cartoon Network and Hasbro and co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios. Paramount Home Entertainment is also on board to release two TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED home DVDs this summer.

Rounding out the TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED adventure is a just-released series of four titles from HarperCollins and pending publishing deals with Titan Publishing Group in the UK and Hemma in France. IDW will also release four digest-sized comic books targeting the younger audience and American Greetings will develop both stickers and greeting cards to ship this fall.

In addition, Hasbro has signed and extended more than 30 U.S. and international deals for TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED apparel and footwear. Licensees including AME, Kids Headquarters and Fruit of the Loom will deliver a wide array of apparel to market in the U.S. just in time for back-to-school while licensees like Adventure Diffusion, Blues Clothing and Cooneen Textiles will bring to market highly stylized fashions throughout France, Italy, Ireland and the Nordic region.

Plans call for European print and publishing licensees to release a range of stationery, posters, books, party goods and gifts and greeting cards across multiple countries, including France and the UK. Hasbro also has agreements in principle pending contract or signed licenses with companies including Alpa, Pyramid Posters (UK) and Gemma International (UK). Under pending deals, Editions Hemma would create a publishing program for France, and Durabo would bring out gifts and stationery for the Benelux countries.

Hasbro has agreements in principle under pending contracts for TRANSFORMERS domestic and houseware products to be sold across Europe as well as in Greece and Israel, as well as other key markets.

G.I. JOE: JOIN THE HEROES OF TOMORROW…TODAY

Hasbro is enlisting licensees around the globe to rally behind one of the greatest boys properties of all time – G.I. JOE. With the live-action G.I. JOE movie from Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, due out August 7, 2009, several major licensing deals have already been signed and many more are underway to bring fans a wide selection of “everything G.I. JOE.”

Leading the publishing charge is IDW which will create an action-packed comic book series. IDW also has the rights to graphic novels. Under other pending deals, licensees will bring a number of G.I. JOE goods to market including graphic t-shirts, boys apparel, footwear, video games, electronics, children’s books, paper goods, room décor, social expressions, bikes, skateboards, and camping and fishing gear.

NERF: BRING YOUR “A GAME” OR STAY HOME

As NERF approaches its 40th anniversary next year, the brand continues to deliver action-packed fun from innovative footballs to tactical dart blasters for generations of energetic kids. This year’s licensing program will put NERF center field with the goal of building a winning global lifestyle sports property in 2008 and beyond. Fueled by the new look-and-feel of the brand which blends action, sports and edge, licensees have stepped up to the line to create incredibly fresh and hip products that scream “It’s NERF or Nothin’.”

Leading the momentum of the NERF licensing program will be the apparel line, particularly in the area of graphic t-shirts. Fortune Fashions will roll out cool and stylish tees for tween boys this summer with plans to broaden the assortment to include an array of other items such as hoodies and track pants in a multitude of colors and styles. Elan-Polo has also just released NERF-branded sports sandals bundled with a NERF ball – true inspiration to get kids up and moving.

For those who seek the ultimate immersive NERF experience, Electronic Arts (EA) is developing the first interactive NERF “N-STRIKE” video game bundle for the Wii™. Based on the NERF N-STRIKE toy line, players will blast their way through action-packed battles in single or multiplayer modes. The NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 add-on accessory, the first ever 2-in-1 toy and game peripheral, will be included in the bundle and allow players to convert a real Dart Blaster into a Wii Blaster controller, further immersing fans into the ultimate virtual NERF experience.

Performance Designed Products is also on deck to amp up the digital showdown with an expanded line of NERF-molded video game accessories. Sold under the Pelican brand name, the NERF Sports Pack (tennis racket, golf club and baseball bat), NERF Wireless Controller, NERF skins and NERF DS Case are already hugely popular among gamers.

Under pending contract, Promotional Partners Worldwide will boost adrenaline levels in sports fans allowing armchair quarterbacks to fire off their own winning touchdown pass and hoopsters to sink a three-pointer at the buzzer with NERF-branded footballs and basketballs emblazoned with logos of their favorite college teams.

Ripping a page from the NERF playbook, the Entertainment and Licensing team will continue to ink deals that will deliver innovative “permission to play” lifestyle products to consumers. Currently, there are pending agreements to create products in the categories of sports, publishing, electronics, seasonal, room décor, novelty and accessories.

LITTLEST PET SHOP: IT KEEPS GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER

The lifestyle-focused licensing program behind LITTLEST PET SHOP, the fastest growing brand among girls according to dollar sales, is continuing to grow “paw over tail” with more than 160 deals signed across all categories worldwide. To say that girls just can’t get enough of LITTLEST PET SHOP would be an understatement. Hasbro has expanded its roster of licensees across all categories and girls can expect to be wowed with the lineup of new products due to hit retail shelves this year.

