Care Bears: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Fictional character group}} |
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{{Copyedit|date=March 2007}} |
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{{Infobox media franchise |
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[[Image:Care Bears.png|200px|thumb|The ten original Care Bears in the logo for the 1980s franchise, with Tenderheart Bear at top.]] |
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The '''Care Bears''' are a set of characters created by [[American Greetings]] in 1981 for use on [[greeting cards]]. The original artwork for the cards was painted by artist [[Elena Kucharik]]. In 1983, [[Kenner]] turned the Care Bears into plush [[teddy bear]]s. |
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| image = File:Care Bears.png |
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| imagesize = 259px |
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| caption = The 10 original Care Bears in the logo for the 1980s franchise, with Tenderheart Bear at the top |
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| origin = [[Greeting card]]s published by [[American Greetings]] (1981) |
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| years = 1981–present |
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| creator = [[Those Characters from Cleveland]] ([[Cloudco Entertainment]]) |
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| toys = Various |
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| books = See [[List of Care Bears books]] |
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| films = {{unbulleted list|'''Theatrical''':|''[[The Care Bears Movie]]'' (1985)|''[[Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation]]'' (1986)|''[[The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland]]'' (1987)|''[[Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!]]'' (2007)|''Care Bears: To the Rescue'' (2010)|'''Direct-to-DVD''':|''[[Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot]]'' (2004)|''[[The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie]]'' (2005)|''[[Care Bears: Share Bear Shines]]'' (2010)|''[[Care Bears: The Giving Festival]]'' (2010)}} |
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| tv = {{unbulleted list|''[[Care Bears (TV series)|Care Bears]]'' (1985)|''[[The Care Bears Family]]'' (1986–88)|''[[Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot]]'' (2007–08)|''[[Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot]]'' (2012)|''[[Care Bears & Cousins]]'' (2015–16)|''[[Care Bears: Unlock the Magic]]'' (2019–present)|'''Specials''':|''[[The Care Bears in the Land Without Feelings]]'' (1983)|''[[The Care Bears Battle the Freeze Machine]]'' (1984)|''[[Care Bears Nutcracker Suite]]'' (1988)}} |
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| soundtracks = {{unbulleted list|''The Care Bears Movie'' (1985)|''Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation'' (1986)|''Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot'' (2004)|''The Care Bears (Thomas J Dwyer Generation)''}} |
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| music = See [[List of Care Bears albums]] |
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| otherlabel1 = Original artwork by |
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| otherdata1 = [[Elena Kucharik]] |
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}} |
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'''Care Bears''' are multi-colored bears, painted in 1981 by artist [[Elena Kucharik]] to be used on [[greeting card]]s from [[American Greetings]].<ref name="ClevelandMagazine"/> They were turned into plush [[teddy bear]]s and featured in ''[[The Care Bears in the Land Without Feelings]]'' (1983) and ''[[The Care Bears Battle the Freeze Machine]]'' (1984) before headlining their own television series called ''[[Care Bears (TV series)|Care Bears]]'' from 1985 to 1988. They also had multiple feature films including: ''[[The Care Bears Movie]]'' (1985), ''[[Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation]]'' (1986), and ''[[The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland]]'' (1987). |
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Each Care Bear comes in a different color and has a specialized insignia on its belly that represents its duty and personality. This insignia was known as their "tummy symbol". The latest movie, [[Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!|Oopsy Does It!]](2007), however, controversially renamed them "belly badges". A spin-off of the family, the "Care Bear Cousins," features a lion, a monkey, a penguin, a rabbit, and other such animals in the same style as the teddy bears. |
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Each Care Bear is a different colour or shade and has a unique image on their stomach (referred to in various media as a "belly badge" or "tummy symbol") that represents their personality. In addition to the Care Bear family are the "Care Bear Cousins", which feature Brave Heart Lion, Cozy Heart Penguin, Bright Heart Raccoon, Lotsa Heart Elephant, Gentle Heart Lamb, Loyal Heart Dog, Playful Heart Monkey, Proud Heart Cat, Swift Heart Rabbit, Treat Heart Pig and Noble Heart Horse created in the same style as the Care Bears. |
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The Care Bears appeared in their own [[The Care Bears (TV series)|television series]] from 1985 to 1988, in addition to three feature films: ''[[The Care Bears Movie]]'' (1985), ''[[Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation]]'' (1986), and ''[[The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland]]'' (1987). |
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In 2002, |
In 2002, new plush versions of the bears were manufactured by [[Play Along Toys]]. This new artistic style featured in three animated films: ''[[Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot]]'' (2004), ''[[The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie]]'' (2005), and ''[[Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!]]'' (2007). |
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A revival TV series, ''[[Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot]],'' premiered on [[Discovery Family#As Hub Network (2010–2014)|The Hub]] on June 2, 2012, for one season. A continuation with the same characters, ''[[Care Bears & Cousins]]'', was commissioned by [[Netflix]] and premiered in 2015. That year, toy company Just Play debuted a range of Care Bears toys (plush, figurines, and blind bag collectibles) based on the series. |
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In 2007 the bears were relaunched again. The 25th anniversary of the toy line was commemorated in 2007, and the ''[[Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!|Oopsy Does It!]]'' movie was released in commemoration of the 25th anniversary. As of 2008, Care Bears are still being marketed. |
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The current TV series, ''[[Care Bears: Unlock the Magic]]'', debuted on [[Boomerang (TV network)|Boomerang]] SVOD on February 1, 2019, and has since tied in with a new toy line from Basic Fun. |
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The "Care Bears" trademark and the copyrights in the character designs are owned by [[Those Characters from Cleveland]], part of [[American Greetings]].<ref name=agsite>[http://corporate.americangreetings.com/aboutus/history.html History of American Greetings] at official site. Retrieved February 26, 2006.</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Following the success of their first big franchise ([[Strawberry Shortcake]]) back in 1979, [[American Greetings]] introduced the Care Bear characters in late 1981 through a line of greeting cards. Children's book illustrator [[Elena Kucharik]] did the original artwork for the cards. The line was a joint development by Those Characters from Cleveland, AGC's licensing division, and [[MAD]] (Marketing and Design Service of the toy group of [[General Mills]]).<ref name=guilford>Pecora, Norma Odom (1998). "The Business of Children's Entertainment," p. 53. [[New York City|New York, New York]]: Guilford Press. ISBN 1-57230-774-9. Retrieved March 17, 2006 (through [http://books.google.com Google Book Search])</ref>. |
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===Development=== |
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As they had done with Strawberry Shortcake back when it was called "Project I," AGC called the Care Bears franchise "Project II" as they strove to make the character program secret until advertising was ready. At the start of the franchise, Care Bears was already established as its working title.<ref name=cbsite>Trivia from [http://web.archive.org/web/20050301073233/www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/funfacts.html official Care Bears site] at American Greetings (archived at the [[Internet Archive#Wayback Machine|Wayback Machine]]). Retrieved March 17, 2006.</ref> |
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The Care Bears were created in 1981 by [[Elena Kucharik]] for the [[greeting card]] company [[American Greetings]].<ref name="ClevelandMagazine">{{Cite web | last=Smitek |first=Colleen | title=The Bear Truth | url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/the-read/articles/the-bear-truth | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206133206/https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/the-read/articles/the-bear-truth | date=2017-02-01 | archive-date=2023-02-06 | access-date=2023-12-02 | publisher=[[Cleveland Magazine]] |language=en | url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jack Chojnacki]], the co-president of ''Those Characters From Cleveland'' (TCFC), introduced the first Care Bear to businessmen from American Greeting Cards and from the toy company [[Kenner Products|Kenner]] in February 1981. On the employees' reaction to the toy, Chojnacki recalled in early 1985: "It had a high aaaaaah factor."<ref name=aaah>{{cite news |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1985/04/16/the-care-bears-plush-love-for-sale/ |publisher=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |title=The Care Bears – Plush Love for Sale | date=April 16, 1985 | access-date=December 2, 2023 }}</ref> |
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Artist [[Muriel Fahrion]], who helped create [[Strawberry Shortcake]]'s look, was among the franchise's first concept artists.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wXBZAAAAMAAJ&q=Muriel+Fahrion+-+Care+Bears |author1=Ligue française de l'enseignement et de l'éducation permanente |author2=Union française des œuvres laïques d'éducation par l'image et le son |title=La Revue du cinéma |volume=418 |chapter=Les Bisounours (The Care Bears Movie) |language=fr |page=26 |year=1986 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |publisher=Ligue française de l'enseignement et de l'éducation permanente |quote=Scn. : Peter Sauder, d'après les personnages créés pour Those Characters from Cleveland par Linda Edwards, Muriel Fahrion, Elena Kucharik, Dave Polter, Tom Schneider, Ralph Shaffer, Clark Willey.}}</ref> Working with TCFC Creative VP Ralph Shaffer, Fahrion designed the first six bears, creating greeting card themes for their belly graphics. Susan Trentel, Muriel's sister and doll designer of Strawberry Shortcake, designed the Care Bears plush. Once out of the concept stage, children's book illustrator [[Elena Kucharik]] became the primary artist for the Care Bears, creating hundreds of full-color illustrations for cards, books and various licensed products. TCFC's team of artists and writers created many characters in the line in a joint development by TCFC and MAD (Marketing and Design Service of the toy group of [[General Mills]]).<ref name=guilford>{{cite book |last=Pecora |first=Norma Odom |title=The Business of Children's Entertainment |isbn=1-57230-774-9 |year=1998 |publisher=Guilford Press}}</ref>{{rp|53}} |
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===The 80s=== |
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In 1982, the Care Bears were announced as a toy line for production by [[Parker Brothers]] and Kenner the following spring, as well as pre-licensed characters and media stars. In 1983, they were introduced to the general public, and starred in their first television special, ''[[The Care Bears in the Land Without Feelings|The Land Without Feelings]]'', which Kenner produced and sponsored.<ref name=guilford>Pecora, Norma Odom (1998). "The Business of Children's Entertainment," p. 53. [[New York City|New York, New York]]: Guilford Press. ISBN 1-57230-774-9. Retrieved March 17, 2006 (through [http://books.google.com Google Book Search]).</ref> |
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American Greeting Cards kept the character program a secret until advertising was ready. At the start of the franchise, "Care Bears" was established as the project's working title.<ref name=cbsite>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050301073233/http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/funfacts.html |url=http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/funfacts.html |title=History & Facts: More Care Bears Fun Facts |archive-date=March 1, 2005 |access-date=March 17, 2006 |work=Care Bears Official Site |publisher=American Greetings |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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1984 saw the release of another special, ''[[The Care Bears Battle the Freeze Machine]]''; a [[miniseries]] based on the toys was distributed by [[Lexington Broadcast Services Company]] in syndication. A spin-off line, the Care Bear Cousins, was introduced the same year.<ref name=guilford>Pecora, Norma Odom (1998). "The Business of Children's Entertainment," p. 53. [[New York City|New York, New York]]: Guilford Press. ISBN 1-57230-774-9. Retrieved March 17, 2006 (through [http://books.google.com Google Book Search]).</ref> |
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===1982 launch=== |
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In 1985, the Bears and Cousins starred in their first movie, ''[[The Care Bears Movie]]'', produced by [[Nelvana]] Limited and released by [[The Samuel Goldwyn Company]]. It became the highest-grossing animated film made outside the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] market at the time of its release. Later that autumn, a television series from [[DIC Entertainment]] which was co-produced by Nelvana and based on the characters was made, and it ran for 22 episodes in syndication. |
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On September 24, 1982, the Care Bears franchise was launched in New York City before members of the area's Society of Security Analysts. President Morry Weiss represented American Greetings; Jack Chojnacki and senior vice-president Henry Lowenthal represented Those Characters From Cleveland. |
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The characters were produced as a line of toys by [[Parker Brothers]] and Kenner the following spring<ref>{{cite news|last=DeWolf|first=Rose|date=October 12, 1982|title=Out to launch: Is there shelf life after Holly Hobbie? You bet|page=33 (Features)|work=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI%7CDN&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB294D2283BB84A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=dead|url-access=registration|access-date=August 5, 2010|archive-date=June 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609153627/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI%7CDN&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB294D2283BB84A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}} June 9, 2011,</ref> on a $5–6 million advertising budget<ref name=aaah /><ref name="cb-pr">{{cite press release |title=The biggest character launch in the history of retailing ... |date=September 24, 1982 |location=New York City |work=[[PR Newswire]]}}</ref> and a wholesale commitment worth $122.5 million (USD).<ref name="cb-pr" /> American Greetings introduced the characters to the general public in February 1983,<ref name=gazette>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SxgiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1508,943772&dq=care-bears&hl=en |last=Carson |first=Susan |title=Today's the day teddy bears stage a comeback |date=February 4, 1983 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |work=[[Montreal Gazette]] |page=A-7}}</ref> with an appearance at New York City's Toy Fair;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TcYsAAAAIBAJ&pg=4485,5324390&dq=care-bears&hl=en |author=Wire service reports |title=Toys are big business, not child's play |date=February 19, 1983 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |work=[[Star-News]] |page=5C }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 26 licensees were involved upon launch.<ref name=gazette /> Among them was [[General Mills]],<ref name="cb-pr" /> a food company which owned the board game manufacturer [[Parker Brothers]].<ref name=miami>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KLslAAAAIBAJ&pg=6961,2049534&dq=care-bears&hl=en |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |agency=[[The New York Times Company|New York Times News Service]] |title=Parker Bros. adding book publishing line |date=February 8, 1983 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |work=[[The Miami News]] |page=8A }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In early 1983, Parker Brothers released six books featuring the Care Bears as part of its publishing division's first offerings.<ref name=miami /> On television, the original 10 Bears were featured in a syndicated special, [[Atkinson Film-Arts]]' ''[[The Care Bears in the Land Without Feelings]],'' produced and sponsored by Kenner.<ref name=guilford />{{rp|52}} |
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The following year, Nelvana completely took over the animation rights for the franchise with a second movie entitled ''[[Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation]].'' Released by [[Columbia Pictures]], the film featured a new villain, Dark Heart, and introduced more of the Care Bears and Care Bears Cousins. |
