101 Dalmatians Movie

The Disney "101 Dalmatians" machine, already unleashed, spots even more consumer dollars on Wednesday with the studio's first-ever CD-ROM release simultaneous with its theatrical counterpart. The "Animated Storybook"--Disney's sixth--is based on the live-action version, yet features the animated characters from Disney's original 1961 classic (last released on video in 1992).

The utility bag with the cellular phone holder is over. On opening day of New York Fashion Week for Spring 2001, the hottest accessory on the runways was the four-legged kind. Disney staged its first-ever 7th-on-Sixth fashion show, teaming with designers Betsey Johnson and Nicholas Graham of Joe Boxer to create special collections inspired by the upcoming movie "102 Dalmatians." Graham's one-of-a-kind couture line included a 150-pound coat adorned with 102 plush Dalmatian puppy toys.

With today's national debut of Disney's latest movie--featuring 101, real-life, melt-your-heart puppies--Dalmatian breeders and pet shop owners are suddenly on the spot. Demand for the black-and-white fire station mascots has been rising steadily since June, when the first previews for the live-action "101 Dalmatians" were released. While at the same time, advocates for the breed worry some dogs will be abandoned when the novelty wears off.

With today's national debut of Disney's latest movie--featuring 101, real-life, melt-your-heart puppies--Dalmatian breeders and pet shop owners are suddenly on the spot. Demand for the black-and-white fire station mascots has been rising steadily since June, when the first previews for the live-action "101 Dalmatians" were released. While at the same time, advocates for the breed worry some dogs will be abandoned when the novelty wears off.

The utility bag with the cellular phone holder is over. On opening day of New York Fashion Week for Spring 2001, the hottest accessory on the runways was the four-legged kind. Disney staged its first-ever 7th-on-Sixth fashion show, teaming with designers Betsey Johnson and Nicholas Graham of Joe Boxer to create special collections inspired by the upcoming movie "102 Dalmatians." Graham's one-of-a-kind couture line included a 150-pound coat adorned with 102 plush Dalmatian puppy toys.

If you've been seeing spots, expect to see more. Dalmatians, the dogs originally bred to guard the coaches of England's royalty, have been panting to become one of America's Top 10 most popular pups. And the fall release of Disney's live-action "101 Dalmatians," with Glenn Close as Cruella DeVil, may be just the PR vehicle they need to bump off the one breed in their way: the Yorkshire Terrier.

Marketing a successful board game that features "Space Jam" stars Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny would seem to be child's play. Yet, even with an assist from Warner Bros.' heavily promoted movie, the new board game from Playmates Toys Inc.--its first venture into the $374-million board game niche--is far from a slam-dunk. The Costa Mesa-based company faces cutthroat competition at every turn from market giants like Parker Bros. and Milton Bradley.

Turn out the lights and turn on the TV: the networks, cable and local stations are celebrating All Hallow's Eve in a big way with programming ranging from classic horror films to camp delights to such holiday favorites as "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."

The Disney "101 Dalmatians" machine, already unleashed, spots even more consumer dollars on Wednesday with the studio's first-ever CD-ROM release simultaneous with its theatrical counterpart. The "Animated Storybook"--Disney's sixth--is based on the live-action version, yet features the animated characters from Disney's original 1961 classic (last released on video in 1992).

If you've been seeing spots, expect to see more. Dalmatians, the dogs originally bred to guard the coaches of England's royalty, have been panting to become one of America's Top 10 most popular pups. And the fall release of Disney's live-action "101 Dalmatians," with Glenn Close as Cruella DeVil, may be just the PR vehicle they need to bump off the one breed in their way: the Yorkshire Terrier.