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Friday, July 31, 2015

Inside Out: "My Busy Books"

 my busy books

Part storybook, part activity kit- "My Busy Books" Inside Out is a three in one boxed set that includes an 11 page oversized board book complete with a playmat and 12 collectible mini figurines based on key characters from the film!

Lets take a closer look at what's included...

 my busy books

The figures included with this set stand are: Joy, Sadness. Anger, Fear, Disgust, Bing Bong, Jangles the clown, Rainbow Unicorn, Forgetter Paula, Subconscious Guard Dave, Bing Bong's wagon and the Train of Thought. They stand at about 1"-2" tall and can be stored in the box along with the playmat.

inside out my busy books

Speaking of the playmat, below is a picture of it all folded out. It depicts four main locations that were prominent in the film: Headquarters, Long Term Memory, Dream Productions and Imagination Land. I don't really know what material the playmat is, but it feels pretty cheaply made and is pretty wrinkly when it's unfolded- it feels like thin, glossy photo paper. However, this is for very little kids and I'm sure they will still have fun with this.

 my busy books

Honestly, I knew getting this that the playmat and figures were not the greatest quality (so it's nothing I didn't expect). The real reason I got this though was for the figures, even if they are a little cheap. I couldn't pass up the figurines that can't be found anywhere outside this set, such as Jangles, Forgetter Paula, and my personal favorites, the Train of Thought and Bing Bong's wagon!

Check 'em in more detail:

Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear
 my busy books

 Bing Bong and his wagon rocket
 my busy books

Rainbow Unicorn, Jangles the clown and the Train of Thought
 my busy books

Forgetter Paula and Subconscious Guard Dave  
 my busy books

As seen below, the "storybook" here doesn't necessarily tell the story of Inside Out, but rather highlights each of the characters included here as figures with this set (a page about Joy, a page about Bing Bong, etc.). It does hit some points of the story, but it's extremely simplified. If you're looking for a more in depth storybook adaption of Inside Out, you'll wanna check out the Big Golden Book HERE.

my busy books
 my busy books
my busy books

All in all, I do have to say that this is a pretty fun product. It's great for little kids to keep them busy and to spark imaginative play, but it's also fun for collectors who enjoy collecting character figurines.

"My Busy Books" are produced and published by Phidal Publishing, are recommended for kids 3+ and retail for $12.99. If you're interested in picking this one up, you can currently find it in stores at Walmart, Barnes & Nobel, etc. as well as online stores like Amazon (direct link below). Have fun!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Toy Story / Luxo Jr: Ball (Pixar Studio Store)

toy story ball

The "Luxo Ball" (or as it's also known by, the "Pixar Ball") debuted in Pixar's 1986 short film Luxo Jr. (directed by John Lasseter) and has since become an instantly recognizable icon for the studio. After being prominent in the original Toy Story, it has also made brief cameo appearances in most of Pixar's feature films (and even some short films) since. At this point, fans of Disney·Pixar expect to find this "Easter Egg" with each new release and have fun trying to spot it (for a full list of where you can find the Luxo ball in each film, check out this definitive list HERE).

I remember, as I was growing up, wanting a Luxo ball of my own for the longest time. Well, in summer 2010 I got my wish when the Disney Store released their full sized version of the ball! I was so excited when I walked in the store that day and saw it, having no idea it was even out. It has since become nearly impossible to find so, needless to say, I'm so glad I snatched that one right up (see my full post on the Disney Store Luxo Ball HERE).

I then found out that there was another Luxo ball out- one exclusive to the Pixar Animation Studios employee store in Emeryville, CA (not opened to the public). I had seen it show up on eBay often, but it always sold for over $100. I was happy enough with my Disney Store version though, so I never planned on paying those high prices for the studio store version (though I wanted it). However, thanks to my good friends T.J. and Julie (from PixarPost.com), I can now say I'm the proud owner of the Pixar Studios store Luxo Ball (seen in the pictures above and below)! I'm very grateful that they picked one up for me when they attended the Inside Out press event at Pixar earlier this year; they're only $5 there at the store.

This one is smaller than the Disney Store version (it measures only about 18" in diameter), but is a more movie accurate texture (The Disney Store version is more of a kick ball texture while this one is more of a smooth rubber like in the films). Overall, they're both great for different reasons. I'm so happy and grateful to have both of them now in my collection! UPDATE: Added a third, even more movie accurate version to my collection—check it out HERE.

If you're looking to add one of these to your collection, be sure to snag one if you have the chance to go to Pixar Studios. If not, visit eBay using this direct link to view current listings. 