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In December 1983, American Greetings and CPG Products lost a lawsuit against Easter Unlimited, importers of a line known as "Message Bears". According to New York City judge Leonard B. Sand, those toys lacked the "heart-shaped 'touché tags'" used to identify the Care Bears.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LVouAAAAIBAJ&pg=5386,2660829&dq=care-bears&hl=en |author=[[Associated Press]] (AP) |title='Care Bears' makers lose copyright suit |date=December 14, 1983 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |work=[[Beaver County Times]] |page=D1}}</ref> |
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Later that fall, ''[[The Care Bears (TV series)|The Care Bears TV Series]]'' (also from Nelvana) premiered on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC network]], lasting two seasons and consisting of over 70 episodes. The Bears' last theatrically-released film, ''The Care Bears' Adventure in Wonderland,'' debuted the following summer. ''The Care Bears Nutcracker Suite'', the last ever Care Bears movie made in the decade (and was the last movie of the franchise right up until 2004), premiered on the Disney Channel in 1988. Originally planned to be a feature film, it was decided to launch the film as a direct-to-TV movie after the previous film flopped at the box office.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0928026/ Care Bears Nutcracker Suite (1988) (V)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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In 1984, AGC introduced a spin-off line, the Care Bear Cousins. Another syndicated special, ''[[The Care Bears Battle the Freeze Machine]]'', came out that same year. A [[miniseries]] based on the toys was distributed by [[Lexington Broadcast Services Company]].<ref name=guilford />{{rp|52}} A year later, the Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins appeared in their first animated feature film ''[[The Care Bears Movie]]'', produced by the Canadian animation studio [[Nelvana]] and released by [[The Samuel Goldwyn Company]] in original prints and by [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] in current prints. It became the highest-grossing animated film made outside the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] market at the time of its release.<ref name="Nelvana-25">{{cite journal |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Three+men+and+a+bear%3A+Nelvana+at+25-a030533629 |last1=Besen |first1=Ellen |last2=Glassman |first2=Marc |title=Three men and a bear: Nelvana at 25 |date=September 22, 1996 |access-date=October 18, 2010 |journal=[[Take One (Canadian magazine)|Take One]] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121021063946/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Three+men+and+a+bear:+Nelvana+at+25-a030533629 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 }}</ref> Later that autumn, [[DIC Audiovisuel]] released an 11-episode television series in syndication, which incorporated elements from the Atkinson Film-Arts specials (with the specials' villains Professor Coldheart and his sidekick Frostbite appearing regularly, and some of the music from the specials being featured in the series) and the Nelvana film (with the Forest of Feelings, the home of the Care Bear Cousins, being a regular setting in the series).<ref>{{cite journal |title=A DIC Directory: 16 years of company's small screen creations |date=July 12, 1999 |journal=Variety |page=A30}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Erickson |first1=Hal |title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 |date=2005 |edition=2nd |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=978-1476665993 |pages=185–186}}</ref> |
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As with many other animated franchises of the 1980s, the Care Bears movies and TV shows were designed and created primarily to sell the pre-licensed characters and related merchandise.{{fact|date=January 2008}} This has been noticed, more or less, by the franchise's long-time aficionados, and have also been acknowledged by the writers and producers of the shows and movies.{{fact|date=January 2008}} |
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Over 40 million Care Bears were sold between 1983 and 1987, and during the decade, American Greetings printed over 70 million of their cards. In whole, the sales of their merchandise reached over $2 billion during the 1980s.<ref name=cbhistory>History of the Care Bears from [http://web.archive.org/web/20050303062052/www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/index.html official site] (archived at the Wayback Machine). Retrieved May 26, 2006.</ref><ref name=agsite>[http://corporate.americangreetings.com/aboutus/history.html History of American Greetings] at official site. Retrieved February 26, 2006.</ref> This made them one of the most successful toy lines of its time, alongside "[[My Little Pony]]" and "[[Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]." |
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[[File:100.000 ste bezoeker film Troetelbeertjes, Mervin van der Kruys (l) krijgt in , Bestanddeelnr 933-6556.jpg|thumb|left|100,000th visitor to film "Care Bears" receives a gift, Amsterdam, 1986]] |
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===The 90s=== |
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In 1986, Nelvana returned to the franchise with a second film, ''[[Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation]].'' Released by [[Columbia Pictures]], the film featured a new villain, Dark Heart, and introduced more of the Care Bears and Care Bears Cousins: Harmony Bear, True Heart Bear, and Noble Heart Horse. |
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As the 80s came to an end, the Bears' popularity faded away. At the start of the 1990s, an attempt to relaunch the phenomenon came in the form of Environmental Care Bears. Only a few select Bears from the 1980s line were used, with some changes (for example, Proud Heart Cat was released as a bear, sporting the symbol of a heart-shaped American flag).<ref>[http://members.aol.com/sunyday76/cbinfo.html Care Bears Information @ Toy-Addict.com.] Retrieved March 17, 2006.</ref> |
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Later that year, the television series ''[[Care Bears (TV series)|The Care Bears Family]]'' (also from Nelvana) premiered in mid-1986 on the U.S. [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC network]] and Canadian [[Global Television Network|Global]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The new season children's shows |date=September 9, 1986 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |publisher=[[CTVglobemedia]] |page=15}}</ref> Lasting three seasons and consisting of over 70 episodes, this introduced the evil wizard No Heart and his sidekick Beastly. In the second season, No Heart's niece Shreeky was introduced. It also added more development to the Care Bear characters, with issues such as conflict and depression being addressed through the characters themselves in some episodes. |
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During the late 1990s, another two revivals were attempted, but both failed to match the success of the original toy line. In 1996, retailer [[ShopKo Stores, Inc.|ShopKo]] released only Tenderheart, Cheer, and Bedtime Bears, and during 1999, in an imitation of [[Beanie Baby|Beanie Babies]], Kenner made six "beanlings" based on Tenderheart, Share, Friend, Cheer, Bedtime, and Good Luck Bears. |
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Around the same time production for ''Care Bears Family'' was underway, [[Sally Corporation|Sally Industries]] (now known as Sally Dark Rides) obtained a license from American Greetings and Nelvana to develop an [[Animatronics|animatronic]] stage show based on the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Animatronic Care Bears {{!}} Animatronic Types & Technology |url=https://www.sallydarkrides.com/animatronic/care-bears |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=www.sallydarkrides.com |language=en}}</ref> This show, known as ''Care Bears: Care-A-Lot Castle'', was produced in-house at Sally's facilities and with no involvement from the crew behind the animated series. Out of the main cast at the time, only Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Tenderheart Bear, Bedtime Bear, Grumpy Bear, and Friend Bear were utilized. The characters of No Heart and Beastly appear through disembodied voices recorded into the show's soundtrack, but only in [[iarchive:dorney-parks-care-bears-care-a-lot-castle-show|the English version.]] Professor Coldheart, the previous villain, is mentioned in the Indonesian dub of Care-A-Lot Castle's soundtrack. Instead of using pre-existing Care Bears songs, Sally opted to produce original songs and recycle songs from their own catalog for Care-A-Lot Castle. One notable song choice, exclusive to the English version, was a cover of "Brazzle Dazzle Day" from Disney's 1977 film, [[Pete's Dragon (1977 film)|''Pete's Dragon'']]. A total of two shows were built by Sally under this agreement. The first installation was located at [[Ancol Dreamland|Dunia Fantasi]], an Indonesian theme park, where the show was locally translated under the name ''Beruang Madu (Sun Bears)'' complete with a dubbed soundtrack for the 1987 season.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqJ575UEHOw |title=Sally Corp's Care Bears Care-A-Lot Castle Show - Beruang Madu Show |date=2024-07-14 |last=ScribblesMutt |access-date=2024-08-05 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The second installation was built for [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]] in the United States, which premiered a year later with the original English soundtrack. Both shows would operate until at least 1992, with Dorney Park's installation said to have be destroyed when the park's license expired.<ref>{{Citation |title=Care Bears Care-A-Lot Castle Show "Two Is A Perfect Number" / "Rainbow Full of Cheer". | date=18 January 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYgRHafvst8 |access-date=2023-11-01 |language=en}}</ref> |
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The same year the beanlings were made, [[Jay Foreman]], president of current distributor and manufacturer of toys for the franchise, [[Play Along Toys]], bought the rights to the Care Bears franchise for just under $1 million.<ref>McCall, Kimberly L. (2003). "Sell It, Baby! Practical How-Tos on Marketing, Branding & Sales," p. 3. McCall Media and Marketing, Inc. ISBN 1-59113-394-7.Retrieved March 17, 2006 (through [http://books.google.com Google Book Search]).</ref> Three years later, the Bears came out of hibernation to celebrate their 20th anniversary. A big event was planned for that year as Play Along began to roll out the new product lines; thus began a major trend as the toys became popular once again. |
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The Care Bears' third film, ''[[The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland]]'', released by [[Cineplex Odeon Films]], premiered in 1987. A holiday-themed television special, ''[[Care Bears Nutcracker Suite]]'', which also served as the series finale for ''The Care Bears Family'' premiered on the Disney Channel in 1988. |
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===2002 relaunch=== |
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[[Image:Big_wish_poster.jpg|frame|A poster promoting the [[The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie]]. Notice that there are minor changes to the bears' look compared to the 1980s series.]] |
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In 2002 American Greetings reluanched the Care Bear brand as part of the Bears' 20th anniversary celebration with a series of dolls, toys and movies. The artwork and design of the bears were changed for relaunch. Also, Funshine Bear's gender was changed from female to male, Champ Bear's colours were changed from tan to true blue, with his tummy symbol changed to a winner's cup with a star, and Share Bear's tummy symbol was changed from a milkshake with two straws to two lollipops crossed. The change to Share Bear's symbol stems from Play Along Toys' suggestion of the change on the grounds that sharing a milkshake may spread germs. Apart from that, many other minor changes were made to the designs, mostly involving lightening the colors of the bears and minor redesigns to the tummy symbols. |
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Over 40 million Care Bears were sold between 1983 and 1987, and American Greetings printed over 70 million of their cards during the decade. In whole, the sales of their [[merchandising|merchandise]] reached over $2 billion during the 1980s.<ref name=agsite>{{cite web |url= http://corporate.americangreetings.com/aboutus/history.html |title=About Us: History |access-date=February 26, 2006 |publisher=[[American Greetings]] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20051210053021/http://corporate.americangreetings.com/aboutus/history.html |archive-date=December 10, 2005 }}</ref><ref name=cbhistory>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20050303062052/http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/index.html |url= http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/index.html |title= History & Facts |archive-date=March 3, 2005 |access-date=May 26, 2006 |work=Care Bears Official Site |publisher=American Greetings |url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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In the midst of this revival, Play Along released brand-new toys based on the newly-redesigned Bears, sold at stores such as [[Wal-Mart]], [[KMart]], [[Toys "R" Us]], [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[K•B Toys]], and [[Mervyns]].<ref name=cbfaq>[http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/faq/index.html Care Bears "Frequently Asked Questions" page] at official site. Retrieved May 26, 2006.</ref> The new merchandise included the Bears doing [[aerobics]]; Tenderheart Bear as a patient (casting the child that is playing with the toy as the doctor); Champ Bear as a fireman; and the Care Bears themselves as Cubs.<ref>Merchandise information at [http://web.archive.org/web/20050304010508/www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/new/index.html official site] (archived at the Wayback Machine). Retrieved May 26, 2006.</ref> Over 70 million 13-inch plush Bears have been sold since the re-launch.<ref name=wsj>Holmes, Elizabeth (2007, February 9). Care Bears Receive "Gentle" Makeover. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Accessed May 1, 2007.</ref> In addition, [[Lionsgate Home Entertainment]] and subsidiary [[Family Home Entertainment|FHE Pictures]], in association with Nelvana, have made two direct-to-DVD computer-animated films, ''Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot'' in 2004 and ''The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie.'' in 2005. Also worth noting is that the role of unofficial leader was apparently temporarily transferred from Tenderheart Bear to Champ Bear shortly before the 2005 movie, and it is unknown if the role was returned to Tenderheart after the movie. Various other music CDs featuring the bears and video games were also produced. No Care Bears movie was produced in 2006, but hints of the second revival and the upcoming movie, ''Oopsy Does It!'', started circulating among fans in the Internet towards the end of 2006. |
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===1991 relaunch (''Caring About the Environment'')=== |
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It is also interesting to note that an attempt to relaunch the Care Bear Cousins was made a little later after the 2002 relaunch of the bears. New versions of the various cousins were produced (with Proud Heart being changed back into a cat, albeit in a different color and with a different tummy symbol). However the revival of the line was not as successful as that of the bears' revival. The cousins were not relaunched in the 2007 relaunch of the franchise. |
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In 1991, ''Those Characters From Cleveland'' and Kenner embarked on a relaunch of the franchise, involving seven bears. One of these, Proud Heart Bear, is distinctly different from the Care Bear Cousin of a similar name, Proud Heart Cat. This character was released as a bear with white fur that sported the tummy symbol of a heart-shaped American flag. In 2003, Proud Heart Bear was re-released as a collector's edition plush toy by Play Along under the name America Cares Bear, sporting the tummy symbol of a shooting star with the colors of the American flag.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DDNB&p_theme=ddnb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F504F756A8A1153&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |last=Moss |first=Meredith |title=She's a living doll |date=March 3, 1991 |access-date=August 9, 2010 |work= [[Dayton Daily News]] |publisher=Cox Ohio Publishing |page=5E |quote= Patriotic bears: Two Ohio companies have joined together to teach children about the environment and patriotism....}}</ref> The publishing company [[Random House]] released two tie-in books: ''The Care Bears and the Big Cleanup'' (1991) by Bobbi Katz,<ref>{{cite book |title=Catalog information for ''The Care Bears and the Big Cleanup'' |via=[[WorldCat]] |publisher=[[Online Computer Library Center]] (OCLC) |oclc = 23583231}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Product information for ''The Care Bears and the Big Cleanup'' |isbn = 0679823670|last1 = Katz|first1 = Bobbi|last2 = Kolding|first2 = Richard Max|date = 1991-10-29| publisher=Random House }}</ref> and ''The Care Bears and the Whale Tale'' (1992) by Peggy Kahn.<ref>{{cite book |title= Catalog information for ''The Care Bears and the Whale Tale'' |via= WorldCat |publisher=Online Computer Library Center |oclc = 24285982}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Product information for ''The Care Bears and the Whale Tale'' |isbn = 0679827641|last1 = Kahn|first1 = Peggy|last2 = Fritz|first2 = Ronald|year = 1992| publisher=Random House Children's Books }}</ref> |
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===2002 relaunch=== |
