Warner Bros. Consumer Products Names McFarlane Toys Master Toy Partner for Tim Burton’s Stop-Motion Animated Fantasy, ``Corpse Bride’’

BURBANK, CA -- Jan. 20, 2005 --
Exclusive New Line of Action Figures, Novelties and Gifts to Launch in Conjunction with Feature Film 2005 Release





Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced today that McFarlane Toys has been named the master toy licensee for Tim Burton’s latest stop-motion, animated feature film, “Corpse Bride(TM),” which is scheduled for release by Warner Bros. Pictures in Fall 2005.

Capturing the film experience, McFarlane Toys will produce a full product line inspired by the upcoming feature film, including collectible action figures, bendable figures, PVC and plush toys. Additionally, this agreement marks the first time McFarlane Toys has expanded its categories to include fashion dolls, bobbleheads, novelties and gifts such as candles, glassware mugs, pewter pieces and ornaments. The suggested retail prices will range from $1.99 to $149.99; however, key price points will be set at $4.99, $9.99 and $19.99.

This exciting new line of merchandise from McFarlane Toys will be geared toward the teen to young adult market, both male and female, and will hit stores nationwide in conjunction with the film’s launch. “Corpse Bride” products will be distributed in specialty and mid-tier retail outlets nationwide. McFarlane Toys, well-known for its enormously successful action figure collaborations with blockbuster entertainment and pop-culture properties, is developing its largest licensing program ever around the “Corpse Bride” property. Retailer-specific programs will be announced in Spring 2005.

“Tim Burton is one of the most acclaimed directors in the world and he has the unique ability to craft heartrending tales from un-conventional stories, similar to what he has done with his latest creation, `Corpse Bride,’” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Todd McFarlane shares this distinctive sense of creativity and it will no doubt translate to toys and collectibles that capture the film’s essence and the imaginative and emotional styles that Tim Burton’s loyal fans crave.”

“Having worked with Tim in the past, I’ve seen how much creativity he pours into all his various projects,” said Todd McFarlane, founder of McFarlane Toys. “Because of that passion, I believe this property will bring to life a wonderful new world which will be embraced by both his current fans and an upcoming generation. I will be putting the full range of all my company’s talent to bringing as many interesting and innovative concepts as possible to the marketplace. The `Corpse Bride’ property will thrive for years to come, much as Tim’s film `The Nightmare Before Christmas’ has been doing for the past decade.”

About “Corpse Bride”

“Corpse Bride” carries on in the dark, romantic tradition of Tim Burton’s classic films “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Set in a 19th century European village, this stop-motion, animated feature follows the story of Victor (Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious “Corpse Bride” (Helena Bonham-Carter), while his real bride, Victoria (Emily Watson), waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the next, that can keep him away from his one true love. It’s a tale of optimism, romance and a very lively afterlife, told in classic Tim Burton style.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About McFarlane Toys

Grammy- and Emmy-winning Producer/Director Todd McFarlane is the creative force behind McFarlane Toys. The international award winning company is one of America’s top action-figure manufacturers, with several successful movie-licensing tie-ins, including The “Matrix” trilogy (Warner Bros. Entertainment); “Shrek” (DreamWorks); “X-Files”; “Alien Vs. Predator” (20th Century Fox); Tim Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow” (Paramount); and the first two “Austin Powers” films (New Line Cinema). The company also makes official league-licensed figures for baseball, football, basketball and hockey within its Sports Picks(TM) line, as well as recently debuting the Legends lines in baseball and hockey with football and basketball premiering in 2005. McFarlane Toys has replicated some of rock music’s greatest icons including Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles and Motley Crue. Check out www.spawn.com for more information.

(TM) & (C) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Contact Information

Erin Snider

Media Contact

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

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