MIAMI, June 27 -- Burger King Corporation continues its entertainment promotion program with significant involvement in the upcoming summer blockbuster film, Men in Black II, which hits theaters on July 3. Not only is BURGER KING(R) prominently featured in the film, the company has also created a limited-time-only movie-namesake burger, the Black Stack BBQ Griller, as well as special Men in Black II toys and accessories available with the purchase of a BURGER KING(R) Big Kids Meal at more than 8,000 BURGER KING(R) restaurants nationwide.
"Our continued relationship with blockbuster movies has helped us connect with our customers, and potential customers, on a whole new level," said Christopher E. Clouser, executive vice president and chief global marketing officer for Burger King Corporation. "Men in Black II is THE summer blockbuster. Millions of people will see it and want more. In celebration, we developed a new, great tasting version of our BK Back Porch Grillers line -- the Black Stack BBQ Griller. Movie fans, for a limited-time can enjoy a BBQ version of the new homemade, backyard taste of the BK Back Porch Grillers. We're also positioned to extend the movie-going experience by offering special Men in Black II gear in Big Kids Meals and Kids Meals and an interactive Web site."
New Griller Extension Offered
The new Black Stack BBQ Griller is the first limited-time addition to the BK BACK PORCH(TM) Grillers line, introduced on June 3. The Black Stack BBQ Griller has two juicy, seasoned, flame-broiled beef patties topped with a dollop of tangy and spicy Black Barbecue Sauce, white onions, smoked natural cheddar cheese and two strips of bacon. All of this comes served on a fresh, bakery-style bun.
Toys
For five weeks beginning July 1, the youngest BURGER KING(R) customers can get up to 10 Men in Black toys. The toys, all free with the purchase of a Big Kids Meal or Kids Meal, are inspired by the movie's "agent vs. alien" theme and include interactive high-tech toys.
MIB Time is a "techy" digital/LCD watch and the first timepiece BURGER KING(R) has ever offered for free with the purchase of a Big Kids Meal or Kids Meal. MIB Special Issue Sunglasses are real sunglasses that provide UV protection for kids. Other gadgets include the Portable Alien Detector, a special gizmo designed to decode aliens in disguise; the Alien Vision Monocular, a futuristic viewer to help spot far-off aliens; and the Universal Communicator, an intergalactic alert gadget. There are also out-of-this-world action figures including Alien Examination; Bobblin' Frank the Pug; Worm Rodeo J; and Alien Blastin' J.
Each premium comes with one of 10 collectible agent ID cards. To "authenticate" the ID cards, kids can insert their own photos. The cards also feature secret coded alien messages that can be deciphered using the instructions that come with each item or at the special Men in Black II micro site on burgerking.com.
Burger King Corporation has developed a micro site on burgerking.com featuring an interactive and entertaining environment with the look and feel of Men in Black II. Users can view the site in a gooey alien environment or a high-tech agent environment. They can also learn more about the toys and their functionality and access a secret code section where they access cool Men in Black II downloads. The micro site will be available from July 1 through August 4, 2002.
The BURGER KING(R) Men in Black II promotion is a vertically integrated all-family promotion, supported with national adult- and kid-directed advertising and in-restaurant communication. Sony Pictures Entertainment has committed more than $60 million in advertising and marketing support.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home video acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries worldwide. Sony Pictures can be found on the World Wide Web at sonypictures.com.
About Burger King Corporation
Burger King Corporation was founded in 1954 and created the American icon, the HOME OF THE WHOPPER(R), in 1957. The company and its franchisees operate more than 11,435 restaurants in all 50 states and 57 countries and territories around the world, with 92% of BURGER KING(R) restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees. Since the company's founding in Miami in 1954, the BURGER KING(R) brand has become recognized for great flame-broiled taste and HAVE IT YOUR WAY(R) food customization. In fiscal year 2001, the BURGER KING(R) system had system-wide sales of $11.2 billion. Burger King Corporation is a part of Diageo, the international food and drinks company. To learn more about the BURGER KING(R) system, please visit the company's website at http://www.burgerking.com.