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In 1999, the rights to the Care Bears franchise were bought by [[Jay Foreman (businessman)|Jay Foreman]], the president of [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]-based Play Along Toys, for less than $1 million; he also planned to acquire fellow American Greeting Cards property [[Strawberry Shortcake]].<ref>{{cite book |last=McCall |first=Kimberly L. |title=Sell It, Baby! Practical How-Tos on Marketing, Branding & Sales |page=3 |isbn=1-59113-394-7 |year=2003 |publisher=Booklocker.com, Inc}}</ref> Three years later, American Greetings relaunched the Care Bears brand as part of the Bears' 20th anniversary celebration with a series of plush toys and films. The artwork and design of the bears were changed for the relaunch. Also, Champ Bear's colors were changed from tan/yellow to true blue, with his tummy symbol changed from a winner's cup with a heart to a winner's cup with a star, and Share Bear's tummy symbol was changed from a milkshake with two straws to two lollipops crossed. The change to Share Bear's symbol stems from Play Along Toys' suggestion of the change because sharing a milkshake may spread germs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.care-bears.com/faq/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040611010059/http://www.care-bears.com/faq/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-06-11 |website=Care-Bears.com |access-date=16 December 2023|quote="'''Why was the new Share Bear's tummy symbol changed?''' When American Greetings artists and writers began working on the new Care Bears they reviewed each bear to consider any changes that might help make it more appropriate for this day and age. They felt that the twin lollipops better illustrate the concept of sharing to small children. Also, because people today tend to be more sensitive about health concerns, it was felt that the two lollipops set a better example for sharing than the sundae with two straws symbol."}}</ref> Apart from that, many other minor changes were made to the designs, mostly involving lightening or saturating the colors of the bears and minor redesigns to the tummy symbols. |
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In 2007, American Greetings relaunched Care Bears again, first with a series of dolls, then a new movie ([[Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!]]) and immediately after with a new TV series ([[Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot]]). The animation and artwork is completely different than the originals giving the Care Bears have smaller body structures and redesigned tummy symbols (now called belly badges). Also, instead of Nelvana, the film and the animated series are once again produced by DiC. |
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During this revival, Play Along released brand new toys based on the newly redesigned Bears, sold at stores such as [[Walmart]], [[Kmart (United States)|Kmart]], [[Toys "R" Us]], [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[KB Toys]], and [[Mervyns]].<ref name= cbfaq>{{cite web |url= http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/faq/index.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20050307224518/http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/faq/index.html |title=Frequently Asked Questions |archive-date= March 7, 2005 |access-date=May 26, 2006 |work=Care Bears Official Site |publisher=American Greetings}}</ref> The new merchandise included the Bears doing [[aerobics]]; Tenderheart Bear as a patient (casting the child who is playing with the toy as the doctor); Champ Bear as a fireman; and the Care Bears themselves as Cubs.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050304010508/http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/new/index.html |url=http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/new/index.html |title=New & Now |archive-date=March 4, 2005 |access-date=May 26, 2006 |work=Care Bears Official Site |publisher=American Greetings |url-status=dead }}</ref> Over 70 million {{convert|13|in|mm|adj=on}} plush Bears have been sold since the re-launch.<ref name=wsj>{{cite news |last=Holmes |first= Elizabeth |title=Care Bears Receive 'Gentle' Makeover |date=February 9, 2007 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |volume=249 |number=33 |page=B3}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Oopsy_teaser_title_card.jpg|thumb|320px|The redesigned Care Bears, as seen in the Oopsy does It! teaser title card. Notice the smaller body structure, redesigned head and facial features, refined belly badges/tummy symbol, and major logo redesign.]] |
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New versions of the Care Bear Cousins were produced (with Proud Heart Cat sporting a different fur color and the same symbol she had in the 1980s franchise). Two of the Cousins, Treat Heart Pig and Noble Heart Horse, were never produced as 13-inch plush toys in the 2000s, and the Care Bear Cousins were not relaunched in the 2007 relaunch of the franchise. |
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As part of the franchise's 25th anniversary celebrations, the Bears have been redesigned by the AG Properties illustration team, and the logo of the franchise was redesigned to provide a more whimsical feeling. The new line consists of fifteen of the thirty-nine bears (as seen in the recent film). Five of the bears were chosen to be the focus of the franchise: Oopsy (a brand new bear who debuted in ''Oopsy Does It!''), Cheer, Funshine, Grumpy, and Share Bear. The other bears include Amigo Bear, Wish Bear, True Heart Bear, Bedtime Bear, Surprise Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, Harmony Bear, Superstar Bear, Heartsong Bear and Hopeful Heart Bear<ref name="cbcollectlist">http://www.playalongtoys.com/carebears/collectors/newfall07.aspx a list of new Care Bears toys planned for release, note that the 15 beanies mentioned corresponds to the fact that 15 is mentioned.</ref>, although the remaining 24 of the bears are also stated to have a release in the near future according to Play Along Toys<ref>http://www.playalongtoys.com/carebears/faq.aspx</ref>. |
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In April 2003, it was announced that a new CGI-animated movie from Nelvana, ''The Care Bears in King Funshine the Great'', had been acquired by [[Artisan Entertainment]] for US distribution. The movie was eventually renamed ''[[Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot]]'' and was released on October 5, 2004 by [[Lions Gate Home Entertainment]], as they had acquired Artisan by this point, with International distribution done through [[Universal Pictures]].<ref name="c21">{{cite news |last=Grant |first=Jules |date=February 15, 2005 |title=Nelvana's Care Bears return |publisher=C21Media |url=http://www.c21media.net/resources/detail.asp?area=79&article=23532 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 20, 2010 |archive-date=June 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627032356/http://www.c21media.net/resources/detail.asp?area=79&article=23532 }}</ref> Another CGI-animated movie, ''[[The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie]],'' would be released a year later. Another CGI-animated movie from Nelvana also was planned, but later scrapped. |
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The role of unofficial leader was re-transferred, this time permanently, to Cheer Bear. Their brand-new theme song is performed by former [[Letters to Cleo]] member, [[Kay Hanley]], and the music video premiered on [[FOX]] and [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]].<ref name=wsj/> In August 2007, they appeared in [[20th Century Fox]]'s theatrical release of ''Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!''. <ref>Rusak, Gary (2007, April 12). [http://www.kidscreen.com/articles/daily/20070412/dicamericangreetings.html American Greetings joins DIC's CBS block]. KidScreen Magazine. Retrieved April 12, 1007.</ref>. This was followed by the television series from DiC Entertainment, ''Adventures in Care-a-Lot''. The series premiered on [[CBS]]' ''[[KEWLopolis]]'' block on September 15, 2007. |
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===2007 relaunch=== |
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The Care Bears universe was [[Reboot (fiction)|rebooted]] upon the 2007 relaunch. Prior plot devices like the Cloudmobiles, Caring Meter, the Cloud Keeper and even Care-a-lot castle were not referred to or mentioned as of the new series (indeed, Care-a-lot castle doesn't even appear to exist after the relaunch, as seen in the aerial shots of Care-a-lot shown at various points in various episodes of ''Adventures in Care-a-lot''). In it's place is the gathering tree, which is where the Care Bears now gather to meet or hold festivities. Also, the Care Bears have never made contact with humans (although this is set to change with the upcoming DVD release ''Grizz-ly Adventures'', which will introduce the first human to enter the new Care-a-Lot), and a new villain named Grizzle (who seeks to conquer Care-a-lot and nothing else) was introduced. The February 2007 issue of the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' states that in the new version, "they live in a village, centered on a big tree—with no castle in sight."<ref name=wsj/> |
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In 2006, AG Properties announced that to coincide with the franchise's 25th-anniversary celebrations, the Care Bears would be given a new, refreshed look with a new TV series and a feature-length movie titled, ''[[Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!]]'' to be released by [[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment]] during 2007. It also was announced that AG had acquired all of Nelvana's Care Bears projects along the way.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/ag-properties-makes-mipcom-debut/|title = AG Properties Makes MIPCOM Debut|date = 28 September 2006}}</ref> |
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The new look was done by the American Greetings Properties illustration team, alongside a new logo. Fifteen of the 39 bears were represented in this new look, while five of them were chosen to be the focus of the franchise: Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Grumpy Bear, Share Bear, and new-addition, Oopsy Bear.<ref name=wsj /> In August 2007, ''Oopsy Does It!'' was given a limited theatrical release by [[Kidtoon Films]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.the-numbers.com/interactive/newsStory.php?newsID=2748 |last= Strowbridge |first=C.S. |title=Limited Releases Are Very Becoming |date= August 3, 2007 |access-date=October 9, 2010 |work=The Numbers |publisher= Nash Information Services LLC |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110611082352/http://www.the-numbers.com/interactive/newsStory.php?newsID=2748 |archive-date=June 11, 2011 }}</ref> Essentially a pilot to the traditionally-animated television series, ''[[Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot]]'', the movie was made to introduce the new look to the public audience. The TV series itself would premiere on [[CBS]] on September 15, 2007, as part of the block [[KEWLopolis]], a joint-run block by AG and [[DIC Entertainment]], with both the movie and series being produced by [[SD Entertainment]]. A new theme song was created, known as ''We Are the Care Bears,'' and was performed by former [[Letters to Cleo]] member [[Kay Hanley]]. The associated music video premiered on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]], [[Nickelodeon]] and [[Much (TV channel)|MuchMusic]]. |
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==Main characters== |
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[[Image:Grumpy Bear.jpg|thumb|250px|Grumpy Bear in the Nelvana episode "Home Sweet Homeless".]] |
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As the 2007 era was a reboot, prior plot devices, like the Cloudmobiles, the Caring Meter, the Cloud Keeper and Care-a-Lot Castle, were neither referred to nor mentioned in the new series. In its place is the Gathering Tree, which is where the Care Bears now gather to meet or hold festivities. Also, the Care Bears had never had humans visit Care-a-Lot Castle, and so a new villain named Grizzle (who seeks to conquer Care-a-Lot and nothing else) was introduced. A February, 2007 article in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' states that in the new version, "they live in a village, centered on a big tree, with no castle in sight".<ref name=wsj /> |
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{{main|List of Care Bears|List of Care Bear Cousins}} |
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In mid-2008, [[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment]] released two DVDs, ''Grizzle-y Adventures'' and ''Ups and Downs''. These DVDs each contained two special DVD-exclusive episodes, which brought back Humans and the Care-O-Meter. The latter also included a passing remark regarding the Forest of Feelings. Care-a-Lot Castle also reappeared in the educational video game ''Care Bears: Play Day'', for the V-Smile Baby. |
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The franchise consists mainly of the Care Bears themselves, as well as the later additions the Care Bear Cousins. Both of them live in the Kingdom of Caring, which is made up of Care-a-Lot (the home of the Care Bears proper) and the Forest of Feelings (home to the Care Bear Cousins). |
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On July 23, 2008, American Greetings announced that the Care Bears (along with ''Strawberry Shortcake'' and ''[[Sushi Pack]]'') would be sold to [[Cookie Jar Group|Cookie Jar Entertainment]] in an acquisition due to take place on September 30, 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.thestar.com/business/article/466030--cookie-jar-buys-care-bears-strawberry-shortcake |agency=Associated Press |title=Cookie Jar buys Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake |date=July 23, 2008 |access-date= August 5, 2010 |work=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref> By April 2009, it was announced that Cookie Jar Entertainment had problems in financing the acquisition and that a French company called [[MoonScoop]] has also expressed interest in the franchise. The deadline for Cookie Jar's acquisition was April 30, and MoonScoop's attempt June 7.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |title=Bid puts 'Care Bears', 'Shortcake' back in play |date=April 2, 2009 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |at=International Index; News}}</ref><!-- Available at LexisNexis; access required --> In mid-August 2009, MoonScoop sued American Greetings, claiming the latter backed out of the planned $95 million-dollar deal; AGC and Cookie Jar sued each other in the process as well.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business-13/1250238775222100.xml&coll=2 |last=Grant |first=Alison |title=French company MoonScoop SAS sues American Greetings over Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake deal |date=August 14, 2009 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823071807/http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fbusiness-13%2F1250238775222100.xml&coll=2 |archive-date=August 23, 2009 }}</ref> By late April 2010, the Cleveland company "won summary judgement on MoonScoop SAS' contract", as well as "promissory [[estoppel]] claims" in the case;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.law360.com/articles/165155 |author=Staff |title=MoonScoop Contract Claims Nixed in Care Bear IP Spat |date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |url-access=subscription |publisher=Law360 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725144333/http://www.law360.com/articles/165155 |archive-date=July 25, 2011 }}</ref> MoonScoop filed for an appeal the following month.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.law360.com/articles/165155 |author=Staff |title=MoonScoop Appeals Over Soured Care Bears IP Deal |date=May 24, 2010 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |url-access=subscription |publisher=Law360 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725144333/http://www.law360.com/articles/165155 |archive-date=July 25, 2011 }}</ref> At the end of November, 2012, the U.S. District Court in Cleveland ruled in favor of American Greetings over MoonScoop. |
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Accompanying them are the Star and Heart Buddies, who look out for the Bears and Cousins whenever they are on missions in caring; and the Birds, who are usually seen in the Forest of Feelings with the Care Bear Cousins and watch over them. A less recurring character is The Cloud Keeper, the portly gentleman who maintains Care-a-lot. He only appeared in some of the franchise's early publications and on the DiC-produced TV episodes. |
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In late 2009, American Greetings announced that the Care Bears would be re-imagined with the launch of a new series, ''Care Power Team''. This series would have the bears sport "enhanced belly badges", and see them taking on emergencies. Although such a series never occurred, the Care Power Team format was used for three new CGI-animated movies – ''[[Care Bears: To the Rescue]]'', ''[[Care Bears: The Giving Festival]]'', and ''[[Care Bears: Share Bear Shines]]'', which were released in 2010 and 2011. |
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The ten original Care Bears consisted of Bedtime Bear, Birthday Bear, Cheer Bear, Friend Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear, Grumpy Bear, Love-A-Lot Bear, Tenderheart Bear and Wish Bear. Later on, additional bears joined them, as well as the Cousins. |
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In that same year, it was announced that the master rights to the toys for the Care Bears had changed hands from Play Along Toys to Hasbro. |
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For the new 2007 TV series, five of the Care Bears were chosen to be the main characters of the show. As seen on the Care Bears website, they are Share Bear, Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Grumpy Bear, and the new bear introduced in the movie, Oopsy Bear. However, the other Care Bears still make appearances in the series. The unofficial role of leader of the bears, as of the new series, was transferred from Tenderheart Bear to Cheer Bear, although it could be possible that the role was transferred to Champ Bear for a brief period prior to being retransferred to Cheer Bear in ''The Big Wish Movie'' as he presided over all the meetings. The cousins were not relaunched in the 2007 series. |