As an extension to the LITTLEST PET SHOP toy line, digital licensee EA will bring the magic of the property to life this fall with a series of video games for the Wii and Nintendo DS™ as well as the PC. Based on the platform, the interactive experience will allow girls to engage with 20-30 of the most popular pets in the collection by exploring three unique worlds, playing mini games, earning accessories and enjoying playsets from the 2008 toy line.

The LITTLEST PET SHOP apparel and accessories segment will soar in 2008 anchored by the largest graphic t-shirt line for girls in Hasbro’s history. With the help of Fortune Fashions and others, Hasbro’s goal is to continue to fill girls’ dresser drawers with cool and sassy tees until they overflow. For girls who also like to keep LITTLEST PET SHOP “under cover” Leeward International, Cooneen Textiles (UK), Handcraft, Berkshire Accessories and TMI Australasia (Australia) are on board to deliver sleepwear, underwear and socks. In addition, girls can decorate their rooms with an exciting line of LITTLEST PET SHOP bedding from Franco in France and Zap in the UK.

This year will also feature a large selection of bags for all occasions from FAB/Starpoint in the U.S. and other licensees in countries like France and Benelux. Adding to the dazzle of stepping out in high LITTLEST PET SHOP style, Flik Flak Group will unveil the first LITTLEST PET SHOP Swatch watch collection in the U.S., while Fantabijoux (France) and Little Concepts (UK, Holland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland) will roll out jewelry lines.

For girls who prefer an unplugged LITTLEST PET SHOP adventure, more than 20 new titles will be released in 2008 by Scholastic, Reader’s Digest and Bendon in North America and Latin America. Additionally, Scholastic plans to release its existing U.S. book catalog into the Australian and New Zealand markets this year. Eleven new book titles will be released by Editions Hemma (France) and Play Bac with an additional 10 to roll out from Ladybird/Penguin (UK). Five Mile Press (Australia) is also on board to release six new titles through 2009. Under pending agreements, the publishing program will also expand to Russia, Romania, Germany and Poland. Other publishing highlights include sticker and activity books from Panini (France), Redan (UK), Egmont International (Scandinavia, Poland), Noriel (Moldavia, Romania), and Big Balloon (Benelux). American Greetings will also develop LITTLEST PET SHOP greeting cards and party goods in 2008.

MY LITTLE PONY: IT’S ALWAYS PARTY DAY IN PONYVILLE

Twenty-five years and 40 million ponies later, MY LITTLE PONY remains a sweeping sensation among little girls around the world. This year, as candles are lit, cupcakes devoured and tea sipped in honor of the big birthday, the celebration will continue when THQ launches MY LITTLE PONY: Pinkie Pie’s Party on the Nintendo DS in the fall allowing girls to engage with the core cast of seven ponies while playing games and solving puzzles.

New stories will unfold as the publishing program continues to grow and thrive worldwide. With more than 24 million MY LITTLE PONY books sold since 2003, 18 new titles are planned for release in the U.S. with another 50 set for international debut this year from publishing houses, including Redan (UK), Pedigree Books Ltd. (UK), Panini (France), and Five Mile Press (Australia) with its highly anticipated Spring Tea Party book, as well as refreshing its entire back catalog of activity books. Distribution of the MY LITTLE PONY magazine has also been extended across all major territories in Europe including new partners in Eastern Europe. Additionally, American Greetings will continue to bring MY LITTLE PONY to life on a wide variety of social expressions products in 2008.

As a consistent top performer at key mass market retailers, MY LITTLE PONY graphic t-shirts from Fortune Fashions and apparel from Kids Headquarters continue to move off the shelves and onto the backs of girls of all ages. That program, along with underwear lines from Fruit of the Loom, which are also top-sellers at mass retailers, will expand in 2008 to feature new styles and logo treatments. Rounding out the MY LITTLE PONY fashion show will be jewelry by Little Concepts (UK).

MY LITTLE PONY apparel deals are also expanding on the international front. BC International (UK) will launch a new line of graphic tees for women, Silverknit (UK) will deliver adult sleepwear and underwear, Smith & Brooks (UK) is creating apparel and footwear lines, Cooneen Textiles (UK) will roll out sleepwear, Funtastic (Australia) is expanding its range in footwear and bedding, and TMI Australasia continues to dominate the Australian market with underwear and sleepwear. In addition, Carel (France), Madness Article (Spain), Santex (Benelux), Studiokids (Eastern Europe), and Cookie Company (Benelux) are on board to deliver apparel goods this year.

