A new feature-length movie based on the kids television strip Big Bad BeetleBorgs is the first release to come out of the recently announced multiyear deal between Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Saban Entertainment.

The movie, available only on video and priced at US$14.95 (US$9.95 minimum advertised price), will launch on March 18, coinciding with the spring toy line launch by Bandai America (see story page 36). The release will be supported by a national network and cable TV advertising campaign. Additional support includes a bonus BeetleBorgs music video and a mail-in offer for a free action figure from Bandai.

Under the deal, Fox Home Entertainment picks up the rights to some 3,700 half-hours of children’s programming, including such franchises as Power Rangers, The Why Why Family and Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley High.

Fox Home Entertainment and Saban have also agreed to work jointly on made-for-video projects.