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===2012 relaunch=== |
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In July 2011, American Greetings announced that another brand refresh and a new television series was in development to coincide with the franchise's 30th anniversary, and would be the first to be animated in CGI animation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/care-bears-star-new-cgi-208438 |last=Bond |first=Paul |title=Care Bears to Star in New CGI-Animated TV Show |date=July 6, 2011 |access-date=July 14, 2011 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=[[e5 Global Media]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710035247/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/care-bears-star-new-cgi-208438 |archive-date=July 10, 2011 }}</ref> The central cast of Bears changed again, this time focusing on Tenderheart Bear, Cheer Bear, Share Bear, Grumpy Bear, Funshine Bear, Harmony Bear, and new addition, Wonderheart Bear. |
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Throughout movies and series, various villains have tried to stop the Bears and Cousins on their missions. On the first two specials and DiC television series, they battled against Professor Coldheart; in Nelvana's version, they faced Wizard No Heart, his apprentice Beastly and his niece Shreeky. In the movies, they went up against Nicholas and the Evil Spirit (''The Care Bears Movie''), Dark Heart (''Care Bears Movie II''), The Wizard, Dim, and Dumb (''Adventure in Wonderland''), the Rat King and Evil Vizier in ''Care Bears Nutcracker Suite''. Following the 2002 revival, Sir Funnybone the rat was introduced as a villain in the movie ''Journey to Joke-a-lot'', while the ''Big Wish Movie'' broke from tradition in which it had no real villain. For the 2007 revival, The new movie, ''Oopsy Does It!'' introduced a new villain, Grizzle, which persists into the new TV series. |
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The series was entitled ''[[Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot]]'', which was produced by [[Splash Entertainment|MoonScoop]]'s US studio and premiered on [[Discovery Family#As Hub Network (2010–2014)|The Hub]] on June 2, 2012.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-hub-television-network-unveils-2012-13-program-slate-with-four-new-original-series-joining-eight-returning-original-series-2012-03-01 |author=The Hub |title=The Hub Television Network Unveils 2012-'13 Program Slate With Four New Original Series Joining Eight Returning Original Series |date=March 1, 2012 |access-date=April 17, 2012 |work=[[MarketWatch]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418145726/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-hub-television-network-unveils-2012-13-program-slate-with-four-new-original-series-joining-eight-returning-original-series-2012-03-01 |archive-date=April 18, 2012 |author-link=Discovery Family#As The Hub/Hub Network (2010–2014) }}</ref> |
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==Care Bear Stare and Cousin Call== |
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The Care Bears' ultimate weapon is the "Care Bear Stare," in which the collected Bears stand together and radiate light from their respective tummy symbols. These combine to form a ray of love and good cheer which could bring care and joy into the target's heart. The Care Bear Stare has several different looks. One has a beam coming from the tummy being made up of several replicated images of the symbol. Another variation forms a rainbow when multiple Bears and/or Cousins are involved. A yellow beam with red hearts is sometimes seen as well. The movies ''Journey to Joke-A-Lot'' and ''The Big Wish Movie'' do not feature the Care Bear stare, but it does return in ''Oopsy Does It!''. In the new series, Care Bears Adventures in Care-A-Lot, the stare appears as a beam of light in the color of the bear from which it originates. |
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In December 2013, AG Properties and Mindworks Entertainment announced that they would collaborate with [[Sanrio]] for a co-branding with the character franchise ''Little Twin Stars''. An expanded roll-out was expected in March 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dickson |first=Jeremy |date=December 4, 2013 |title=Care Bears and Little Twin Stars enter co-branding program |url=http://kidscreen.com/2013/12/04/care-bears-and-little-twin-stars-enter-co-branding-program/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215063349/http://kidscreen.com/2013/12/04/care-bears-and-little-twin-stars-enter-co-branding-program/ |archive-date=2013-12-15 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> |
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During the movies, the Care Bear Cousins call their weapon the "Cousin Call." In the second movie, the Call looks like a musical score, and the cousins, excluding Swift Heart Rabbit, use whatever animal noise is common to that animal. In the first movie, the Cousins simply make animal noises since they do not have any tummy symbols; those are later given to them by the Care Bears at the end of the movie. |
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In July 2014, it was announced that Hasbro lost the rights to making the toys to another toy company, Just Play.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hutchins |first=Aaron |date=August 12, 2014 |title=Care Bears count down to new toy line |url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/08/12/care-bears-count-down-to-new-toy-line/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029203238/http://kidscreen.com/2014/08/12/care-bears-count-down-to-new-toy-line/ |archive-date=October 29, 2015 |access-date=April 29, 2015 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> |
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Although commonly used on villains, the stare has also been used on the Care Bears themselves at least once in ''Adventures in Care-A-Lot'', used to temporarily cheer Grumpy up in the episode ''The Tell-Tale Tummy''. |
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In October, 2014, when [[Discovery Family#As Hub Network (2010–2014)|The Hub]] changed over to [[Discovery Family]], ''Welcome to Care-A-Lot'' was cancelled. |
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==Caring Meter== |
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Shown prominently in most of the Care Bears movies and TV episodes, the Caring Meter is typically in the dead center of Care-A-Lot inside the Care Bears' main meeting hall. This meter shows how much caring there is both in Care-A-Lot and on Earth. In the 1980s movies/cartoons, it is shown as an un-numbered clock-like meter. In ''The Big Wish Movie'', the meter is shown with a raincloud (less caring) side and a rainbow (more caring) side. Ideally, the Caring Meter should be all the way towards the rainbow side. Whenever the Bears see the meter drop towards the raincloud side, they try to prevent it from getting worse by going on "caring missions" to try to get more people to care or for the Bears themselves to do caring deeds. If the meter drops near zero, Care-A-Lot will suffer disasters, such as [[thunderstorms]], buildings and rainbows crumbling (earlier movies) or the bright colors of Care-A-Lot gradually turning into black and white (later movies). If the meter were to reach all the way to zero (there is no caring ''anywhere''), then Care-A-Lot would be gone forever. |
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After The Hub cancelled ''Welcome to Care-a-Lot,'' on January 15, 2015, Netflix commissioned a new TV series called ''[[Care Bears & Cousins]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2014/10/13/netflix-care-bears |title=Netflix reviving Care Bears with new series set for 2016 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 13, 2014 |access-date=April 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509135123/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/10/13/netflix-care-bears |archive-date=May 9, 2015 }}</ref> This series was basically a continuation of ''Welcome to Care-a-Lot'', but with the reintroduction of four of the Care Bear Cousins – Brave Heart Lion, Lotsa Heart Elephant, Cozy Heart Penguin and Bright Heart Raccoon. The series was expected to premiere in 2016, but the release was pushed forward to November 2015 when it premiered with six episodes. It was followed by another six episodes. As with ''Welcome to Care-a-Lot'', then-renamed [[Splash Entertainment]] did the animation for this series. |
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No mention was made of the Caring Meter in ''Oopsy Does It!'' And ''Adventures in Care-A-Lot''. Indeed, it seems that there has been a major reboot in the franchise's 25th Anniversary that has done away with and changed various plot devices in the universe. |
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In 2017, the franchise celebrated its 35th anniversary. |
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==Merchandise== |
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[[Image:Gbears.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[Gummy bears|gummi bear]] box with the new Care Bears.]] |
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Apart from toys, greeting cards and animated media, the Care Bears have been featured in a lot of merchandise as well, some of which includes gummi bears (pictured right), party goods, cell phone covers, interior decoration sets, stickers, clothing accessories and many other goods.<ref name=cbfaq>[http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/faq/index.html Care Bears "Frequently Asked Questions" page] at official site. Retrieved May 26, 2006.</ref> |
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===2019 relaunch=== |
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Care Bears Gummi Bears, and Valentine Care Bears Gummi Bears, are a small candies that are shaped like bears, and come in many different colors. On the box, there are Care Bears characters. Otherwise, these are just like regular [[Gummi bears]]. |
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In May 2018, an advertisement showcased at the Licensing Expo (a licensing trade show) showcased new redesigns of the Care Bears.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=ToonBarnTweets|number=999141838022938624|title=Care Bears: Unlock the Magic Licensing Expo 2018 ad. No idea if this is a TV show, TV special, shorts ... advertising campaign? Whatever it is, it launches later this year on Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Pop.|date=22 May 2018}}</ref> Eventually, this was confirmed by the then-rebranded [[Cloudco Entertainment]] in September 2018, when they announced they would be making a new television series, titled ''[[Care Bears: Unlock the Magic]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramos |first=Dino-Ray |date=September 6, 2018 |title='Care Bears' Looking To 'Unlock The Magic' At Boomerang |url=https://deadline.com/2018/09/care-bears-unlock-the-magic-boomerang-1202457860/ |access-date=September 23, 2018 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> For the first time in a Care Bears series, the setting is set outside of Care-a-Lot in a mysterious world known as the Silver Lining, populated by creatures known as the Whiffles. The main 5 Bears for this incarnation were Grumpy, Cheer, Share, Funshine and Good Luck, with the series also featuring the main Whiffle character known as Dibble, serving as "the team's newest pet and companion". |
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The series premiered on the [[Boomerang (TV network)|Boomerang]] premium streaming service on February 1, 2019; however, the first episode was released on January 28, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-first-care-bears-unlock-the-magic-trailer-is-a-nos-1831548362|title=The First Care Bears: Unlock the Magic Trailer Is a Nostalgic Punch in the Gut|website=io9|first=Charles|last=Pulliam-Moore|date=January 8, 2019|access-date=January 9, 2019}}</ref> The series order included 48 11-minute regular episodes, two 22-minute specials and 20 shorts. |
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===Books=== |
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{{mainarticle|List of Care Bears books}} |
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Many children's books have been based on, and have featured, the Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins. Some notable publications include "Meet the Care Bear Cousins" (based on the first movie), "Sweet Dreams for Sally," "The Witch Down the Street," "The Trouble with Timothy," and "A Sister for Sam." All of these titles were published by toy makers Parker Brothers, who was a licensee of the characters. Over 45 million Care Bears books were sold during the 1980s.<ref name=cbhistory>History of the Care Bears from [http://web.archive.org/web/20050303062052/www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/index.html official site] (archived at the Wayback Machine). Retrieved May 26, 2006.</ref> As of 2006, [[Scholastic Press]] has published books based on the Bears' first two CGI films, as well as the new toys, while Modern Publishing publishes a small number of activity and baby books featuring the bears for the toddler market. Publications International and Penny Candy Press is also known to have published a few sound books featuring the bears in the past. |
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For the 2019 [[International Day of the Girl]], humanitarian organization CARE had celebrities design one-of-a-kind Care Bears and place them up for auction to benefit the charity. [[Sophia Bush]] based Justice Bear on [[Ruth Bader Ginsburg]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Malkin |first1=Marc |title=Kacey Musgraves, Sia Create Care Bears for International Day of the Girl |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/kacey-musgraves-sia-create-care-bears-for-international-day-of-the-girl-1203365907/ |access-date=October 10, 2019 |work=Variety |date=October 10, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> |
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===Music=== |
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{{mainarticle|List of Care Bears albums}} |
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At the height of the 80s' Care Bears craze, [[Kid Stuff Records]] released several LPs based on the franchise. These included "Introducing the Care Bears," "[[The Care Bears Care For You]]," "Adventures in Care-a-Lot," "The Care Bears' Birthday Party," and "The Care Bears' Christmas" (all from 1983), and 1986's "Friends Make Everything Better" (released as a promotion with [[Trianimic]]). They released the soundtrack albums for the first two movies. The albums based on the toys were bestsellers in children's music during their prime <ref name=cbhistory>History of the Care Bears from [http://web.archive.org/web/20050303062052/www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/index.html official site] (archived at the Wayback Machine). Retrieved May 26, 2006.</ref> |
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In 2020, Basic Fun released a new Care Bears line of toys in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=May 29, 2019 |title=Basic Fun! Cuddles up with 'Care Bears' in Master Toy Deal |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/licensing/basic-fun-cuddles-up-with-care-bears-in-master-toy-deal/ |website=Animation Magazine}}</ref> In 2024, Basic Fun filed for [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] protection. The company will use bankruptcy proceedings to repay its creditors while remaining in operation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-28/toy-maker-behind-lincoln-logs-tinker-toys-files-for-bankruptcy|title= Toy Maker Behind Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys Files for Bankruptcy|date=June 28, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024|website=Bloomberg|language=en}}</ref> |
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All of the albums from 1983 featured writing, production, and performance credits from [[Mark Volman]] and [[Howard Kaylan]] (also known as [[Flo & Eddie]] - former [[Mothers of Invention]] from [[Frank Zappa]]'s 1970-1972 period). |
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On October 16, 2024, [[WildBrain]] announced the production of ''The Care Berry Switch'', a forty-four minute special that crosses over with ''[[Strawberry Shortcake]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wildbrain.com/trade-news/80s-icons-strawberry-shortcake-and-the-care-bears-to-hold-hands-in-a-new-but-retro-animated-special | title=80s ICONS STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE AND THE CARE BEARS TO HOLD HANDS IN a NEW-BUT-RETRO ANIMATED SPECIAL | date=16 October 2024 }}</ref> |
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In the midst of the 2002 revival, [[Madacy Entertainment|Madacy Kids]] released brand new Care Bear CDs. In 2004, "Meet the Care Bears," "Care Bears Holiday Hugs," "Care Bears Christmas Eve," and the "Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot" soundtrack album came out, as well as "Care Bears Nighty-Night" the following year. |
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==Characters== |
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The cover of both ''Care Bears Holiday Hugs'' and ''Care Bears Nighty-Night'' advertises another two CDs, called ''Care Bears Share A Smile'' and ''Care Bears Let's Be Friends''. However it is doubtful if ''Share A Smile'' or ''Let's Be Friends'' were ever published as both discs could not be found on sale anywhere. |
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The franchise consists mainly of the Care Bears themselves, as well as the later additions the Care Bear Cousins. Both of these groups live in the Kingdom of Caring, which is made up of Care-a-Lot (the home of the Care Bears proper) and the Forest of Feelings (the home of the Care Bear Cousins). In 1989, Carole Ashkinaze of ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' referred to them as "the whimsical, late 20th-century descendents{{sic}} of what we used to know as [[guardian angel]]s: furry, friendly, adorable creatures whose mission is to guide small children and protect them from bogeymen". |
