Pioneer Information

Pioneer Entertainment Prepares for the Ultimate Extreme Sports Challenge. BEYBLADE: LET IT RIP

First Episodes Of Television Series Based on Hugely Popular Toys Spins Onto DVD And VHS In February. National Advertising Campaign To Support Home Video Release

Long Beach, CA 12/19/2002

The pop culture phenomenon combining a spinning toy top, a cutting-edge animation series and an extreme sports entertainment experience spins a new direction when Pioneer Entertainment (USA) Inc. debuts Beyblade Vol. 1: Let It Rip, on DVD and VHS on February 25, 2003. Since whirling through the Japanese marketplace with vigor, the Beyblade trend is on the rise in North America, earning top spots in television rankings and merchandise sales. The action-adventure series tells the story of a young teen who learns to harness the power of his ancestors to perfect his technique in the sport of Beyblade - a spinning top that can be uniquely customized for battle. By joining forces with an international team of heroes they embark on a globetrotting quest to battle their way to the World Championships. Beyblade Vol. 1: Let It Rip DVD features the first five episodes, plus one bonus show, available at a suggested retail price of $19.98 on DVD. The VHS features three of the most action-packed episodes - a highlight reel of the competitive Beyblade tournaments, and is available at a suggested retail price of $9.98. Pre-order is January 21, 2003. The Beyblade television series, airing daily, nine times per week on ABC Family, is the #1 series among boys six-to-11 and on Canada's YTV, Beyblade earns the top two designations for kids two-to-11 and teens 12-to-17. According to eBay™ and search engine Lycos™, Beyblade toys, by Hasbro, Inc. are among the most sought after toys this holiday season.

Pioneer Entertainment is supporting the Beyblade home video release with national television and broadcast advertising, including spots in the top 45 markets on the #1 kid's radio network "Radio Disney," plus broadcast spots in the top 35 markets on networks Kids WB, Fox, NBC and UPN. Pioneer Entertainment also will link with www.beyblade.com, which features tournament event information, competition and battle strategies, online chats, games and more.

Pioneer also plans to team with Nelvana and Hasbro as an active participant in the Beyblade Battle Association (BBA), the American counterpart to Japan's wildly successful Beyblade live events, where the fan becomes an active competitor, through an official membership program, live events and tournaments.

Beyblade: Let It Rip - Synopsis

With the dream to be the best blader in the world, Beyblader Tyson decides to challenge Kai, the leader of the undefeated Blue Sharks. Crushed by the power of Kai's blue blade, Tyson vows revenge and begins to rebuild his Beyblade top. With the help of his friend Kenny and his bit beast Dizzi, Tyson searches for his own bit beast strong enough for another face-off with Kai.

Beyblade: Let It Rip - Episodes

• The Blade Raider
• Day of the Dragon
• Take It To The Max!
• The Qualifier Begins
• Draciel of Approval
• Dragoon Storm

Pioneer Entertainment (USA) Inc. (www.pioneer-ent.com) is a full-service producer and distributor of entertainment software including film, music, animation and television shows on VHS and DVD. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable television equipment for the home, car and business markets. Pioneer Corporation focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation and its affiliates employ more than 31,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PIO).

Through d-rights, Inc. and Corus Entertainment's Nelvana, Hasbro has the rights to manufacture tops and other toys based on the brand.

Corus Entertainment is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is Canada's market leader in both specialty TV and Radio. Corus also owns Nelvana Limited, one of the world's largest international producers and distributors of children's programming and products. The company's other interest includes music, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Corus' web site can be found at corusentertainment.com.

BENDER/HELPER IMPACT
310/473-4147
Pamela Grant, ext. 249
pamela_grant@bhimpact.com
Sarah Gumina, ext. 250
sarah_gumina@bhimpact.com

PIONEER ENTERTAINMENT
Mark Roche
310/952-2025
mroche@pioneer-usa.com

Beyblade: Let It Rip
DVD: # 11960
SRP $19.98
VHS: # 71762
SRP $9.98
Street: 2/25/03
Pre-order: 1/21/03
Running Time: 130
Rating: TV7
Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0, Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0

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