TONKA: STILL GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY

Just as TONKA has grown from the original two trucks to a full line featuring 100s of trucks, vehicles and playsets over the past 60 years, Hasbro is continuing to bulldoze forward its licensing program supporting the brand that has been paving the way for boys to be boys for decades.

The latest licensing agreements inked by Hasbro will allow tots to dig into the dirt with outdoor toys from Debut Sports or go off-road in an electric vehicle from TGA Electronic. Under pending deals there will also be plenty of fun indoor play items coming to market in the UK, Russia and Australia that will occupy hours of little boys’ time.

Other TONKA-branded products on deck for 2008 include bedding from Caprice (Australia), retro tees and underwear from Design Works Clothing Co. PTY. Limited (Australia, New Zealand and South Africa), and baby wear from WILDCARD PTY. LTD. (Australia and New Zealand).

PLAYSKOOL: 80 YEARS OF BELIEVING IN PLAY

As Hasbro celebrates the 80th anniversary of PLAYSKOOL, its commitment to provide quality toys that enrich children while they play remains at the heart of the brand. Keeping in step with the PLAYSKOOL brand mantra, the Entertainment and Licensing division has put in place highly innovative programs that further entrench the brand with mom.

In 2008, Hasbro licensees will roll out a range of new PLAYSKOOL-branded products, from books to baby care items which will delight preschoolers and parents alike.

Little ones love a good story and the publishing program supporting the brand is going to deliver big this year. Featuring the fun, core cast of PLAYSKOOL characters from Digger the Dog to Tubby the Turtle, Kitty Kandu and Go Go Dino, Simon & Schuster has signed on to develop a new children’s book series that will commence with the release of the first five titles this fall.

For the youngest PLAYSKOOL consumer, the successful direct-to-retail baby care line at CVS/pharmacy stores will feature newly added items throughout 2008.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT: AMERICA PLAYS

Hasbro’s wildly popular TRIVIAL PURSUIT board game has been bringing people together and driving the quest for wedges for 25 years. As the brand celebrates its silver anniversary, fans of the game will now have an opportunity to really get into the action this fall with TRIVIAL PURSUIT: America Plays, a television-based game show to be developed and distributed by Debmar-Mercury.

The TRIVIAL PURSUIT: America Plays game show has been designed to rely on user-generated content allowing viewers to submit TRIVIAL PURSUIT video questions that will in turn be asked of contestants. If the question is selected and stumps the contestant, the user who submitted the question can earn cash.

Ninety percent of the U.S. has been cleared for the fall launch in syndication of TRIVIAL PURSUIT: America Plays with FOX affiliates in eight of the top 10 markets thus far including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Stations from Cox Broadcasting, CBS, Belo, Gannett, Scripps, Raycom Media and Weigel Broadcasting are also signed up for the fall broadcast.

MONOPOLY: OWN THE FUN – ANYTIME, ANYPLACE

It promises to be a very exciting year for one of the best-selling board game brands of all time – MONOPOLY. The highly anticipated release of MONOPOLY Here & Now: The World Edition is slated for August in 50 countries and 37 languages, and several licensing programs supporting the brand are already in place to ratchet up the fun for fans around the world.

In a crowded graphic t-shirt market, MONOPOLY continues to resonate with consumers of all ages. From tees placed in the mass market by Fortune Fashions and in specialty stores by Junkfood Clothing to the highly successful direct-to-retail agreement with Steve & Barry’s, fans keep expanding their MONOPOLY wardrobe.

In the digital arena, EA has released a variety of MONOPOLY digital game experiences for the iPod® and mobile handsets allowing players to own it all, anytime, anyplace. In addition, later this fall MONOPOLY comes to the Wii, PlayStation®2 and Xbox 360™ consoles. The MONOPOLY games are just the tip of the iceberg with EA, which secured the digital rights to 100s of Hasbro brands. Video games are also currently under development for next generation consoles, PC, mobile, handheld and online for SCRABBLE (for the U.S. and Canada), YAHTZEE, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, and OPERATION.

Hasbro is also continuing to expand its reach into non-traditional channels through an ongoing global agreement with Scientific Games for MONOPOLY as well as almost 20 other Hasbro brands to appear on a wide range of lottery platforms including instant and pull-tab tickets, on-line terminal generated games, mobile, Internet and interactive TV. Today, MONOPOLY remains the No. 1 licensed brand available for worldwide lotteries. In addition, WMS Gaming has been manufacturing MONOPOLY slot machines for more than 10 years and its latest games, MONOPOLY Big Event and MONOPOLY Up, Up & Away, are now staples at many of the world’s top casinos.