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Accompanying them are the Star and Heart Buddies, who look out for the Bears and Cousins whenever they are on missions of caring; and the Birds, who are usually seen in the Forest of Feelings with the Care Bear Cousins and who watch over them. A less recurring character is The Cloud Keeper, the portly gentleman who maintains Care-a-Lot. |
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===Video games=== |
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[[Image:Care Bears A Lesson In Caring screenshot.jpg|thumb|160px| a screenshot of the Care Bears: A Lesson in Caring V.Smile game]] |
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The 10 original Care Bears consist of Bedtime Bear, Birthday Bear, Cheer Bear, Friend Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear, Grumpy Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, Tenderheart Bear, and Wish Bear.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eightieskids.com/original-care-bear-names/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308220319/https://www.eightieskids.com/original-care-bear-names/ | archive-date=March 8, 2021 | title=The Original Care Bears Names | author=Hayley Dodwell | publisher=Eighties Kids | website=www.eightieskids.com | url-status=live}}</ref> Later on, additional bears joined them, as well as the Cousins. |
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A Care Bears game was planned for the Atari 2600 in 1983<ref name="protoCBGame">[http://www.atariprotos.com/2600/software/carebear/carebear.htm AtariProtos.com Article on canceled Care Bears game]</ref>. It is preliminarily completed and ready for beta testing, but the project was cancelled before testing could begin. No other games featuring the bears were ever made during the period. |
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For the 2007 TV series, ''[[Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot|Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot]]'', five of the Care Bears were chosen to be the main characters of the TV series. As seen on the Care Bears website, they are Share Bear, Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Grumpy Bear, and the new bear introduced in the film, Oopsy Bear, a Care Bear who would frequently make a mess of things. However, the other Care Bears still make appearances in the series. The unofficial role of leader of the bears, as of the new series, was transferred from Tenderheart Bear to Cheer Bear. The Cousins were not relaunched in the 2007 series. |
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In 2001, an unofficial Care Bear Game was made called Care Bears Volleyball in which 2 players would play a game of volleyball as Tenderheart Bear. However, no official games were announced at the time. |
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Some elements of the Care Bears franchise pay homage to the legend of [[King Arthur]]. For example, the name of the main characters' residence, Care-a-Lot, is a play on King Arthur's legendary [[Camelot]] castle. The Care Bear Family sits around a heart-shaped table, similar to the [[Round Table]] used by Arthur and his knights. In addition, [[Sir Lancelot]]'s name inspired that of Love-a-Lot Bear.<ref name=cbsite /> |
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In 2004, the Bears starred in their first official game, ''Care-a-lot Jamboree'' for the PC. A few months later, another game featuring the Care Bears for the PC, ''Let's Have a Ball!'' was released. In the same year they were featured in ''Care Bears: A Lesson in Caring'' for the [[V.Smile]] educational game console. |
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Throughout the films and various TV series, various villains have tried to stop the Bears and Cousins in the background on their missions and rid the world of the love and caring the Care Bears and the Cousins use. On the first two specials and DiC TV series, they battled against Professor Coldheart, his assistant Frostbite, and occasionally Auntie Freeze; in Nelvana's version, they faced the wizard No Heart, his bumbling assistant Beastly, and his ill-tempered niece Shreeky, and minor villains such as Dr. Fright and Sour Sam. In the films, they went up against Nicholas and the Evil Spirit in ''[[The Care Bears Movie]]'', Dark Heart in ''[[Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation]]'', The Wizard of Wonderland and his assistants Dim and Dum in ''[[The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland]]'', and the Rat King and the Evil Vizier in ''Care Bears Nutcracker Suite''. Following the 2002 revival, Sir Funnybone the rat was introduced as a villain in the film ''Care Bears Journey to Joke-a-lot'', while ''The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie'' broke from tradition in that it did not have a villain. For the 2007 revival, the new film ''Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!'' introduced new villains, Grizzle and WingNut, who persist into the TV series, ''[[Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot]]''. Additional Care Bears introduced in ''Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot'' are Wonderheart Bear and Great Giving Bear. |
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The following year, they appeared in ''Catch a Star'' (also for the PC)<ref>[http://www.valusoft.com/products/carebears-catchastar.html Official site for ''Care Bears: Catch a Star'' at ValuSoft.] Retrieved October 16, 2005.</ref> and ''Care Bears: (The) Care Quests'' (for the [[Game Boy Advance]]). |
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===Magic spells=== |
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It should be noted, however, that the official Care Bears website has some flash-based games since it's inception. |
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The Care Bears' ultimate weapon is the "Care Bear Stare", in which the collected Bears stand together and radiate light from their respective tummy symbols. These combine to form a ray of love and good cheer which can bring care and joy into the target's heart, break dark spells, or revive something that has been broken, wilted, or messed up. The Care Bear Stare has several different looks. One has a beam coming from the tummy being made up of several replicated images of the symbol. Another variation forms a rainbow when multiple Care Bears and/or Care Bear Cousins are involved. A yellow beam with red hearts is sometimes seen as well. The films ''[[Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot]]'' and ''[[The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie]]'' do not feature the Care Bear Stare, but it does return in ''[[Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!]]''. In the new TV series, ''Care Bears Adventures in Care-a-lot'', the Care Bear Stare appears as a beam of light in the color of the bear from which it originates. |
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In the original animated specials and the DiC TV series, the Care Bear Stare is initiated by the phrase "Care Bears...prepare to stare!" while in the Nelvana series and later versions it is initiated by the phrase "Care Bears Countdown!" |
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===Comic books=== |
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Between November 1985 and January 1989, the Care Bears appeared in a 20-issue comic book series published by [[Marvel Comics|Marvel's]] [[Star Comics]]. The books were drawn by the famous [[DC Comics]] artist, Howard Post.<ref>[http://www.toonopedia.com/carebear.htm "Care Bears" entry] at Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved April 16, 2006.</ref> |
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The Care Bear Cousins have their own variant of the Stare called the Care Cousin Call. In the DiC series, the Call looks identical to the Stare in appearance. In ''The Care Bears Movie'', the Cousins made whatever animal noise according to their species due to not possessing tummy symbols; those were given to them by Tenderheart at the end of the movie. In ''Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation'', the Call has the effect of a multicolored musical score. By the Nelvana series, the Call was no longer referred to and the cousins simply performed the Care Bear Stare. |
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===Smart toys=== |
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Various Care Bears interactive, smart toys have been introduced by Play Along toys since the 2002 revival. Below is a small sampling of Care Bears smart toys manufactured. |
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Although commonly used on villains, the stare and call also have been used on humans and the Care Bears themselves. It was occasionally used in the DiC TV series to cure Care Bears and humans who were under the effects of Professor Coldheart's uncaring magic. It also occurred once in ''Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot'', when it was used to temporarily cheer up Grumpy Bear in the episode "Tell-Tale Tummy". |
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A Care Bears [[smart toy]] called ''Care Bears Share-A-Story'' was introduced by Play Along in July, 2005. The toy is based upon the same basic idea of a [[Teddy Ruxpin]]. The head, mouth and eyes of the Care Bear move around as a cartridge plays fairy tales such as [[The Three Bears|Goldilocks and the Three Care Bears]], [[Jack and the Beanstalk]] and the [[Three Little Pigs]]. A hardback book version of the story comes with it so the parent and child can read along as the story plays.<ref>[http://www.playalongtoys.com/press/pr_050606_CB.aspx "Care Bears Share-A-Story" press release] from Play Along web side . Retrieved August 19, 2007.</ref> The toy ships with the story ''Goldilocks and the Three Bears''. Additional story cartridges and books are sold separately. Also, apparently only Share Bear was ever made as such a toy. |
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In addition to the Care Bear Stare, the Care Bears also can use their tummy symbols to summon other assistance, such as heart-shaped balloons, cloud cars, rainbow bridges, and sending out a distress signal. |
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Additionally, Care Bears Sing-along pals were also introduced. These Care Bears plushes sing three different songs and could synchronize wirelessly with other singing Care Bears of the series to sing together in a group (the effective wireless coverage being three feet, although the range might deteriorate due to environmental conditions and remaining battery strength). While initially introduced in a rather large variety of designs, at the moment only the Share Bear, Cheer Bear and Funshine Bear models are still being made, with the physical appearance of the bears redesigned to match the 25th anniversary looks. |
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Usually, a tummy symbol's power is initiated by will, but in ''[[Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot|Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot]]'', a Care Bear has to rub its tummy to activate it. By ''Welcome to Care-a-lot'', the belly badges activate by will once again, though the bears may rub their belly to activate it on occasion. |
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Another Care Bear smart toy is the Care Bears Tender Heart Smart Check-up. The toy comes with an interactive plush Tender Heart bear and various toy medical equipment. The interactive plush has soft-touch points throughout the body and can be fully played with without the toy medical equipment. |
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==Merchandise== |
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Lastly, there are a line of Care Bears smart toys that would play hide and seek with the owner. The line, called ''Hide 'N Seek Care Bears'', comes in two designs: Secret Bear and Surprise Bear. Both bear comes with a wireless handpiece. To play the toy, a third party, usually the parent, must partake in the game by hiding the bear. The child then has to find the bear, with the handpiece occasionally providing hints on how close the child is to the bear through audible instructions. |
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[[File:Vintage Care Bears Character Watch By Bradley Time, Manual Wind, Copyright 1983 By American Greetings (16846118291).jpg|thumb|upright|Care Bear watch]] |
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Apart from toys, books, greeting cards, and animated media, the Care Bears have been prominently featured in [[merchandising]] as well, some of which includes gummy bears, party goods, cell phone covers, interior decoration sets, stationery, school supplies, stickers, clothing, accessories and many other goods.<ref name="cbfaq" /> During the early 2000s relaunch, the classic Care Bear toys were available at stores such as [[Carlton Cards]], [[Claire's]], and [[Spencer Gifts]].<ref name="cbfaq" /> |
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When the franchise was introduced in the 1980s, a mistake was made while manufacturing the stuffed animals causing Bedtime Bear (blue) and Wish Bear (aqua) to swap colors. As soon as the mistake was discovered, the two Care Bears returned into their appropriate colors. Later, a children's story was written explaining why the bears had switched colors.<ref name="cbsite" /> |
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===Classic toys=== |
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At present (2007), the classic Care Bear toys can be found at such stores as Carlton Cards, Claire's, and Spencer's Gifts stores.<ref name=cbfaq>[http://www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/faq/index.html Care Bears "Frequently Asked Questions" page] at official site. Retrieved May 26, 2006.</ref> |
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In his 1986 essay, ''The Shortcake Strategy'', Tom Englehardt referred to the Care Bears dolls as "highly specialized" toys. "So specialized [are they] that instead of being complex individual personalities, they are no more than carefully labeled fragments of a personality", he stated. "Together, they must engage in a series of specialized interventions as complex as those of any real-life medical unit."<ref name=pantheon>{{cite book|last=Engelhardt |first=Tom |editor1-last=Gitlin |editor1-first=Todd |title=Watching Television: A Pantheon Guide to Popular Culture |chapter=Children's Television: The Shortcake Strategy |page=[https://archive.org/details/watchingtelevisi00gitl/page/98 98] |isbn=0-394-74651-1 |year=1986 |publisher=[[Pantheon Books]] ([[Random House]]) |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/watchingtelevisi00gitl/page/98 }}</ref> |
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==Care Bears Live== |
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==Books== |
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In 2005, the Care Bears starred in their own stage show, called "Care Bears Live," organized by VEE Corp. The tour ended in Atlanta, Georgia in July 2006.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20060526220023/http://www.carebearslive.com/ "Care Bears Live" official site] (archived at the [[Internet Archive#Wayback Machine|Wayback Machine]]). Retrieved May 1, 2007.</ref> |
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{{Main|List of Care Bears books}} |
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Many children's books have been based on, and featured, the Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins. Some early publications include ''Meet the Care Bear Cousins'', ''Sweet Dreams for Sally'', ''The Witch Down the Street'', ''The Trouble with Timothy'', and ''A Sister for Sam''. All of these titles were published by toy-maker Parker Brothers, who was a licensee of the characters. Over 45 million Care Bears books were sold during the 1980s.<ref name="cbhistory" /> As of 2006, [[Scholastic Press]] had published books based on the Bears' first two CGI films, as well as the new toys, while Modern Publishing publishes a small number of activity and baby books featuring the Bears for the toddler market. Publications International and Penny Candy Press also are known to have published a few sound books featuring the Bears in the past. |
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In ''Playing by Different Rules'', a 1988 book chronicling the [[Parker Brothers]]/[[General Mills]] merger, Ellen Wojahn wrote that Parker's Care Bears books (along with those based on sister property Strawberry Shortcake) "were, in fact, little more than illustrated brochures for Kenner's projects—and who knew [by 1984] how long the likes of these characters would remain popular?"<ref name=rules>{{cite book |last=Wojahn |first=Ellen |title=Playing by Different Rules |chapter=Fold |page=[https://archive.org/details/playingbydiffere0000woja/page/217 217] |isbn=0-8144-5861-0 |year=1988 |publisher=American Management Association (amacom) |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/playingbydiffere0000woja/page/217 }}</ref> |
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==Around the world== |
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:''See the [[wikt:Care Bears|Wiktionary definition on "Care Bears"]] for a list of titles in other languages.'' |
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==Comics== |
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In [[French language|French-speaking]] countries, the Care Bears are referred to as "Les Bisounours," roughly translating as "kiss bears," from "bisou" (kiss) and "nounours" (teddy bear). However, French-speaking [[Quebec]] knows them as "Les Calinours," or "hug bears;" the word "bizoune" is considered vulgar in the local vocabulary and is Quebec slang for "penis". |
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Between November 1985 and January 1989, the Care Bears appeared in a 20-issue comic book series published under [[Marvel Comics|Marvel's]] [[Star Comics]] imprint and featured art by Howard Post.<ref>[http://www.toonopedia.com/carebear.htm Care Bears] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]. Retrieved April 16, 2006. [https://archive.today/20240525215512/https://www.webcitation.org/66uZzvdc2?url=http://www.toonopedia.com/carebear.htm Archived] from the original on April 13, 2012.</ref> Issue #13 (from November 13, 1986) featured a crossover with another American Greetings property, [[Madballs]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scary-crayon.com/print/careballs/ |author=Wes |title=''Care Bears'' No. 13 ... in which the Care Bears meat the Madballs |year=2008 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |publisher=Scary-Crayon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014222444/http://www.scary-crayon.com/print/careballs/ |archive-date=October 14, 2010 }}</ref> |
