In January, Saban’s BeetleBorgs Metallix became the first of the ‘Big Four’ properties to launch, demonstrating the full extent of the kids entertainment giant’s promotional muscle. Saban named the four shows singled out for maximum promotional efforts during the Saban Summit conference in November.

The ‘Bug-Out’ promotion came out of the gate with a full slate of partners in place, including Blockbuster, Bandai and Fox Home Entertainment. In an unusual twist, two fast-food partners are attached, Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. These two regional fast-food chains have joined forces for the first time to undertake national promotions. The BeetleBorgs Metallix kids meal features bug-themed viewfinders with the purchase of a kids meal and a brochure from Bandai describing the action figure toy line.

Like all of the ‘Big Four’ properties, BeetleBorgs Metallix’s promotions will receive full support from Totally Fox Kids magazine, the radio show Fox Kids Countdown and the Fox Kids Cyberstation Web site. The ‘Bug-Out’ theme will traverse all media and collateral, including on-air, premiums and packaging.

In conjunction with the push, Fox Home Entertainment will release BeetleBorgs Metallix: The Movie, a feature-length video, and Blockbuster Entertainment will offer Kid Play Paks featuring four different character pencil toppers.