Other Hasbro Game highlights include the six-year strategic partnership with Universal Pictures to produce at least four motion pictures based on some of Hasbro’s best-known and beloved brands. Also under pending agreements, several international promotions will also be executed this year including Nestle Greece which would integrate TRIVIAL PURSUIT into select products distributed to grocery stores and MONOPOLY, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, TABOO and TWISTER getting TOTAL Cereal box time throughout France in summer 2008.

For the unplugged traveler, under a pending agreement, L.L. Bean would produce a compact SCRABBLE game that will be sold at retail and online later this year and MONOPOLY trivia books from Sterling Publishing are ideal for passing time while on the road. Hasbro has also started to build a strong licensing program supporting the newly acquired CRANIUM property.

ABOUT HASBRO

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. ©2008 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SCRABBLE, the distinctive game board and letter tiles, and all associated logos are trademarks of Hasbro in the United States and Canada. Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo.

Share on Facebook

Transformers Comic Series Continues Story From Blockbuster Movie

All-new official sequel from IDW picks up where the movie left off.

San Diego, CA (April 1, 2008)-IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing.com) is releasing the official continuation of last summer’s blockbuster Transformers movie, from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro. The first storyline to spin out of the hugely successful movie, Transformers Movie Sequel: The Reign of Starscream continues the story from where the movie ended.

Co-writers Chris Ryall, who also wrote the Transformers Movie Prequel, and Chris Mowry present a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and dark ambition, featuring both old and new Transformers characters. “The movie left fans with some questions at the end, and we get a chance to answer them here,” says Ryall. “We pick up on what happened at the end and reveal the fates of some of the surviving film characters. Take Starscream – we find out where he was headed and what he was doing. We also introduce new characters. In doing so, we bridge the gap between the last movie and the next movie, coming in ‘09.”

In the first issue of the five-part comic series, when Megatron falls in battle Starscream assumes the role of Decepticon leader on Earth. Mustering his surviving allies, he sets out to put his own plan in motion. But before he can do that, he’ll need to retrieve a fallen comrade, carry out a plan of revenge and leave Earth to meet up with a major player in the Decepticon army.

The Reign of Starscream #1 features art from fan-favorite Alex Milne, who also illustrated the Transformers Movie Adaptation, and cover art by Milne and Gabriel Rodriguez, artist for Joe Hill’s Locke & Key. A special variant cover has also been created by longtime Transformers artist James Raiz.

The first issue (item code FEB08 3801) will be in stores in April; call 1-888-comic-book (1-888-266-4226) to find a store near you.

ABOUT IDW PUBLISHING
IDW PUBLISHING is a division of Idea and Design Works, LLC, a revolutionary creative service company with a wide range of clients. Among its best-selling titles are Hasbro’s THE TRANSFORMERS; Paramount/CBS’s STAR TREK; and Fox’s ANGEL. IDW’s 30 DAYS OF NIGHT film from Sony Pictures was released in October 2007 and was the #1 movie in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at www.idwpublishing.com.

Share on Facebook

Transformers: All Hail Megatron will be a 12 part maxi-series, set 1 year after Transformers: Devastation, starting with issue #1 in July 08.

IDW Publishing Unleashes the DECEPTICONS on Earth!

Maxi-Series ALL HAIL MEGATRON Depicts a World Without AUTOBOTS

San Diego, CA (March 19, 2008) – It’s often said that the true measure of a hero is based on the quality of the villain—and TRANSFORMERS has some of the greatest villains in pop culture. But the heroic AUTOBOTS have kept the evil DECEPTICONS in check—until now.

Starting in July, IDW Publishing will unveil a turning point in the TRANSFORMERS saga. TRANSFORMERS: ALL HAIL MEGATRON, under license from HPG, the licensing division of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS). Set one year after the events of TRANSFORMERS: Devastation, TRANSFORMERS: ALL HAIL MEGATRON launches a new storyline that shows what happens when great heroes aren’t around to defend against their powerful villains. The DECEPTICONS, led by the ruthless MEGATRON, have somehow succeeded in dispatching the AUTOBOTS and their leader, OPTIMUS PRIME, leaving Earth ripe for the plucking.

The 12-part maxi-series takes TRANSFORMERS in an epic new direction courtesy of writer Shane McCarthy (Detective Comics, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight) and fan-favorite artist Guido Guidi (TRANSFORMERS Spotlight: Galvatron, TRANSFORMERS Beast Wars: The Ascending). Together, they tell the tale of an Earth decimated by the DECEPTICONS. Where are the AUTOBOTS, and how did they come to be exiled from Earth? Who has changed sides, who will live, and who will die? These questions, as well as the introduction of an all-new Transformers character, will be answered in the pages of the series.