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During the same period, in Great Britain, the Care Bears also appeared in a comic book series published by [[Marvel UK]] with artwork by Mario Capaldi. The periodic comics were later bundled into hardcover ''Care Bear Annual'' books. Some of these U.K. comic book issues also had stories and art from the U.S. comic series. |
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In [[Germany]], the show is called "Die Glücksbärchis," translating to "Luck Bears," the ending "chi" a slight alteration of the [[German language|German]] diminutive "chen." |
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A comic book based on the Care Bears: Unlock the Magic was announced by [[IDW Publishing]] in March 2019. It was released in July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terror |first=Jude |date=March 31, 2019 |title=IDW is Launching a New Care Bears Comic in July |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/idw-is-launching-a-new-care-bears-comic-in-july/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]] |publisher=[[Avatar Press]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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In the [[Netherlands]], the Care Bears are known as "Troetelbeertjes," translated in [[English language|English]] as "Cuddle Bears" or "Cuddly Bears." Professor Coldheart is translated in [[Dutch language|Dutch]] as "Professor Koudhart," which means literally the same as the name in English. |
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==Music== |
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In [[Hungary]], the show is called "Szíves Bocsok", can be translated as "kind bears", or "bears with hearts". The earlier movies were referred as "Gondos Bocsok" ("caring bears"). |
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{{Main|List of Care Bears albums}} |
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During the 1980s, [[Kid Stuff Records]] released several LP's based on the franchise. ''Introducing the Care Bears'' was released in 1982. In 1983, four more LP's were also introduced: ''The Care Bears Care for You'', ''Adventures in Care-a-Lot'', ''The Care Bears Off To See The World'' and ''The Care Bears' Christmas''. ''The Care Bears' Birthday Party'' was released the following year in 1984. In 1986, ''Friends Make Everything Better'' was released as a promotion with [[Novartis|Triaminic]] cough medicine. They also released the soundtrack albums for the first films. The albums based on the toys were best sellers in children's music during this time.<ref name="cbhistory" /> |
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All of the albums from 1982 and 1983 featured writing, production, and performance credits from [[Mark Volman]] and [[Howard Kaylan]]. The soundtrack album from ''[[The Care Bears Movie]]'' featured songs by [[Carole King]] and [[John Sebastian]]. |
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In [[Latin America]], the Care Bears are referred to as "Los Ositos Cariñositos," or sometimes just "Los Cariñositos" from "ositos" (literally "little bears") and "cariño" (a non-romantic love, affection). In [[Argentina]], they are called "Los Ositos Cariñosos" and also "Cariñositos" (a play of words joining "Ositos" and "Cariñosos"). The "Care Bear Stare" was renamed as "Cariñositos, con amor" ("Care Bears, with love" or "Bears, let's Love"). Several different Latin American [[Spanish language|Spanish]] [[dubbing (filmmaking)|dub]]s of the Care Bears exist, as the movies and the [[TV serie]]s were dubbed in many countries by different cast members throughout the years. The movies were dubbed in [[Mexico]]; the first half of the Nelvana series was dubbed in [[Chile]]; the second half was dubbed in [[Venezuela]], and a new dubbed version, broadcast on the Latin American version of Cartoon Network's Boomerang channel was later dubbed in [[Colombia]]. |
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In the 2002 revival, [[Madacy Entertainment|Madacy Kids]] released new Care Bear CD's.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} In 2004, ''[[Meet the Care Bears]]'', ''Care Bears Holiday Hugs'', ''Care Bears Christmas Eve'', and the ''Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-Lot'' soundtrack album was released. In 2005, ''[[Care Bears Nighty-Night]]'' was released. Music students at Roger Williams University were invited to submit to the soundtrack, but such submissions ultimately were not included. |
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In [[Brazil]], they are known as "Ursinhos Carinhosos," which can be translated from [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] to "caring bears" or "loving bears." |
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==Video games== |
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In the [[Sweden|Swedish]] dubs of the various series, the Care Bears are called "Krambjörnar" ("hug bears"). For unknown reasons, the villains Dark Heart, Coldheart, and No Heart all got the same name: "Hjärtlös" ("Heartless"), although the 1980s video dub translated Coldheart to "Professor Ishjärta" (Professor Iceheart). |
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{{Main|List of Care Bears video games}} |
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A Care Bears video game was planned for the [[Atari 2600]] in 1983.<ref name="protoCBGame">{{cite web |url=http://www.atariprotos.com/2600/software/carebear/carebear.htm |title=Care Bears |access-date=October 9, 2010 |publisher=Atari Protos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103164456/http://www.atariprotos.com/2600/software/carebear/carebear.htm |archive-date=January 3, 2011 }}</ref> Preliminary production was completed and ready for beta testing, but the project was cancelled before testing could begin – largely due to uninteresting gameplay and the diminishing video game market, which resulted in the [[video game crash of 1983]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Blythe |first1=Daniel |title=Collecting Gadgets and Games from the 1950s-90s |date= 13 December 2011 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=978-1-84468-105-1 |page=130}}</ref> The [[Development stage#Beta|beta]] prototype subsequently disappeared into obscurity and the only known existing prototype to date is an early [[Software release life cycle#Alpha|alpha]] of the video game. No other video games featuring the Care Bears were made during this period. |
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In 2004, the Care Bears starred in their first official game, ''Care-a-Lot Jamboree'', for the PC. A few months later, another game featuring the Care Bears for the PC, ''Let's Have a Ball!'' was released. In the same year, they were featured in ''Care Bears A Lesson in Caring'' for the [[V.Smile]] educational game console. |
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In [[Denmark]], they have different names depending on who is releasing the animated series. The original VHS releases in the 80s by Salut\Trefa were called "Kælebjørnene" ("the cuddle bears") while a late 90's/early 00's release on DVD under the Fox Kids brand had them named "Skybjørnene" ("The Bears in the Clouds" or "The Cloud Bears"). |
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In 2005, they appeared in ''Catch a Star'' (also for the PC)<ref>{{cite news |title=Entertainment briefs column |date=October 15, 2005 |work=[[Ventura County Star]]}}</ref> and ''Care Bears: Care Quest'' (for the [[Game Boy Advance]]).<ref>{{cite journal |title=Teachers' Picks: Best New Tech |date=May 1, 2006 |journal=Scholastic Parent and Child |publisher=Scholastic Press |volume=13 |number=6 |page=20}}</ref> |
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In [[Norway]], the Care Bears have kept their original name for the most part, but some dubs have named them "Bergibjørner," which loosely translates to "Rescue Bears." No Heart is known as "Hjerteløs" ("Heartless"), and Professor Coldheart is called "Professor Hjerterå" ("Cruel-hearted"). In the Norwegian translation of the comics, the villains' names were, for unknown reasons, swapped, making No Heart become "Hjerterå" and Professor Coldheart "Professor Hjerteløs." |
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In August, 2008 a new game, ''Care Bears Play Day'', was released for the [[V.Smile]] Baby Infant Development System. |
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In [[Finland]], the show is called "Halinallet" ("hug bears"). |
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A new interactive toy, ''Care Bears Share-a-Story'', was introduced by Play Along in July 2005. Based upon a concept similar to [[Teddy Ruxpin]], the Care Bear's head, mouth and eyes move around as a cartridge plays fairy tales, such as ''[[Goldilocks and the Three Bears]]'', ''[[Jack and the Beanstalk]]'', and ''[[The Three Little Pigs]]''. A hardback book version of the story accompanied it so that parent and child could read along as the story played.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.playalongtoys.com/press/pr_050606_CB.aspx |title=Storytime Has Never Been So Magical! Play Along Introduces Care Bears Share-a-Story to Encourage the Love of Reading |date=July 6, 2005 |access-date=August 19, 2007 |location=Deerfield Beach, Florida |publisher=Play Along Toys |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222214/http://www.playalongtoys.com/press/pr_050606_CB.aspx |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> The toy shipped with the story, ''Goldilocks and the Three Bears'', while additional story cartridges and books could be purchased separately. |
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In [[Italy]] and [[Greece]] they were known mainly because of the animated series, in which they were called "(gli) Orsetti del Cuore", i.e. (the) Heart Bears (being "orsetti" diminutive of "bears", or "teddy bears" in [[Italian language|Italian]]) and "Τα αρκουδάκια της αγάπης", i.e. the bears of love, respectively. In Italy, the "Care Bear Stare" was renamed as "Orsetti, Amiamo" ("Bears, we love" or "Bears, let's Love"). |
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Care Bears Sing-Along pals also were introduced. These Care Bears plush toys sing three different songs while their heads rock back and forth and can synchronize wirelessly with other singing Care Bears of the series to sing together in a group. While initially introduced in a rather large variety of designs, at the moment only the Share Bear, Cheer Bear, and Funshine Bear models are still being made, with the physical appearance of the bears redesigned to match the 25th anniversary looks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2015 |title=Care Bears Sing-a-longs TV Spot, 'Talk, Dance and Sing' |url=https://www.ispot.tv/ad/A7wF/care-bears-sing-a-longs-talk-dance-and-sing |access-date=June 6, 2023 |website=iSpot.tv}}</ref> |
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In [[Poland]], they are known as "Troskliwe misie", what minds in [[Polish language|Polish]] "Caring Bears". |
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In [[Bulgaria]] , they are known as "Грижовните Мечета" (Grijovnite Mecheta) , which is an exact translation of "Care Bears" |
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==Connections with Arthurian legend== |
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Some elements of the Care Bears franchise pay homage to the legend of [[King Arthur]]. For example, the name of the main characters' residence, Care-a-lot, is a play on King Arthur's legendary [[Camelot]] [[castle]]. The Care Bear Family sits around a heart-shaped table, similar to the [[Round Table (Camelot)|Round Table]] used by Arthur and his knights. In addition, [[Sir Lancelot]]'s name inspired that of Love-A-Lot Bear.<ref name=cbsite>Trivia from [http://web.archive.org/web/20050301073233/www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/funfacts.html official Care Bears site] at American Greetings (archived at the [[Internet Archive#Wayback Machine|Wayback Machine]]). Retrieved March 17, 2006.</ref> |
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==Errors== |
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{{sect-stub}} |
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When the franchise was introduced in the 1980s, a mistake was made while manufacturing the stuffed animals causing Bedtime Bear (blue) and Wish Bear (aqua) to swap colors. As soon as the mistake was discovered, the two bears returned into their appropriate hues. Later, a children's story was written explaining why the bears had switched tints.<ref name=cbsite>Trivia from [http://web.archive.org/web/20050301073233/www.care-bears.com/CareBears/html/history/funfacts.html official Care Bears site] at American Greetings (archived at the [[Internet Archive#Wayback Machine|Wayback Machine]]). Retrieved March 17, 2006.</ref> |
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==Changes== |
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{{sect-stub}} |
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* Early in the Care Bears' Nelvana TV series, Swiftheart Rabbit was introduced as male. However, Swiftheart rabbit's gender was changed to female in the movie ''The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland''. |
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* Funshine Bear was originally introduced as female. However, on the 2002 relaunch, Funshine was relaunced as a male. |
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* Share Bear's original tummy symbol (or Belly Badge) was originally a milkshake with two straws. However, for the 2002 relaunch, her symbol was changed into that of two lollipops crossed. Play-Along Toys suggested the change to American Greetings on the grounds that milkshakes can be used to spread germs, which was approved. However, the old design with the milkshakes are still being manufactured in parallel and sold under the "classic" line. |
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* Tenderheart Bear's fur color was changed from brown to a lighter orange tone for the 20th Anniversary release. |
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* Champ Bear's original color was Tan, and his tummy symbol (or Belly Badge) was a trophy with a Heart inside of it, He is now royal blue and has a Star inside of his Trophy. |
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* Proud Heart Cat was originally orange in color, but was relaunched as a bear in the 90s with a different tummy symbol, then on the 2002 relaunch she was changed back into a cat, but her color was changed to sky blue and her tummy symbol was changed again. |
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* For the TV series ''Adventures in Care-A-Lot'' and the movie ''Oopsy Does It!'', the term ''Tummy Symbols'' was changed to ''Belly Badges''. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[ |
* [[Berenstain Bears]] |
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* [[Bratz]] |
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* [[Rainbow Brite]], another 1980s franchise launched from greeting cards. |
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* [[Holly Hobbie (fictional character)]] |
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* Five other American Greetings franchises: [[Strawberry Shortcake]] and [[The Get-Along Gang]] (also from Those Characters from Cleveland, Inc.), [[Holly Hobbie]], [[Popples]], and [[Ziggy]]. |
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* [[My Little Pony]] |
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* [[Popples]] |
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* [[Pound Puppies]] |
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* [[Rainbow Brite]] |
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* [[Strawberry Shortcake]] |
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* [[The Get Along Gang]] |
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* [[Ziggy (comic strip)]] |
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== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist|2}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Wiktionary|Appendix:Care Bears}} |
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{{wiktionary}} |
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* |
* {{Official website}} |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130419042845/http://www.agpbrands.com/brands/care_bears Care Bears] at AG Properties |
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* [http://www.care-bears.com/25th/ 25th anniversary page] |
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* {{IAg|atari_2600_care_bears_1983_parker_brothers_laura_nikolich_prototype|title=Care Bears Atari 2600 prototype game}} |
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* [http://www.playalongtoys.com Official site for new distributor, Play Along] |
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* [http://www.agpbrands.com/ AGP Brands (American Greetings Properties)] |
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* [http://www.poseableparadise.com/ Fan site with information on the Poseable Care Bear Line] |
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* [http://www.carebearzone.com/ Fan website containing screen captures of the Nelvana produced TV series] |
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Latest revision as of 23:51, 5 January 2025
Care Bears are multi-colored bears, painted in 1981 by artist Elena Kucharik to be used on greeting cards from American Greetings.[1] They were turned into plush teddy bears and featured in The Care Bears in the Land Without Feelings (1983) and The Care Bears Battle the Freeze Machine (1984) before headlining their own television series called Care Bears from 1985 to 1988. They also had multiple feature films including: The Care Bears Movie (1985), Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation (1986), and The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland (1987).
