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Bear videos on track for September release

By Kenneth Plume
Courtesy of Columbia Tri-Star Home Video
July 6, 1998

As we mentioned in May, Bear in the Big Blue House will be the first videos released in the new agreement between Jim Henson Home Entertainment and Columbia Tri-Star Home Video. The videos will be released on September 15, 1998. You can purchase these videos from Muppet Central's Store.

Marking the first release package in its wide-ranging distribution agreement with Jim Henson Home Entertainment (JHHE), Columbia TriStar Home Video (CTHV) will release two first-time-to-video volumes of the critically acclaimed series, "Bear in the Big Blue House" on September 15, 1998 at a M.A.P. of $12.95. Geared for pre-schoolers, each volume will consist of two episodes from this series which is currently being aired on the Disney Channel.

The hit program features an insatiably curious and cuddly seven-foot bear and his wonderful friends - magical and adorable creatures created by the legendary Jim Henson Company. Each episode allows kids to explore themes of friendship, mutual care, respect and other ethical values in fun and creative ways.

Every program contains the "Hello" and "Goodbye" songs, two of the five songs in each program which help create a storybook structure and a sense of continuity to guide pre- schoolers from episode to episode. As The Los Angeles Times wrote, "The whole gentle mix, anchored by Bear's soothing calm, is a welcome addition to pre-schooler entertainment." Continued The Chicano Tribune, "The production values are top-notch, the show is a beauty to watch."

In addition to the everyday airings on the Disney Channel, which reaches over 42 million homes, Columbia Tri-Star Home Video will support the release with a national media blitz. The national television and media campaign will feature television spots on network and cable channels such as TNT, TBS, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Nick at Nite, USA Network, TV Land, YTV, Lifetime and Global Television Network. Point-of-Sale promotion will include eye-catching product displays including a 15-count counter display, 30, 45 and 60 count floor displays, a standee and a theatrical-sized poster.

VOLUME 1 - 50 minutes

Home is Where the Bear Is (Theme: Water)
Bear gives us a tour of The Big Blue House, introduces us to his friends and together they point out their favorite things about each room. After all, "home is where your favorite stuff is!"

What's in the Mail Today (Theme: Mail)
Bear and his friends get mail including a letter for Tutter, a small blue mouse who lives in Bear's kitchen, and from his grandma and learn about the different things that come in the mail including letters, cards and magazines.

VOLUME 2 - 50 minutes

Friends for Life (Theme: Friendship)
Bear and his friends explore friendship and what it means to be someone's friend. Ojo, a small rust colored bear who lives in the nearby woods, learns that you can make new friends while still keeping all your old friends.

The Big Little Visitor (Theme: Family)
Bear and his friend's prepare for a visit from Tutter's grandma and show us how families live together, love each other and have fun together.