Batman Begins
Batman, the character, has long inspired licensed treats, but now that a major motion picture prequel has emerged, there is renewed candy interest:
More than a month ahead of the movie release
date, Taste of Nature has this month launched two Batman Begins candies. The
new candy line includes Batman Begins Cotton Candy and Batman Begins Sour
Bats Candy. The 2.5-ounce Batman Begins Cotton Candy comes in three
flavors, and it will be available in a 24-count case and can be placed on
clip strips if required. The cases can also be ordered as
“display-ready” cases. The 3.5 ounce Batman Begins Sour Bats
Candy is available in open stock 30-count and 12-count cases. The product
also comes in 14-count display trays and floor shippers for quick and easy
merchandising.
Flix Candy’s new Batman candy collection
became available this month. The product line includes Batman Projector
Pop, Batman Sour Spray, Batman Yo-Goo and Batman Push Puppet.
The Batman Projector Pop adds a whole new dimension to
lollipops. While eating a 15g pop, kids can shine the Bat-Signal on
the wall, ceiling or their friend’s T-shirt by simply pressing the
activation button. The Projector Pop can project the Bat-Signal up to
10 feet. It has a suggested retail price of 99 cents to $1.29. It is packed
in both a 6/12-count case and a 96-count shipper.
Flix Candy also introduces its first ever licensed
spray candy: Batman Sour Spray. This tasty Sour Blue Raspberry spray
features a collectible Batman head used as a cap and has a suggested retail
price of 99 cents to $1.19, offering great value for a spray candy that
includes a top license and a well-known character. It is packed in both
a 6/12-count case and a 96-count shipper.
The Topps Company Inc. has recently acquired a
license from Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Comics to
publish Batman trading cards in North America and Europe. The initial card
series will coincide with the film’s release date.
“It is both a privilege and a thrill to be
associated with one of the world’s most popular and enduring
character franchises,” says Ira Friedman, Topps vice
president/publishing and licensing. “We couldn’t ask for a
more momentous occasion than the upcoming movie event to kick off an all
new era of Batman cards.”
Topps first produced Batman goods nearly four decades
ago.
Movie Facts
Release Date: June
17, 2005
Primary Target Audience: Tweens/teens
Synopsis: This
"prequel" by Christopher Nolan explores the origins of the
popular DC Comics superhero, Batman, and The Dark Knight’s emergence
as a force for good in Gotham City.
Licensing Support: Mattel,
Jakks Pacific and Thinkway Toys (toys); Rocawear (men’s and boys
sportswear); Bakery Crafts (decorated cakes/cupcakes); Imaginings 3, Topps,
Taste of Nature, Houston Harvest
Gift Products (candy and novelty candy); Kurt Adler
(Christmas ornaments); Accessory Network (back-to-school supplies);
Hallmark
(party goods, greeting cards); Thermos (lunch kits)
and Trends International (calendars).
Licensing Contacts: Karen
McTier, executive vice president of domestic licensing, Warner Bros.
Consumer Products, (818) 954-3008; Jordan Sollitto, executive vice
president of worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, (818)
954-7807
Additional Promo Plans: A
26 times, half-hour 2-D toon from Warner Bros. Animation is currently
airing as part of the Kids’ WB! Saturday morning lineup.
Promotion Contact: Erin
Corbett, senior vice president of national promotions, Warner Bros.
Pictures, (818) 954-6026
Website: www.batmanbegins.com