Each Care Bear is a different colour or shade and has a unique image on their stomach (referred to in various media as a "belly badge" or "tummy symbol") that represents their personality. In addition to the Care Bear family are the "Care Bear Cousins", which feature Brave Heart Lion, Cozy Heart Penguin, Bright Heart Raccoon, Lotsa Heart Elephant, Gentle Heart Lamb, Loyal Heart Dog, Playful Heart Monkey, Proud Heart Cat, Swift Heart Rabbit, Treat Heart Pig and Noble Heart Horse created in the same style as the Care Bears.
In 2002, new plush versions of the bears were manufactured by Play Along Toys. This new artistic style featured in three animated films: Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot (2004), The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie (2005), and Care Bears: Oopsy Does It! (2007).
A revival TV series, Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot, premiered on The Hub on June 2, 2012, for one season. A continuation with the same characters, Care Bears & Cousins, was commissioned by Netflix and premiered in 2015. That year, toy company Just Play debuted a range of Care Bears toys (plush, figurines, and blind bag collectibles) based on the series.
The current TV series, Care Bears: Unlock the Magic, debuted on Boomerang SVOD on February 1, 2019, and has since tied in with a new toy line from Basic Fun.
History
[edit]Development
[edit]The Care Bears were created in 1981 by Elena Kucharik for the greeting card company American Greetings.[1] Jack Chojnacki, the co-president of Those Characters From Cleveland (TCFC), introduced the first Care Bear to businessmen from American Greeting Cards and from the toy company Kenner in February 1981. On the employees' reaction to the toy, Chojnacki recalled in early 1985: "It had a high aaaaaah factor."[2]
Artist Muriel Fahrion, who helped create Strawberry Shortcake's look, was among the franchise's first concept artists.[3] Working with TCFC Creative VP Ralph Shaffer, Fahrion designed the first six bears, creating greeting card themes for their belly graphics. Susan Trentel, Muriel's sister and doll designer of Strawberry Shortcake, designed the Care Bears plush. Once out of the concept stage, children's book illustrator Elena Kucharik became the primary artist for the Care Bears, creating hundreds of full-color illustrations for cards, books and various licensed products. TCFC's team of artists and writers created many characters in the line in a joint development by TCFC and MAD (Marketing and Design Service of the toy group of General Mills).[4]: 53
American Greeting Cards kept the character program a secret until advertising was ready. At the start of the franchise, "Care Bears" was established as the project's working title.[5]
1982 launch
[edit]On September 24, 1982, the Care Bears franchise was launched in New York City before members of the area's Society of Security Analysts. President Morry Weiss represented American Greetings; Jack Chojnacki and senior vice-president Henry Lowenthal represented Those Characters From Cleveland.
The characters were produced as a line of toys by Parker Brothers and Kenner the following spring[6] on a $5–6 million advertising budget[2][7] and a wholesale commitment worth $122.5 million (USD).[7] American Greetings introduced the characters to the general public in February 1983,[8] with an appearance at New York City's Toy Fair;[9] 26 licensees were involved upon launch.[8] Among them was General Mills,[7] a food company which owned the board game manufacturer Parker Brothers.[10] In early 1983, Parker Brothers released six books featuring the Care Bears as part of its publishing division's first offerings.[10] On television, the original 10 Bears were featured in a syndicated special, Atkinson Film-Arts' The Care Bears in the Land Without Feelings, produced and sponsored by Kenner.[4]: 52
In December 1983, American Greetings and CPG Products lost a lawsuit against Easter Unlimited, importers of a line known as "Message Bears". According to New York City judge Leonard B. Sand, those toys lacked the "heart-shaped 'touché tags'" used to identify the Care Bears.[11]
In 1984, AGC introduced a spin-off line, the Care Bear Cousins. Another syndicated special, The Care Bears Battle the Freeze Machine, came out that same year. A miniseries based on the toys was distributed by Lexington Broadcast Services Company.[4]: 52 A year later, the Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins appeared in their first animated feature film The Care Bears Movie, produced by the Canadian animation studio Nelvana and released by The Samuel Goldwyn Company in original prints and by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in current prints. It became the highest-grossing animated film made outside the Disney market at the time of its release.[12] Later that autumn, DIC Audiovisuel released an 11-episode television series in syndication, which incorporated elements from the Atkinson Film-Arts specials (with the specials' villains Professor Coldheart and his sidekick Frostbite appearing regularly, and some of the music from the specials being featured in the series) and the Nelvana film (with the Forest of Feelings, the home of the Care Bear Cousins, being a regular setting in the series).[13][14]
In 1986, Nelvana returned to the franchise with a second film, Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation. Released by Columbia Pictures, the film featured a new villain, Dark Heart, and introduced more of the Care Bears and Care Bears Cousins: Harmony Bear, True Heart Bear, and Noble Heart Horse.
Later that year, the television series The Care Bears Family (also from Nelvana) premiered in mid-1986 on the U.S. ABC network and Canadian Global.[15] Lasting three seasons and consisting of over 70 episodes, this introduced the evil wizard No Heart and his sidekick Beastly. In the second season, No Heart's niece Shreeky was introduced. It also added more development to the Care Bear characters, with issues such as conflict and depression being addressed through the characters themselves in some episodes.
Around the same time production for Care Bears Family was underway, Sally Industries (now known as Sally Dark Rides) obtained a license from American Greetings and Nelvana to develop an animatronic stage show based on the franchise.[16] This show, known as Care Bears: Care-A-Lot Castle, was produced in-house at Sally's facilities and with no involvement from the crew behind the animated series. Out of the main cast at the time, only Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Tenderheart Bear, Bedtime Bear, Grumpy Bear, and Friend Bear were utilized. The characters of No Heart and Beastly appear through disembodied voices recorded into the show's soundtrack, but only in the English version. Professor Coldheart, the previous villain, is mentioned in the Indonesian dub of Care-A-Lot Castle's soundtrack. Instead of using pre-existing Care Bears songs, Sally opted to produce original songs and recycle songs from their own catalog for Care-A-Lot Castle. One notable song choice, exclusive to the English version, was a cover of "Brazzle Dazzle Day" from Disney's 1977 film, Pete's Dragon. A total of two shows were built by Sally under this agreement. The first installation was located at Dunia Fantasi, an Indonesian theme park, where the show was locally translated under the name Beruang Madu (Sun Bears) complete with a dubbed soundtrack for the 1987 season.[17] The second installation was built for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in the United States, which premiered a year later with the original English soundtrack. Both shows would operate until at least 1992, with Dorney Park's installation said to have be destroyed when the park's license expired.[18]
The Care Bears' third film, The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland, released by Cineplex Odeon Films, premiered in 1987. A holiday-themed television special, Care Bears Nutcracker Suite, which also served as the series finale for The Care Bears Family premiered on the Disney Channel in 1988.
Over 40 million Care Bears were sold between 1983 and 1987, and American Greetings printed over 70 million of their cards during the decade. In whole, the sales of their merchandise reached over $2 billion during the 1980s.[19][20]
1991 relaunch (Caring About the Environment)
[edit]In 1991, Those Characters From Cleveland and Kenner embarked on a relaunch of the franchise, involving seven bears. One of these, Proud Heart Bear, is distinctly different from the Care Bear Cousin of a similar name, Proud Heart Cat. This character was released as a bear with white fur that sported the tummy symbol of a heart-shaped American flag. In 2003, Proud Heart Bear was re-released as a collector's edition plush toy by Play Along under the name America Cares Bear, sporting the tummy symbol of a shooting star with the colors of the American flag.[21] The publishing company Random House released two tie-in books: The Care Bears and the Big Cleanup (1991) by Bobbi Katz,[22][23] and The Care Bears and the Whale Tale (1992) by Peggy Kahn.[24][25]
2002 relaunch
[edit]In 1999, the rights to the Care Bears franchise were bought by Jay Foreman, the president of Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Play Along Toys, for less than $1 million; he also planned to acquire fellow American Greeting Cards property Strawberry Shortcake.[26] Three years later, American Greetings relaunched the Care Bears brand as part of the Bears' 20th anniversary celebration with a series of plush toys and films. The artwork and design of the bears were changed for the relaunch. Also, Champ Bear's colors were changed from tan/yellow to true blue, with his tummy symbol changed from a winner's cup with a heart to a winner's cup with a star, and Share Bear's tummy symbol was changed from a milkshake with two straws to two lollipops crossed. The change to Share Bear's symbol stems from Play Along Toys' suggestion of the change because sharing a milkshake may spread germs.[27] Apart from that, many other minor changes were made to the designs, mostly involving lightening or saturating the colors of the bears and minor redesigns to the tummy symbols.
During this revival, Play Along released brand new toys based on the newly redesigned Bears, sold at stores such as Walmart, Kmart, Toys "R" Us, Target, KB Toys, and Mervyns.[28] The new merchandise included the Bears doing aerobics; Tenderheart Bear as a patient (casting the child who is playing with the toy as the doctor); Champ Bear as a fireman; and the Care Bears themselves as Cubs.[29] Over 70 million 13-inch (330 mm) plush Bears have been sold since the re-launch.[30]
New versions of the Care Bear Cousins were produced (with Proud Heart Cat sporting a different fur color and the same symbol she had in the 1980s franchise). Two of the Cousins, Treat Heart Pig and Noble Heart Horse, were never produced as 13-inch plush toys in the 2000s, and the Care Bear Cousins were not relaunched in the 2007 relaunch of the franchise.
In April 2003, it was announced that a new CGI-animated movie from Nelvana, The Care Bears in King Funshine the Great, had been acquired by Artisan Entertainment for US distribution. The movie was eventually renamed Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot and was released on October 5, 2004 by Lions Gate Home Entertainment, as they had acquired Artisan by this point, with International distribution done through Universal Pictures.[31] Another CGI-animated movie, The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie, would be released a year later. Another CGI-animated movie from Nelvana also was planned, but later scrapped.
2007 relaunch
[edit]In 2006, AG Properties announced that to coincide with the franchise's 25th-anniversary celebrations, the Care Bears would be given a new, refreshed look with a new TV series and a feature-length movie titled, Care Bears: Oopsy Does It! to be released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment during 2007. It also was announced that AG had acquired all of Nelvana's Care Bears projects along the way.[32]
The new look was done by the American Greetings Properties illustration team, alongside a new logo. Fifteen of the 39 bears were represented in this new look, while five of them were chosen to be the focus of the franchise: Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Grumpy Bear, Share Bear, and new-addition, Oopsy Bear.[30] In August 2007, Oopsy Does It! was given a limited theatrical release by Kidtoon Films.[33] Essentially a pilot to the traditionally-animated television series, Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot, the movie was made to introduce the new look to the public audience. The TV series itself would premiere on CBS on September 15, 2007, as part of the block KEWLopolis, a joint-run block by AG and DIC Entertainment, with both the movie and series being produced by SD Entertainment. A new theme song was created, known as We Are the Care Bears, and was performed by former Letters to Cleo member Kay Hanley. The associated music video premiered on Fox, Nickelodeon and MuchMusic.
As the 2007 era was a reboot, prior plot devices, like the Cloudmobiles, the Caring Meter, the Cloud Keeper and Care-a-Lot Castle, were neither referred to nor mentioned in the new series. In its place is the Gathering Tree, which is where the Care Bears now gather to meet or hold festivities. Also, the Care Bears had never had humans visit Care-a-Lot Castle, and so a new villain named Grizzle (who seeks to conquer Care-a-Lot and nothing else) was introduced. A February, 2007 article in The Wall Street Journal states that in the new version, "they live in a village, centered on a big tree, with no castle in sight".[30]
In mid-2008, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment released two DVDs, Grizzle-y Adventures and Ups and Downs. These DVDs each contained two special DVD-exclusive episodes, which brought back Humans and the Care-O-Meter. The latter also included a passing remark regarding the Forest of Feelings. Care-a-Lot Castle also reappeared in the educational video game Care Bears: Play Day, for the V-Smile Baby.
On July 23, 2008, American Greetings announced that the Care Bears (along with Strawberry Shortcake and Sushi Pack) would be sold to Cookie Jar Entertainment in an acquisition due to take place on September 30, 2008.[34] By April 2009, it was announced that Cookie Jar Entertainment had problems in financing the acquisition and that a French company called MoonScoop has also expressed interest in the franchise. The deadline for Cookie Jar's acquisition was April 30, and MoonScoop's attempt June 7.[35] In mid-August 2009, MoonScoop sued American Greetings, claiming the latter backed out of the planned $95 million-dollar deal; AGC and Cookie Jar sued each other in the process as well.[36] By late April 2010, the Cleveland company "won summary judgement on MoonScoop SAS' contract", as well as "promissory estoppel claims" in the case;[37] MoonScoop filed for an appeal the following month.[38] At the end of November, 2012, the U.S. District Court in Cleveland ruled in favor of American Greetings over MoonScoop.
In late 2009, American Greetings announced that the Care Bears would be re-imagined with the launch of a new series, Care Power Team. This series would have the bears sport "enhanced belly badges", and see them taking on emergencies. Although such a series never occurred, the Care Power Team format was used for three new CGI-animated movies – Care Bears: To the Rescue, Care Bears: The Giving Festival, and Care Bears: Share Bear Shines, which were released in 2010 and 2011.
In that same year, it was announced that the master rights to the toys for the Care Bears had changed hands from Play Along Toys to Hasbro.