Good luck on the hunt! Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Would love to hear from you!

luxo jr ball
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @danthepixarfan :)

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Cars: Dinoco Lightning Mcqueen Funko POP (2015 San Diego Comic Con Exclusive)

disney cars funko

Just yesterday I posted the brand new Funko "POP!" assortment featuring your favorite Disney·Pixar Cars characters as stylized vinyl figures (see full post HERE). Well, the fun's not over yet- here is one additional character that was only available this month as a San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) exclusive...Dinoco Lightning Mcqueen! This is a rare, limited edition collector's item of just 1008 pieces.

Since this is considered a Lightning Mcqueen "variant", it's still #128 in the Disney "POP!" Funko line.

How cool is this? Like the other cars in this collection, this one has a great design, vibrant colors and some nice little details. If you're any kind of Pixar Cars fan and/or collector, than this is for you. What's so cool about the Funko "POP!" products is that they're simple enough that a baby could enjoy them, yet sophisticated enough for adult collectors to display- so whatever your age, you'll appreciate this! The limited nature of this one makes it extra cool as well.

disney cars funko
disney cars funko


The only way to get one of these now, unfortunately, is on the second hand market (you can find this typically selling for $40-$60 at this point). Check out current listings on eBay using this direct link or visit Amazon using the link below. Get it while you can!

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Cars: Funko "POP!" Collection

funko disney cars

From Funko, here we have some of the latest characters just released from their vinyl "POP!" collection... Lightning McQueen, Mater, Ramone and Doc Hudson from Pixar's Cars! These are numbers 128, 129, 130 and 131 of the "POP" Disney series

I know I say this a lot with Funko products, but the designs are extra good with this series. These cars look great in the signature "POP" cute, scrunched, stylized look! The paint jobs are vibrant and clean and the figures themselves feel solid and well made. Whether you're a kid or adult collector, if you're a Cars fan, then these are for you! They are great for play or display.

funko disney cars

When I received these, I was surprised how much cooler they are in person then in the pictures online. For example- a couple of details that stood out to me were Ramone's glitter paint job (in all the press releases photos it looks like just straight purple paint) and that the cars all have little plastic windshields that cover their eyes (again, they don't have those in the press photos).

Check each of them out below! 

Lightning McQueen
funko lightning mcqueen
funko lightning mcqueen


Mater
funko disney mater
funko mater


Ramone
funko ramone
funko ramone


Doc Hudson
funko doc hudsonfunko doc hudson

You can usually find Funko products in stores at places like Barnes & Nobel, Toys R Us, Hot Topic and Walmart. Or you can find them easily online at stores like eBay or Amazon (use the direct links below)! They typically retail for about $9.99 each.

If you're interested in seeing all the other Pixar Funko "POP!" vinyls in my collection, be sure to explore the designated label to the right. It's interesting to note that every single Pixar film is represented in this line except (you guessed it), A Bug's Life! I'm hoping for those soon- those could be really adorable.  



And be sure to check out my posts on the SDCC Exclusive Limited Edition Dinoco Lightning McQueen "POP!" HERE and the NYCC Exclusive Limited Edition Brand New Mater "POP!" HERE.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Inside Out: Hallmark Itty Bittys Collection

hallmark itty bittys

In early 2014, Hallmark stores released an adorable exclusive collection of mini stylized plush called "Itty Bittys" (based on a wide variety of popular characters from Disney, Pixar and so on). Fortunately, since I was hoping they would, they are just now releasing this fantastic Inside Out Itty Bitty assortment featuring all your favorite emotions from the film- Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust and Fear! I feel very excited to have gotten my hands on these already.

Each Itty Bitty is about 3" W x 4" H and retails for $6.95. They are quality made with super soft and vibrant materials and have some great detailing- not to mention how cute the overall designs are! Check them out in more detail below.

inside out itty bittys
inside out itty bittys
inside out itty bittys
inside out itty bittys inside out itty bittys

If you're an overall Disney (and such) fan, be sure to check out the other Itty Bittys at Hallmark. There are a lot of fun characters to collect, such as classic Disney, Disney princesses, Pixar, DC and Marvel super heroes, Frozen, Star Wars, Muppets, Winnie the Pooh, Peanuts, Wizard of Oz and more. Many more are being released often!

The first Pixar Itty Bitty characters released were Mike and Sulley. Nemo & Dory, Buzz & Woody, Merida (and now these from Inside Out) have also been released since. Which Pixar Itty Bitty characters would you like to see released? Shout it out in the comments below!

These will be available in August, so keep you eyes peeled at your local Hallmark store. They will also be available on the Hallmark website soon HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog- If you're new here, welcome! Please take time to explore my collection and enjoy. Also, you can contact me if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. Hope to hear from you soon!

hallmark itty bittys
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @danthepixarfan

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Events: Pixar Themed Pumpkin Carving (2013-2014)


This might be totally random (since it's not near Halloween time at all), but I've wanted to document our Pixar themed pumpkin carving nights for a while. Time for a throwback!

