The cartoon about a girl, Rainbow Brite, who with the help of her colourful friends and best friend Starlite fights encroaching gloom by bringing colour to her world, was screened from 1984 to 1987.

Now the colourful characters from the popular children’s show are back.

A revised Rainbow Brite animation starring Molly Ringwald and Emily Osment was launched last year and Hallmark will release a new collection of products including a book, doll, keepsake ornaments and plush toys next month.

Katrina Kittler of Orange was among the shows fans when it aired in the 1980s and now her daughters Rhiannon, 7, and Abigail, 11, play with her Rainbow Brite and Starlite toys. 

“Most females, at least my age, if you said Rainbow Brite would know what it was. I had a friend at my birthday party for my 30th, she came dressed as Rainbow Brite,” Mrs Kittler said.

“I made the kids sit down and watch it once so they knew what I was talking about.”

However, she had mixed feelings about the animation being redone and of the new toys and memorabilia being released.

“I think it will be good if they release it as it was, as originally,” Mrs Kittler said.

“When they re release things new, I don’t find it as appealing.

“I know they re released Strawberry Shortcake and she didn’t look as good as the original but I think they are talking about rereleasing the original Rainbow Brite.”

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au