Applause Announces New Figural/Mealtime Fun, Beanbag Plush Piecetypes Inspired by Disney's "The Lion King: Simba's Pride".

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1998-- Applause Inc. announces its exciting new line-up of popular figural, mealtime and beanbag plush piecetypes to tie-in with Disney's "Simba's Pride," the much-anticipated sequel to "The Lion King."

Primarily targeted to children aged 3 to 12, Applause began shipping a new "Simba's Pride" product line in July 1998 with several popular piecetypes appealing to both boys and girls. The line will hit retailers' shelves just in time for back-to-school. Most items are attractively priced at $10 and under, making them the perfect gift for any occasion.

The line includes: a new figural bank featuring the most endearing lion cubs Kiara and Kovu ($10/SRP); two popular Treasure Keepers (Kiara, Timon & Pumbaa) for $4 each/SRP; a pair of plastic kids' cups depicting Kiara and Kovu ($5 each/SRP); action Sipper Straws (Kiara, Pumbaa & Timon) for $2.50 retail; and irresistible new plush featuring Kiara and Kovu in both Mini beanbag ($5/SRP) and Small ($10/SRP) sizes.

Disney's "Simba's Pride" is the sequel to Disney's unforgettable "The Lion King," one of the most popular and beloved animated films of all time. Action, adventure, romance and humor come together in this second chapter of "The Lion King."

Simba is now the Lion King and with the help of old friends Timon and Pumbaa, he must raise his spirited, headstrong young daughter Kiara. But the rift between the Prideland and the Outland is deeper than ever, and while Kiara learns about her place in the Circle of Life, a young Outlander cub named Kovu is trained for a mission of vengeance. Eventually the two young lions meet, fall in love and complete the Circle of Life.

"`The Lion King' was the most successful animated film and licensing program of all time as consumers fell in love with Disney's original release in 1994, but `Simba's Pride' completes the unforgettable story," said Michele Boock, Senior Director of Brand Management at Applause. "Applause's products help celebrate the spirit of the original story and its heart-warming sequel with special gifts and collectible keepsakes that recapture the magic."

Historically, Disney's "The Lion King" recorded worldwide box office sales in excess of $750 million during its original theatrical release in 1994. Released on home video in 1995, "The Lion King" sold over 30 million units totaling $500 million in retail sales. To date, "The Lion King" has generated approximately $2 billion in retail sales of licensed goods. The much anticipated Broadway show debuted this past fall to critical acclaim, receiving five Tony Awards.

"`The Lion King' was a huge success both at retail and in the box office; thus, there is immense pre-existing consumer demand for the sequel and its related licensed products," said June Archer, Film Licensing Director for Stationery and Gifts at Disney.

Disney's "Simba's Pride" is scheduled for an October '98 release. Applause's Simba's Pride merchandise will ship in July to support back-to-school sales and the video marketing date. Suggested prices for Simba's Pride piecetypes range from $2.50 to $10 retail. Retailers and consumers can call 800/777-6990 to find out how to purchase product.

Applause Enterprises Inc., with headquarters in the Los Angeles suburb of Woodland Hills, is one of the leading gift companies in the industry.

Founded 31 years ago by Wallace Berrie, it offers an unequaled portfolio of classic licensed merchandise including product based on some of the world's most popular characters from Disney, Looney Tunes, Sesame Street and Star Wars, as well as entertainment properties including Disney's "Mulan," Disney/Pixar's "A Bug's Life" and Nickelodeon's Rugrats. Applause also manufacturers classic products such as Raggedy Ann & Andy, Sad Sam & Honey, Josef and Dakin Brand Plush.