2012 relaunch
[edit]In July 2011, American Greetings announced that another brand refresh and a new television series was in development to coincide with the franchise's 30th anniversary, and would be the first to be animated in CGI animation.[39] The central cast of Bears changed again, this time focusing on Tenderheart Bear, Cheer Bear, Share Bear, Grumpy Bear, Funshine Bear, Harmony Bear, and new addition, Wonderheart Bear.
The series was entitled Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot, which was produced by MoonScoop's US studio and premiered on The Hub on June 2, 2012.[40]
In December 2013, AG Properties and Mindworks Entertainment announced that they would collaborate with Sanrio for a co-branding with the character franchise Little Twin Stars. An expanded roll-out was expected in March 2014.[41]
In July 2014, it was announced that Hasbro lost the rights to making the toys to another toy company, Just Play.[42]
In October, 2014, when The Hub changed over to Discovery Family, Welcome to Care-A-Lot was cancelled.
After The Hub cancelled Welcome to Care-a-Lot, on January 15, 2015, Netflix commissioned a new TV series called Care Bears & Cousins.[43] This series was basically a continuation of Welcome to Care-a-Lot, but with the reintroduction of four of the Care Bear Cousins – Brave Heart Lion, Lotsa Heart Elephant, Cozy Heart Penguin and Bright Heart Raccoon. The series was expected to premiere in 2016, but the release was pushed forward to November 2015 when it premiered with six episodes. It was followed by another six episodes. As with Welcome to Care-a-Lot, then-renamed Splash Entertainment did the animation for this series.
In 2017, the franchise celebrated its 35th anniversary.
2019 relaunch
[edit]In May 2018, an advertisement showcased at the Licensing Expo (a licensing trade show) showcased new redesigns of the Care Bears.[44] Eventually, this was confirmed by the then-rebranded Cloudco Entertainment in September 2018, when they announced they would be making a new television series, titled Care Bears: Unlock the Magic.[45] For the first time in a Care Bears series, the setting is set outside of Care-a-Lot in a mysterious world known as the Silver Lining, populated by creatures known as the Whiffles. The main 5 Bears for this incarnation were Grumpy, Cheer, Share, Funshine and Good Luck, with the series also featuring the main Whiffle character known as Dibble, serving as "the team's newest pet and companion".
The series premiered on the Boomerang premium streaming service on February 1, 2019; however, the first episode was released on January 28, 2019.[46] The series order included 48 11-minute regular episodes, two 22-minute specials and 20 shorts.
For the 2019 International Day of the Girl, humanitarian organization CARE had celebrities design one-of-a-kind Care Bears and place them up for auction to benefit the charity. Sophia Bush based Justice Bear on Ruth Bader Ginsburg.[47]
In 2020, Basic Fun released a new Care Bears line of toys in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.[48] In 2024, Basic Fun filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company will use bankruptcy proceedings to repay its creditors while remaining in operation.[49]
On October 16, 2024, WildBrain announced the production of The Care Berry Switch, a forty-four minute special that crosses over with Strawberry Shortcake.[50]
Characters
[edit]The franchise consists mainly of the Care Bears themselves, as well as the later additions the Care Bear Cousins. Both of these groups live in the Kingdom of Caring, which is made up of Care-a-Lot (the home of the Care Bears proper) and the Forest of Feelings (the home of the Care Bear Cousins). In 1989, Carole Ashkinaze of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution referred to them as "the whimsical, late 20th-century descendents [sic] of what we used to know as guardian angels: furry, friendly, adorable creatures whose mission is to guide small children and protect them from bogeymen".
Accompanying them are the Star and Heart Buddies, who look out for the Bears and Cousins whenever they are on missions of caring; and the Birds, who are usually seen in the Forest of Feelings with the Care Bear Cousins and who watch over them. A less recurring character is The Cloud Keeper, the portly gentleman who maintains Care-a-Lot.
The 10 original Care Bears consist of Bedtime Bear, Birthday Bear, Cheer Bear, Friend Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear, Grumpy Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, Tenderheart Bear, and Wish Bear.[51] Later on, additional bears joined them, as well as the Cousins.
For the 2007 TV series, Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot, five of the Care Bears were chosen to be the main characters of the TV series. As seen on the Care Bears website, they are Share Bear, Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Grumpy Bear, and the new bear introduced in the film, Oopsy Bear, a Care Bear who would frequently make a mess of things. However, the other Care Bears still make appearances in the series. The unofficial role of leader of the bears, as of the new series, was transferred from Tenderheart Bear to Cheer Bear. The Cousins were not relaunched in the 2007 series.
Some elements of the Care Bears franchise pay homage to the legend of King Arthur. For example, the name of the main characters' residence, Care-a-Lot, is a play on King Arthur's legendary Camelot castle. The Care Bear Family sits around a heart-shaped table, similar to the Round Table used by Arthur and his knights. In addition, Sir Lancelot's name inspired that of Love-a-Lot Bear.[5]
Throughout the films and various TV series, various villains have tried to stop the Bears and Cousins in the background on their missions and rid the world of the love and caring the Care Bears and the Cousins use. On the first two specials and DiC TV series, they battled against Professor Coldheart, his assistant Frostbite, and occasionally Auntie Freeze; in Nelvana's version, they faced the wizard No Heart, his bumbling assistant Beastly, and his ill-tempered niece Shreeky, and minor villains such as Dr. Fright and Sour Sam. In the films, they went up against Nicholas and the Evil Spirit in The Care Bears Movie, Dark Heart in Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation, The Wizard of Wonderland and his assistants Dim and Dum in The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland, and the Rat King and the Evil Vizier in Care Bears Nutcracker Suite. Following the 2002 revival, Sir Funnybone the rat was introduced as a villain in the film Care Bears Journey to Joke-a-lot, while The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie broke from tradition in that it did not have a villain. For the 2007 revival, the new film Care Bears: Oopsy Does It! introduced new villains, Grizzle and WingNut, who persist into the TV series, Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot. Additional Care Bears introduced in Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot are Wonderheart Bear and Great Giving Bear.
Magic spells
[edit]The Care Bears' ultimate weapon is the "Care Bear Stare", in which the collected Bears stand together and radiate light from their respective tummy symbols. These combine to form a ray of love and good cheer which can bring care and joy into the target's heart, break dark spells, or revive something that has been broken, wilted, or messed up. The Care Bear Stare has several different looks. One has a beam coming from the tummy being made up of several replicated images of the symbol. Another variation forms a rainbow when multiple Care Bears and/or Care Bear Cousins are involved. A yellow beam with red hearts is sometimes seen as well. The films Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot and The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie do not feature the Care Bear Stare, but it does return in Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!. In the new TV series, Care Bears Adventures in Care-a-lot, the Care Bear Stare appears as a beam of light in the color of the bear from which it originates.
In the original animated specials and the DiC TV series, the Care Bear Stare is initiated by the phrase "Care Bears...prepare to stare!" while in the Nelvana series and later versions it is initiated by the phrase "Care Bears Countdown!"
The Care Bear Cousins have their own variant of the Stare called the Care Cousin Call. In the DiC series, the Call looks identical to the Stare in appearance. In The Care Bears Movie, the Cousins made whatever animal noise according to their species due to not possessing tummy symbols; those were given to them by Tenderheart at the end of the movie. In Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation, the Call has the effect of a multicolored musical score. By the Nelvana series, the Call was no longer referred to and the cousins simply performed the Care Bear Stare.
Although commonly used on villains, the stare and call also have been used on humans and the Care Bears themselves. It was occasionally used in the DiC TV series to cure Care Bears and humans who were under the effects of Professor Coldheart's uncaring magic. It also occurred once in Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot, when it was used to temporarily cheer up Grumpy Bear in the episode "Tell-Tale Tummy".
In addition to the Care Bear Stare, the Care Bears also can use their tummy symbols to summon other assistance, such as heart-shaped balloons, cloud cars, rainbow bridges, and sending out a distress signal.
Usually, a tummy symbol's power is initiated by will, but in Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-Lot, a Care Bear has to rub its tummy to activate it. By Welcome to Care-a-lot, the belly badges activate by will once again, though the bears may rub their belly to activate it on occasion.
Merchandise
[edit]Apart from toys, books, greeting cards, and animated media, the Care Bears have been prominently featured in merchandising as well, some of which includes gummy bears, party goods, cell phone covers, interior decoration sets, stationery, school supplies, stickers, clothing, accessories and many other goods.[28] During the early 2000s relaunch, the classic Care Bear toys were available at stores such as Carlton Cards, Claire's, and Spencer Gifts.[28]
When the franchise was introduced in the 1980s, a mistake was made while manufacturing the stuffed animals causing Bedtime Bear (blue) and Wish Bear (aqua) to swap colors. As soon as the mistake was discovered, the two Care Bears returned into their appropriate colors. Later, a children's story was written explaining why the bears had switched colors.[5]
In his 1986 essay, The Shortcake Strategy, Tom Englehardt referred to the Care Bears dolls as "highly specialized" toys. "So specialized [are they] that instead of being complex individual personalities, they are no more than carefully labeled fragments of a personality", he stated. "Together, they must engage in a series of specialized interventions as complex as those of any real-life medical unit."[52]
Books
[edit]Many children's books have been based on, and featured, the Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins. Some early publications include Meet the Care Bear Cousins, Sweet Dreams for Sally, The Witch Down the Street, The Trouble with Timothy, and A Sister for Sam. All of these titles were published by toy-maker Parker Brothers, who was a licensee of the characters. Over 45 million Care Bears books were sold during the 1980s.[20] As of 2006, Scholastic Press had published books based on the Bears' first two CGI films, as well as the new toys, while Modern Publishing publishes a small number of activity and baby books featuring the Bears for the toddler market. Publications International and Penny Candy Press also are known to have published a few sound books featuring the Bears in the past.
In Playing by Different Rules, a 1988 book chronicling the Parker Brothers/General Mills merger, Ellen Wojahn wrote that Parker's Care Bears books (along with those based on sister property Strawberry Shortcake) "were, in fact, little more than illustrated brochures for Kenner's projects—and who knew [by 1984] how long the likes of these characters would remain popular?"[53]
Comics
[edit]Between November 1985 and January 1989, the Care Bears appeared in a 20-issue comic book series published under Marvel's Star Comics imprint and featured art by Howard Post.[54] Issue #13 (from November 13, 1986) featured a crossover with another American Greetings property, Madballs.[55]
During the same period, in Great Britain, the Care Bears also appeared in a comic book series published by Marvel UK with artwork by Mario Capaldi. The periodic comics were later bundled into hardcover Care Bear Annual books. Some of these U.K. comic book issues also had stories and art from the U.S. comic series.
A comic book based on the Care Bears: Unlock the Magic was announced by IDW Publishing in March 2019. It was released in July 2019.[56]
Music
[edit]During the 1980s, Kid Stuff Records released several LP's based on the franchise. Introducing the Care Bears was released in 1982. In 1983, four more LP's were also introduced: The Care Bears Care for You, Adventures in Care-a-Lot, The Care Bears Off To See The World and The Care Bears' Christmas. The Care Bears' Birthday Party was released the following year in 1984. In 1986, Friends Make Everything Better was released as a promotion with Triaminic cough medicine. They also released the soundtrack albums for the first films. The albums based on the toys were best sellers in children's music during this time.[20]
All of the albums from 1982 and 1983 featured writing, production, and performance credits from Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan. The soundtrack album from The Care Bears Movie featured songs by Carole King and John Sebastian.
In the 2002 revival, Madacy Kids released new Care Bear CD's.[citation needed] In 2004, Meet the Care Bears, Care Bears Holiday Hugs, Care Bears Christmas Eve, and the Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-Lot soundtrack album was released. In 2005, Care Bears Nighty-Night was released. Music students at Roger Williams University were invited to submit to the soundtrack, but such submissions ultimately were not included.
Video games
[edit]A Care Bears video game was planned for the Atari 2600 in 1983.[57] Preliminary production was completed and ready for beta testing, but the project was cancelled before testing could begin – largely due to uninteresting gameplay and the diminishing video game market, which resulted in the video game crash of 1983.[58] The beta prototype subsequently disappeared into obscurity and the only known existing prototype to date is an early alpha of the video game. No other video games featuring the Care Bears were made during this period.
In 2004, the Care Bears starred in their first official game, Care-a-Lot Jamboree, for the PC. A few months later, another game featuring the Care Bears for the PC, Let's Have a Ball! was released. In the same year, they were featured in Care Bears A Lesson in Caring for the V.Smile educational game console.
In 2005, they appeared in Catch a Star (also for the PC)[59] and Care Bears: Care Quest (for the Game Boy Advance).[60]
In August, 2008 a new game, Care Bears Play Day, was released for the V.Smile Baby Infant Development System.
A new interactive toy, Care Bears Share-a-Story, was introduced by Play Along in July 2005. Based upon a concept similar to Teddy Ruxpin, the Care Bear's head, mouth and eyes move around as a cartridge plays fairy tales, such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Three Little Pigs. A hardback book version of the story accompanied it so that parent and child could read along as the story played.[61] The toy shipped with the story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, while additional story cartridges and books could be purchased separately.
Care Bears Sing-Along pals also were introduced. These Care Bears plush toys sing three different songs while their heads rock back and forth and can synchronize wirelessly with other singing Care Bears of the series to sing together in a group. While initially introduced in a rather large variety of designs, at the moment only the Share Bear, Cheer Bear, and Funshine Bear models are still being made, with the physical appearance of the bears redesigned to match the 25th anniversary looks.[62]
See also
[edit]- Berenstain Bears
- Bratz
- Holly Hobbie (fictional character)
- My Little Pony
- Popples
- Pound Puppies
- Rainbow Brite
- Strawberry Shortcake
- The Get Along Gang
- Ziggy (comic strip)
References
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External links
[edit]- Official website
- Care Bears at AG Properties
- Care Bears Atari 2600 prototype game can be played for free in the browser at the Internet Archive
- Care Bears
- 1980s fads and trends
- 1980s toys
- 1985 comics debuts
- Comics based on toys
- Fictional teddy bears
- Children's television series about talking animals
- Anthropomorphic bears
- Comics about anthropomorphic bears
- Comics about talking animals
- Fantasy comics
- Adventure comics
- Comics about magic
- Mascots introduced in 1983
- Bear mascots
- Toy mascots
- Fictional characters who use magic
- Mass media franchises
- Star Comics titles
- Toy animals
- Mass media franchises introduced in 1981