Nickelodeon Announces Power Rangers Samurai: Premiering Monday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m.

All-New Series from Saban Brands Features New Cast and Amped-Up Special Effects

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, introduces a new generation of kids to the legendary Power Rangers franchise with the prime-time premiere of Power Rangers Samurai, on Monday, Feb. 7, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT).   Combining comedy with action-filled storylines, the all-new half-hour series features a new cast of Rangers and never-before-seen villains, as well as high-octane action, martial arts and advanced special effects.  From SCG Power Rangers LLC, an affiliate of Saban Brands, the long-running hit kids' TV phenomenon, now heading into its 19th season, is helmed by Haim Saban, who created and produced the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" series in 1993.  Following the premiere, the show will air regularly Sundays at noon (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, with encores Saturdays at noon on Nickelodeon and Fridays from 8 to 9 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons.

"We are very excited to introduce this fun and iconic property, which has spanned over two decades, to a whole new generation of kids," said Pete Danielsen, Executive Vice President, Programming, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. "This new season of Power Ranger Samurai will feature all new heroes, villains and special effects while keeping the core messages of friendship, teamwork and empowerment that the series has always exhibited."

"We are so excited to ring in a new era of Power Rangers, the world's most successful kids action series," said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. "And Nickelodeon is the perfect place to introduce these iconic heroes to a whole new generation of fans."

Power Rangers Samurai follows a new generation of five Rangers who must master the ancient Samurai Symbols of Power which give them control over the elements of Fire, Water, Sky, Forest and Earth.  Under the guidance of their all-knowing Samurai mentor, Ji, and with the aid of their devoted animal Zords (Lion, Dragon, Ape, Turtle and Bear), they battle to save Earth from the dark forces of the Netherworld led by the evil Master Xandred.

The Samurai Power Rangers are: Jayden (Alex Heartman), the Red Ranger and the team's leader; Mia (Erika Fong), the Pink Ranger who is the confident and caring "big sister" of the Rangers; Kevin (Najee De-Tiege), the Blue Ranger, is a great swordsman who lives by the code of the Rangers; Emily (Brittany Pirtle), the Yellow Ranger, is the youngest but most optimistic of the group; and Mike (Hector David), the Green Ranger, who is a bit of a rebel and would rather be destroying video monsters than real ones.

In the action-packed premiere episode, "The Team Unites," after Mike can't anticipate an attack like Kevin and Jayden, he grows frustrated and takes a break from training to meet up with old friends.  But when a long-armed monster named Rofer attacks, Mike unsuccessfully attempts to fight him alone, and his friends are injured.  Jayden and Mentor explain the hard truth that Samurai Rangers must stay away from family and friends in order to protect them from the dangers that are involved with being a Ranger.  Inspired, Mike begins to take his role and training as a Samurai Ranger more seriously.  With Jayden's help, Mike uses his training and creativity to anticipate Rofer's moves and defeats him.

The premiere of Power Rangers Samurai will simulcast in full on Nick Mobile, and post-premiere, a dedicated show category will be available through Nickelodeon's video-on-demand partners.  In support of the show launch, Nick.com will feature a new Power Rangers Samurai-themed Game of the Week beginning Thursday, Feb. 3, where players battle villains as his or her favorite Power Ranger.  The site will also include a dedicated show page featuring videos, photo galleries, a quiz, a villain flipbook, message boards, as well as cast and character bios. 

Produced by Saban Brands LLC and Power Rangers Productions Ltd, Power Rangers Samurai is Executive Produced by Jonathan Tzachor (from the original series).  Following its introduction in 1993, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children's television program in the United States.  Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others by following the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morphed" into superheroes, the series was seen in more than 60 countries and translated into numerous languages.  It rose to rank as the #1 boys brand in the world from 1993-97, based on toy sales and television ratings.  To date, Power Rangers licensed products and promotions have generated well over $5 billion in retail sales worldwide.  For more information go to www.powerrangers.com

Post New Year Hunt in Orchard Road

So after the New Years celebration, I went down and strolled along the busy Orchard Road in Singapore to get a peek if there are toys sales or new hoots. They are a quite a couple of toys in-a-short-of real discounted price. Oh well...

First stop - Takashimaya.

At the 3rd floor Ngee Ann City mall is the first place I thought of since I wanted to compare mall prices to the figures sold in specialty shops.

Yes. There are sales. But its not as I hoped it would be. They would say it is already discounted but you can get a much lower price on ebay.

Some of the interesting toys/figures I find competitive in discounted prices are:

Yes Goseiger (Microphone in almost half the price)

More softubi Ultraman stuffs...sorry not a fan.

This Ben 10 upgraded Omnirtix ain't cheap

Batta Candriod. Not bad at 39.95 almost 4 dollars higher than what is on ebay.

Almost favorable price for a halo figure. I wonder when will I start collecting these

Kamen Rider OOO

2nd stop - Uncle Ng

Every time I strut along Orchard Road alone, I never fail to visit Uncle Ng's store. The outdoor display of mechas, figures and what not, never fails to amaze me. Lo and behold some of the OOO - related merchandises that are sold out in most Japanese online stores are found here. (I swear I checked most of the Japanese online stores, they don't have stock)Even if there are twinkle in my eyes every time I visit Uncle Ng, I never bought anything from them because of the steep prices. The "apples" of my eye however are these:

Nice Transformers figures

ah yes SIC KT Blade and Garren in the house.

This may be my first purchase at Uncle Ng, a Kamen Rider OOO Toravendor

Side post: Never again

I've never seen a boulevard decorated during the holidays as gloomy as what I've seen. Orchard Road, I should be giving you a spanking. Whatever the organizer's description about 2010's Christmas motif - dude these are not the primary colors of Christmas. Rather than spreading a good cheer for holidays, the colors gave me a bah humbug.

At least Wisma Atria kept its theme. It always looks Christmas at Wisma. 

The only exception I saw which I find festive. Ion - you know how to celebrate Xmas.

That's ok....there is always next year.