In 2013, I decided it would be fun to do some Pixar related designs when we carved our pumpkins for Halloween that year. I found some templates online and I ended choosing the Toy Story alien for my pumpkin and my wife Brita chose Mike Wazowski for hers. Note: I've always been pretty (really) bad at carving pumpkins (no shame), but I have to give Brita props for being really awesome at it. It's definitely a skill she has!

Check 'em out-
2013
pixar pumpkins
pixar pumpkins
pixar pumpkins

In 2014, we decided to continue the Pixar themed pumpkin carving. It was so fun the year before, we figured we'd try our hands at some more characters. This time, I chose Nemo and Brita did an exquisite Dory. She did such a fantastic job!

2014  
pixar pumpkins
pixar pumpin carving
pixar pumpkin carving

For this year's pumpkin carving in just a few months, we're thinking about doing Pixar once again for the third year in a row. Our plan (so far) is to do some Inside Out characters, so we'll see if that happens! How cool would a flaming Anger pumpkin look, right? Time will tell...

Thanks for dropping by and be sure to come back daily for more from my personal collection of Pixar merch and memories!

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Inside Out: Animated Talking Anger Plush

inside out anger plush

Released on May 4th, here we have the Disney Store exclusive Inside Out Animated Talking Anger! This soft plush toy stands at 9" tall and features movement and phrases. Press his left hand for his "animated" action- Anger shakes his fists in fury and says one of 13 sound bites from the film (his mouth opens and closes when he speaks as well, which is pretty cool).

His sounds include various yells and growls in addition to some of his memorable quotes such as:
  • Did I ask for that gum commercial!? 
  • I rest my case! 
  • No I don't! 
  • Don't touch me. 
  • Oh, come on!
  • Stand back! 
  • Oh, I'll show you attitude old man. 
  • You wanna piece of this pops?! Come and get it! 
  • Oh that's how you wanna play it old man? No dessert? Oh, sure...we'll eat our dinner after you eat this!! 
inside out anger plush

I have to say, this toy is just plain awesome. I love his detailed sculpt and embroidered features (as well as his cloth shirt, tie and woven herringbone pants); it's by far the best likeness of the character I've seen in a plush yet. His movements are really fun and realistic and his phrases/growls are totally hilarious (the sounds are not too loud or too quiet, which is nice). It's really top notch!

He's recommended for ages 2+, requires three AAA batteries (included) and retails for $29.95. Check him out in action on YouTube HERE (I didn't have time to make my own video review, but this one does the job).

If you're a fan of Inside Out, especially Anger in particular, than this is the toy for you! Adults and kids alike will love this. Check your local Disney Store for availability or purchase it on their website HERE. You can also purchase it on Amazon below or eBay using this direct link.

 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Inside Out: Teaser Poster

disney inside out poster

On October 2nd, 2014, Pixar released their very first teaser poster for Inside Out. The poster started off as an awesome online "motion poster" with music and was featured on a very early official site for the film. It was then also available as a high-res still image and a tangible movie poster print (size 27" X 40") soon after that (with the tagline "Meet the Little Voices Inside Your Head." and the June 19th release date). 

I've always been a fan of the poster's simple, minimalistic design and always figured I'd purchase it at some point. For my recent Inside Out themed birthday (see my full post HERE), my wife surprise me with it (doubling as a decoration and a present)! I'm thrilled to have it as part of my collection and plan on giving it a nice frame and presentation one day in my Pixar man cave.

If you're interested in snagging this poster for your collection, be sure to visit eBay or Amazon (among many other sites) to purchase. 

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Cars: Cars Land Cozy Cone Giant Eraser

cozy cone giant eraser

When I visited Cars Land at Disney's California Adventure this year (back in April, see my post HERE), I thought it would be fun to get some of the little exclusive "trinkets"/"knick knacks" for my collection to remember our great times there by. The style of many of the items there in Cars Land at the giftshops are a more "touristy" style, stuff like little snowglobes, mugs, postcards, antenna toppers, keychains, etc., to make you feel like you are visiting the real Route 66/Radiator Springs on a roadtrip (at least that's kind of how I see it, so I embraced that). Little gift shops and gas stations in small towns across the country always have those types of things.

One of the souvenirs I picked up is this cute "Disney Parks Authentic" Cozy Cone Giant Eraser! It was on sale for practically nothing (like maybe $3?), so I figured why not? For me, the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars is an iconic part of Radiator Springs and I thought this would look cool on display with my other Cars Land memorabilia.

The whole cone stands at about 5" tall and includes a removable little 1.5" Lightning Mcqueen. Both the cone and Mcqueen are pencil erasers (made of a standard synthetic rubber), though I don't know how well they actually erase.

If you're interested in picking one of these up for your collection, you can find this at Disney's California Adventure or on eBay using this direct link. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments and be sure to check back daily for more from my Pixar collection!