4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE), the diversified children’s entertainment and media organization, has signed three key distribution agreements for the latest version of its popular animated series “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s”, it was announced today by Brian Lacey, Executive Vice President, International, 4Kids Entertainment.
Press Release from 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
NEW YORK (May 25, 2010) – 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE), the diversified children’s entertainment and media organization, has signed three key distribution agreements for the latest version of its popular animated series “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s”, it was announced today by Brian Lacey, Executive Vice President, International, 4Kids Entertainment.
In Germany, RTL2 has signed on for all 90 episodes of the new “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s: Road to Destiny” series, while in Italy, Mediaset has pacted for the follow-up skein of the popular property. In addition, the series has been acquired by Televix Entertainment for distribution in Latin America.
“Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s” is broadcast on such outlets as RTL2 (Germany), Italia 1 (Italy), CITV (UK), Network Ten (Australia), AB SAT (France), VAS (Spanish Speaking Satellite /Latin America), TV2 (Denmark), Digiturk (Turkey), Children’s Channel (Israel), MBC (Middle East) and others.
With plans for a 10th anniversary celebration in the works, the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise has achieved tremendous international broadcast success since its launch in 2000. Throughout its run, this widely popular property has been shown on Nickelodeon (UK, Latin America, Spain and Australia), GMTV (UK), Antena 3 (Spain), RTE (Ireland), Canal J and Gulli TV (France), YTV (Canada), TVNZ (New Zealand), SIC (Portugal), RTL-TVI (Belgium), TV4 (Sweden), MTV3 (Finland), TV2 (Denmark), DRTV (Denmark), Star Channel (Greece), VT4 (Belgium), Disney XD (Netherlands), SABC2 (South Africa), GTV (Africa), Televisa (Mexico), and Globo in Brazil, among many others.
In the United States, “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s” will return to TheCW4Kids Saturday morning block on The CW Television Network on May 29th, and continues to air daily on Cartoon Network. Additionally, the series is also available for VOD viewing on the Comcast, Cox and Bresnan cable systems.
The future of dueling is revving up and it begins with a new legend, “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's”, the latest entry in the internationally renowned franchise. Set in Domino City, once the playground to legendary duelist Yugi Muto, this sprawling metropolis has since been transformed into a futuristic society where dueling has kicked into overdrive. Now the winners and losers aren’t just separated by skill and strength, but by speed. For five special duelists, it's not just about winning or losing anymore, it's about survival, as they are the chosen "signers" who have been marked by destiny to uncover the secrets of the five dragons.
About 4Kids EntertainmentWith U.S. headquarters in New York City, regional offices for its trading card business in San Diego, California and international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) is a global organization devoted to the creation, development, production, broadcasting, distribution, licensing and manufacturing of children’s entertainment products.
Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, 4Kids produces animated television series and films, distributes 4Kids’ produced or licensed animated television series for the domestic and international television and home video markets, licenses merchandising rights worldwide to 4Kids’ owned or represented properties, and operates Web sites to support 4Kids’ owned or represented properties. Through its majority owned trading card company and Website company, 4Kids produces and markets collectible trading card games. Additionally, the Company programs and sells the national advertising time in TheCW4Kids five-hour Saturday morning block on The CW Television Network.
Additional information is available on the www.4kidsentertainment.com corporate Website and at the www.4kids.tv game station site.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
