–The LEGO Company®, Miramax Films, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Nike and Others Gather to Showcase Strong Franchise at First-Time Show Presence for BIONICLE–

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – An exclusive, all-inclusive BIONICLE experience awaits visitors to Comic-Con International, July 17-20, at the San Diego Convention Center.

The LEGO Company will host a comprehensive showcase of the hot BIONICLE franchise, led by the first consumer showing of the hotly anticipated new RAHKSHI, constructible action heroes that represent the next chapter in the epic legend, and signings of a special edition re-release of the very first BIONICLE comic from DC Comics. Comic-Con attendees also will enjoy first-look clips of MASK OF LIGHT, the brand’s first movie from Miramax Films via Buena Vista Home Entertainment, and a public “making-of” panel will reveal insider secrets about the production of the picture.

BIONICLE is the LEGO Company’s red-hot property built on the legend of extraordinary biomechanical characters living on a fantasy island called MATA NUI. A rich and complex universe of mystery and mythology, BIONICLE was inspired by the folklore of many exotic cultures and features six legendary heroes, the TOA, who must search for great MASKS OF POWER in order to save the island from a dark tyrant, MAKUTA. Launched in late 2000, first as an interactive Web site and soon after as a comic book series and toy line, the BIONICLE universe is embraced by and engages millions of enthusiastic fans around the globe, many of whom are expected to attend Comic-Con International.

Visitors to the BIONICLE booth will be among the first to see and enjoy a host of new intersecting platforms debuting later this year in the ever-unfolding BIONICLE story, including:

– An exclusive re-issue (60,000 copies) of BIONICLE #1 from DC Comics, featuring re-designed, custom cover art from noted comic book artist, Ashley Wood, who interprets the BIONICLE characters in his own style. Fans can get their comics autographed by Wood and comic series writer, Greg Farshtey, on Saturday, July 19th, from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

– An action-packed BIONICLE model display featuring the newest BIONICLE action figure line, many of which are the premise for the story represented in MASK OF LIGHT, such as the evil RAHKSHI, minions of MAKUTA and the most formidable opponents the TOA NUVA ever have faced. The RAHKSHI feature more points of articulation, new staffs of power and collectible “KRAATA” elements. An imposing MAKUTA figure, new MATORAN, island creatures and TAKANUVA, the mysterious 7TH TOA, who plays a prominent role in the movie, complete the new, collectible toy line.

– New clips of BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT, the CGI-animated, action-adventure epic movie premiering on DVD and video September 16. The latest chapter in the BIONICLE legend, the film follows a young hero and his brave companions who, with the guidance of a mysterious MASK OF LIGHT, must overcome powerful forces and dangerous obstacles in their struggle to save their world and fulfill ancient prophesies.

– Twice daily raffles for exclusive BIONICLE prize packs, including a RAHKSHI, the entire BIONICLE comic collection from DC Comics, and a four-pack of passes to LEGOLAND® California, home of the new BIONICLE Blaster ride, and more.

– Two interactive demo kiosks featuring LEGO Interactive’s BIONICLE PlayStation2 video game, distributed by Electronic Arts, which lets the player be the TOA NUVA heroes and take on MAKUTA’S evil forces on the island of MATA NUI. When released, the game will be available on PlayStation2, Nintendo Gamecube, Microsoft Xbox and PC CD-ROM.

– An array of the latest licensed merchandise, including a new version of the innovative BIONICLE by Nike shoes that feature interchangeable masks for the shoe’s toe box. Other items include: novels from Scholastic, board games from Warren Industries/RoseArt, apparel from Kids’ Headquarters, pens from CDM Company and watches and clocks from Clic Time.

To complement booth activities, E! Entertainment Television personality Todd Newton will moderate “From Hot Toy to Hit Movie,” a making-of-the-movie panel featuring Creative Capers Entertainment directors David Molina and Terry Shakespeare, screenwriter Henry Gilroy, global franchise director for BIONICLE Paul Bufton, producer Janice Ross from Create TV and Film, and executive in charge of production, Jeffrey Tahler, from Miramax Films, on Sunday, July 20, 11:30AM – 12:30PM in Room 6B on the upper level of the convention center.

For more information, visit www.LEGO.com , www.BIONICLE.com , and www.BIONICLEmovie.com .

Based in Billund, Denmark, the LEGO Company, family-owned and privately-held since its founding in 1932, is a world leader in providing quality products and experiences that stimulate children’s creativity, imagination and learning through playful activities that encourage hands-on, minds-on creation, fun, togetherness and sharing of ideas. Company employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: “Only the best is good enough.”

Miramax Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.