Power Rangers DinoThunder lands on Toon Disney

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The phenomenon of Power Rangers meets the fascination of dinosaurs in "Power Rangers DinoThunder," the newest series in the #1 global action/adventure franchise

-- Series Premieres During the New Jetix Programming Block --
-- Saturday, February 14 on ABC Family --

BURBANK, CA, January 23, 2004 - The marvel of seemingly typical teens morphing into mighty heroes is now combined with the awe of dinosaurs in "Power Rangers DinoThunder," the 12th installment of the world's most popular kids' action/adventure franchise, "Power Rangers."

The goliath "Power Rangers" franchise has captivated tens of millions of kids for over a decade. Today, it is the #1 boys' action brand in the marketplace. This year, it expands on TV and will be seen on two basic cable networks and one broadcast network in 17 timeslots (mornings and evenings) each week. It is also seen in 140 countries around the world. Off TV, "Power Rangers" dominates as the perennial favorite among boys, spanning action figures and toys that, since 1993, continue to top the charts as the number one action figure brand. "Power Rangers" also span across multiple categories of consumer products including home videos/DVD titles, publishing, interactive and apparel.

"Power Rangers DinoThunder" premieres in an exciting one hour episode as part of the new Jetix programming block SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) on ABC Family and will be seen there every Saturday and Sunday (8:30 a.m., ET/PT). It also premieres that same night during the Jetix programming block (7:30 p.m.) on Toon Disney and will be seen there every Saturday and Sunday evening (7:30 p.m., ET/PT). In addition, "Power Rangers DinoThunder" premieres on the ABC Television Network's "ABC Kids" SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 (11:30 a.m., ET/10:30 a.m., CT/PT and 12:00 noon ET/11:00 a.m., CT/PT).

"Power Rangers DinoThunder" features adventure, drama and humor while emphasizing the importance of being a team player. Stories are punctuated by exhilarating sports and music scenes, martial arts and acrobatics, special effects and relatable young characters that, in addition to the typical challenges of their teenage lives, are given the new responsibility to help champion good over evil.

Following a similar structure as last season, "Power Rangers DinoThunder" premieres with three Power Rangers (Red, Blue and Yellow). Two others, a Black Power Ranger and a White Power Ranger, emerge later in the storyline.

The newest series is highlighted by the return of onetime Power Ranger Tommy Oliver (1993-97). Tommy is now a high school science teacher in the town of Reefside, California, a refuge he returned to after years of working alongside the late scientist Dr. Anton Mercer. Their top secret experiment combined dinosaur DNA and modern technology and resulted in the invention of Dino Zords, creatures of incredible strength and brilliance. Tommy hoped this innovation would benefit man's understanding of dinosaurs but the lab and its secret work was viciously destroyed by a warped scientist, later known as Mesogog, who conspired to return the world to the age of the dinosaurs.

Believing that chapter of his life is closed, Tommy is focusing on teaching but unbeknownst to him, Mesogog intends to see his distorted plan through. Among Tommy's students are: Connor, a star soccer player, Kira, a wannabe rocker, and Ethan, an internet guru and champion on-line gamer.

While on a class field trip, the trio comes across ancient Dino Gems, stones from the asteroid that destroyed the dinosaur population long ago. The strange stones have immense power, bond their special magic to each kid and before long, will transform them into superheroes known as the Power Rangers.

When Mesogog resurfaces and attacks the city with his fearsome Tyrannodrones -- plus two robotic cyborgs, Elsa and Zeltrax -- Tommy must quickly teach his three students to harness the power of the Dino Zords -- a giant Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops and Pteranodon. Although they are hesitant, the teens rise to challenge. Through the Dino Gems and with their special call out, "DinoThunder! Power Up!," Connor morphs into the Red Ranger with super speed, Kira becomes the Yellow Ranger with a piercing and powerful scream, and Ethan is the Blue Ranger with the ability to grow impenetrable armor for skin.

Mesogog knows the Power Rangers are the sole obstacle to his plan and sets out to seize the Dino Gems. Then, an important secret about the teens' teacher is revealed -- he was once the leader of the Power Rangers. The students implore Tommy to reignite his Ranger powers and ultimately, he joins them as the Black Power Ranger.

But the Rangers have another threat upon them when a renegade White Power Ranger strikes the city. Unsure of his motives, it's up to the Power Rangers to first uncover his identity and then somehow convince him to join the ranks and fight evil alongside the Power Rangers. When Mesogog ups the ante in his quest to capture the powers of the Dino Gems for himself, it will be up to five Power Rangers to utilize new Zords, new weapons and new powers to defeat him. All the while, they must keep their Power Ranger identities secret from two fellow students Cassidy and Devin, reporters for the school TV station.

Starring are Jason David Frank ("The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers") as Tommy Oliver/Black Power Ranger; Kevin Duhaney (Disney Channel's "Tru Confessions") as Ethan James/Blue Power Ranger; Emma Lahana (Disney Channel's "You Wish!") as Kira Ford/Yellow Power Ranger; James Napier ("The Tribe") as Connor McKnight/Red Power Ranger; Jeffrey Parazzo as Trent; Latham Gaines as Mesogog; Miriama Smith ("Mercy Peak") as Ilsa and Mrs. Randall;Katrina Devine ("Power Rangers Ninja Storm") as Cassidy; Tom Hern ("The Tribe") as Devin and Islay Johnston as Hayley.

The executive producers are Douglas J. Sloan and Ann Austen, Humanitas Prize finalists for Disney Channel's Original Movie "Johnny Tsunami," executive producers on "Power Rangers Ninja Storm" and former writers/producers on "Power Rangers" (1993-97). Koichi Sakamoto, a 17-year veteran of the global franchise, is the co-executive producer and episodic director. Janine Dickins is the producer.

"Power Rangers DinoThunder" is produced in studio and on location in Auckland, New Zealand. It is from Village Roadshow KP Productions Ltd.