Burger King Corporation has announced its Big Kids Meal promotion of pre-historic dimensions. The fast food giant will offer four interactive toys, including a toy that depicts the very first Burger King restaurant (aptly named ``Bronto King'') as part of its promotional tie in with Universal Pictures' and Hanna-Barbera/Amblin Entertainment's upcoming film ``The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas,'' scheduled for release on April 28, 2000. The four-week U.S. promotion kicks off nationwide on May 1, 2000.

``We know that the Whopper, with its great flame-broiled taste, is a burger for all ages. Now we've confirmed that its appeal even dates back to the Stone Ages,'' said Richard Taylor, vice president of marketing for Burger King Corporation.

The four toys include Puppy Dino Breaks Out which features a wind-up dinosaur egg that pops open to reveal Puppy Dino walking out of his shell. The Great Gazoo's Close Encounter is a spinning/flashing spacecraft on top of the glow-in-the-dark Tardust Hotel. Fred's Two-Heel Drive winds up and features Fred ``hoofing it'' with the ultimate gas economy car. And, of course, the Bronto King Dine & Drive is the drive-thru ``BK'' restaurant, complete with Fred in a wind-up car that actually proceeds to the pick up window! The toys are included in every Burger King Big Kids Meal and Burger King Kids Meal at participating restaurants while supplies last.

The promotion will also be offered in Burger King restaurants in 40 countries and international territories in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific Rim.

``As a leader in entertainment event marketing, Burger King has developed an outstanding program,'' said Lisa Berlin Wright, senior vice president, worldwide promotions, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. ``Spanning 40 territories worldwide is yet another testament to the global recognition and strength of The Flintstones brand.''

``The Flintstones has unbelievably high awareness among kids and adults. After all, everyone's grown up with this modern Stone Age Family,'' Taylor said.

Directed by Brian Levant (``The Flintstones,'' ``Beethoven'') and produced by Bruce Cohen (``American Beauty,'' ``The Flintstones,'' ``Mouse Hunt''), ``The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas'' takes a step further back in time when Fred Flintstone, the boy from the wrong side of the rocks, courts the beautiful, young heiress Wilma Slaghoople. Along with best friend Barney Rubble, and his future fiancee Betty, Fred and Wilma head off for a romantic weekend in Rock Vegas, the hottest rock resort on the continent.

Mark Addy (``The Full Monty'') stars as Fred Flintstone, with Stephen Baldwin (``The Usual Suspects'') as Barney Rubble, two-time Emmy Award winner Kristen Johnston (``3rd Rock From the Sun,'' ``The Spy Who Shagged Me'') as Wilma, Jane Krakowski (``Ally McBeal,'' ``Go!'') as Betty, Joan Collins (``Dynasty'') as Pearl Slaghoople, Harvey Korman (``The Carol Burnett Show'') as Colonel Slaghoople, Tony Award winner Alan Cumming (Broadway's ``Cabaret,'' ABC's ``Annie'') as The Great Gazoo and Thomas Gibson (``Dharma & Greg'') as Chip Rockefeller.

The Burger King promotion will be supported with national advertising on traditional children's programming. The spot was created by Lowe Lintas & Partners. In-store merchandising and special crew gear depicting scenes from the movie also support the promotion.

[Updated 4/18/2000]