Big Idea is releasing VeggieTales' 'Twas the Night Before Easter in Christian retail stores Saturday, March 5, the company's traditional three days ahead of the general market.

The first new Easter-themed VeggieTales production in seven years, the 48-minute feature follows cable news reporter Marlee Meade as she tries to save an old theater with the show "Up With Bunnies." But with a missing star and a conflicting church Easter service, the plan is thrown into question, providing an opportunity to present the message of the real meaning of Easter based on Mark 10:45.

American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle voices new VeggieTales character Cassie Cassava. Family-friendly additional content includes silly songs, an audio commentary and profile of Doolittle and a backstage-pass feature with Larry the Cucumber on the VeggieTales Live! tour.

"We hatched 'Twas the Night Before Easter as a holiday surprise for families," said Leslie Ferrell, general manager of Big Idea. "This title follows the huge sales success our first Easter-themed release, An Easter Carol, and we couldn't be more thrilled to deliver a new DVD timed to the holiday this year."

Big Idea has teamed up with World Vision to promote the organization's child-sponsorship program through the DVD, which includes a promotional video about the ministry.

Retailing for $14.99, the new release will be promoted through a viral eGreeting Easter card campaign with American Greetings Interactive, as well as an "Easter Countdown" vignette program for radio outlets.

Meanwhile, Big Idea has launched a new VeggieTales-themed Web site for children. The site features Larry the Cucumber offering games, video clips, silly songs, interactive story books, e-cards, character pages, Bible verses, a customizable "My Room" feature and downloadable play activities—including coloring and cut-out pages.

Click here for more information on 'Twas The Night Before Easter.

• Prev
• Next