“This thing is going to knock the fans’ socks off,” McCarthy says. “This is exactly the kind of story I’ve always wanted to see done, and I think the fans will be right there with me.”

IDW’s Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall added, “ALL HAIL MEGATRON is what the AUTOBOTS fought so hard to prevent, the ultimate culmination of MEGATRON’s plans. It’s destruction on a grand scale; it’s a story of sacrifice, lost heroism, betrayal, and hopefully at the end, renewal.

“But this series, more than any other we’ve done, shows that hopes don’t amount to much in the face of unrelenting evil. Shane’s story hearkens back to the greatest stories in TRANSFORMERS history, while still feeling vibrant and excitingly new. And the best part is the accessibility of the tale makes this a perfect jumping-on spot for new fans of good comics, along with long-time followers of TRANSFORMERS.”

TRANSFORMERS: ALL HAIL MEGATRON #1 is being solicited for July ’08 release. It will feature a victorious MEGATRON cover by Klaus Scherwinski, as well as a distinctive variant cover by Trevor Hutchison.

Share on Facebook

TRANSFORMERS Movie Premium Series Rolls Out to Retail!
Continuing in Spring ’08, TRANSFORMERS fans will be able to get the ‘best of’ TRANSFORMERS Movie characters in Deluxe, Voyager and Leader classes at retail!  These characters all feature premium deco treatments and finishes and silver foil packaging to create the ultimate collectible movie figures.

Transformers Movie Premium Series DELUXE CLASS (SRPs: $9.99)

Premium Series BARRICADE
Keeping his armor polished and his vehicle mode looking sharp, Premium Series BARRICADE is hoping that MEGATRON will return again soon to lead the DECEPTICONS to glory.  In the meantime, BARRICADE has made some changes to his vehicle mode in order to blend in better and bide his time till MEGATRON’s hopeful return.

Premium Series AUTOBOT JAZZ
Since getting off-lined by DECEPTICON BRAWL, AUTOBOT JAZZ has worked with IRONHIDE to upgrade his endoskeleton reinforcements and has kept his vehicle mode absolutely pristine.  Something about getting so badly damaged made him care even more than he used to about looking good.

Premium Series BUMBLEBEE
Ever since the final battle against the DECEPTICONS, BUMBLEBEE has been meticulous about his appearance.  With Sam’s help he immediately buffed out every scratch in his finish for a premium sales-room shine.  But don’t let his premium finish fool you because BUMBLEBEE is always ready for battle against any DECEPTICON enemy with his new battle mask head sculpt.

Transformers Movie Premium Series VOYAGER CLASS (SRPs: $19.99)

Premium Series IRONHIDE
With the war finally over, IRONHIDE is free to return to the simple, easy life he knew before.  Captain Lennox has been kind enough to lend him some space in his barn to store the crates containing his weapons collection.  In return for IRONHIDE watching over his family while he is away on duty, Lennox keeps the old AUTOBOT warrior in perfect condition.

Premium Series BLACKOUT
The only goals BLACKOUT ever had were to serve MEGATRON, fight for DECEPTICON dominance and be the most perfect soldier he could.  He follows orders without question, even to the point of self-termination and maintains himself and his weapons in pristine condition.

Transformers Movie Premium Series LEADER CLASS (SRPs: $39.99)

Premium Series OPTIMUS PRIME
OPTIMUS PRIME now travels the streets of Earth in his super-detailed Semi vehicle mode searching for MEGATRON and his evil DECEPTICON forces.  As OPTIMUS PRIME enters the battlefield he is prepared to engage in close combat with his new energy sword and Movie accurate head sculpt.

Premium Series MEGATRON
As MEGATRON reboots to full awareness from the melting ice that has kept him prisoner for ten thousand years, he is prepared to seek revenge for every indignity to which he has been subjected.  With his movie accurate detail, MEGATRON is ready to destroy all who stand in his way and finish the battle against those pesky AUTOBOTS!

Share on Facebook

Tformers
Official Deluxe Gallery
Official Voyager Gallery
Leader class Megatron and Roll Out Command Optimus Prime
Battle Begins DVD 2-pack
Animated Activators (Figures with spring-loaded transformation)
Animated Bumper Battlers (Like Cyber Slammers)
TFormers Gallery

Wizard Universe

TFW2005
Universe Deluxe Galvatron Robot Mode
Universe Deluxe Galvatron Tank Mode

Seibertron
Official Pictures of Animated Jazz and Oilslick!
Toy Fair 08 Galleries

Thanks to forum member Protoform X for links to some of the galleries.

Share on Facebook