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Monday, December 30, 2019

Toy Story: Pixar Backstage Sketchbook Review (D23 Expo 2019 Exclusive—LE 200)

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

One of the main things I was looking forward to at this year's D23 Expo was having the opportunity to shop at the convention's Disney Store and bring home some exclusive Pixar goodies. It was no small task getting in there (which required waiting all night in line), but we did it! I was able to get everything I hoped for and more. Some items, like this amazing Toy Story "Pixar Animation Studios Backstage Sketchbook", I had no idea about going in. As soon as I saw it sitting there in the store, however, it became an instant must-have. It was such a pleasant surprise!

This 8" x 14" hardbound canvas covered sketchbook is beautifully made and filled with concept art, storyboards and color scripts from the first three Toy Story films—as well as many blank pages (some with storyboard templates) for your very own original sketches! Yes, much of the art presented in this book has been previously released in other publications over the years, but never like this. As you'll notice below, some of the art even has "pop-up"/3D and interactive elements to it (like pull tabs and flaps)! It's all fantastic. Plus, this is a limited edition of only 200 units made, which makes it even more desirable for collectors such as myself.

Before taking a peek inside, I have to mention the perfect cover design. I love the "Toy Story blue" color, the iconic Toy Story clouds, the silhouettes of Buzz & Woody and the elastic closure band. It's all so simple and minimal, which is a style I'm really drawn to when it comes to art and products like this.

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

Upon opening, you'll first notice that the endpapers feature Andy's cloud wallpaper—yet another perfect detail.

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

Inside, as mentioned, you'll find lots of stunning Toy Story pre-production art (mostly from the first film, but two and three are represented as well) from Pixar artists Bud Luckey, Bob Pauley, Matthew Luhn, Pete Docter, Ralph Eggleston, Steve Johnson, Adrian Molina, Robert Kondo and many more.  Take a look at a selection of pages down below!

My only wish is that the book credited the artists' work, as the "Art of" books do.

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

Original retail price for this there at the 2019 D23 Expo's Disney Store was $79.95.

For all you diehard Pixar fans out there, particularly those who are aspiring artists, I can't recommend this sketchbook enough. I'm no sketch artist myself (to be honest, I can't draw to save my life), but I love art, filmmaking and any behind the scenes content I can get my hands on (especially when it comes to Pixar); so this book inspires me and fuels my creativity nonetheless. It represents so much of what I love about Pixar and the history of the studio. And who knows? Maybe my son Aidan will get the "artist gift" and use this book to sketch in one day.

Let me know all your thoughts and any questions you might have down in the comments! If you're interested in snagging this online, your best bet would be eBay. I've included a direct link to current listings below.

eBay—Pixar Backstage Sketchbook (D23 Expo 2019 Exclusive)

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Cars 3: Michael Rotor

Cars 3 Michael Rotor diecast

Hi Disney·Pixar Cars fans— Tonight I'm taking a quick look at another Cars 3 Mattel 1:55 scale diecast from my collection...Michael Rotor (part of this year's "Next-Gen Piston Cup Racers" sub-series)! This character was first available in a Piston Cup 11-Pack at the beginning of the year before being released on the card you see here as a 2019 single later on in the spring (also released again recently in 2020 packaging; single and 2-pack).

As shown in the screen shot above, Michael is one of the next-generation racers seen participating in the film's climatic Florida 500 race. He is sponsored by View Zeen (racing no. 39) and replaces stock car Buck Bearingly (who, in turn, had replaced Ryan Shields).

Cars 3 Michael Rotor diecast

If you're still looking to add this one to your Cars collection, be sure to check your nearest Walmart or Target for availability. If you'd rather just pick up Michael online, I've included an Amazon link below for your convenience.

Best of luck on the hunt!

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Toy Story 4: Pancake Molds/Stencils Set & Forky Scraper (by Pampered Chef)

toy story 4 kitchen pampered chef

Take your breakfast to infinity and beyond with these Disney·Pixar Toy Story 4 pancake molds/stencils set and scraper from Pampered Chef!  If your kids haven't gotten into cooking quite yet, this could be a game changer. I mean, what Toy Story fan (young or old) wouldn't want pancakes in the shape of their favorite characters? This is a fun way for parents and kids to bond in the kitchen while making some delicious and creative food.

First up, we have this Toy Story 4 scraper/baking spatula featuring everyone's favorite spork—Forky! This scraper is 12.5" long, has a silicone head with rounded edges and a quality bamboo handle. It feels sturdy and well made overall!

Details:
  • Perfect for mixing ingredients for pancakes, cake batter, cookie dough, and more
  • Head is heat-safe to 482°F
  • Hand wash only
Forky Scraper—$19.00 
(on sale now for only $12.00)
toy story 4 kitchen pampered chef
toy story 4 kitchen pampered chef

Next up, check out these awesome pancake molds featuring the iconic shapes of a Pizza Planet Alien, Buzz Lightyear and Woody! Once cooked, place the character stencil on top of the corresponding pancake shape and generously sift powered sugar or cocoa powder over the stencil; then carefully lift the stencil straight up to reveal your masterpiece! It doesn't get much better than combining kitchen and Disney magic. Full instructions are included to help you get the best result (see the final effect HERE).

Details:
  • Molds are about 5"-6" in size
  • Easy to use— molds have long tabs to keep your hands away from heat as you release food
  • Thick foot ring that conforms to your pan and keeps the batter from leaking out the sides
  • Molds are heat-safe to 450°F
  • Stencils are not heat-safe
  • You can also use the stencils to decorate plain or frosted cakes, cupcakes, brownies or cookies
  • Molds and stencils are dishwasher-safe
 Pancake Molds & Stencils Set— $20.00
(on sale now for only $13.00)
 toy story 4 kitchen pampered chef
toy story 4 kitchen pampered chef

A big thank you to Pampered Chef for this phenomenal gift! These were given to me during the Walt Disney World Toy Story 4 press event I attended back in June. I'm really excited to use them soon...and especially once Aidan grows up a bit! Breakfast will be so much fun to prepare as a family using all this.

toy story 4 kitchen pampered chef

If you're interested in purchasing any of these items, visit Pampered Chef's website HERE (for the Forky scraper) and HERE (for the molds/stencils set). There's also a really cute Hamm pancake flipper as part of this collection as well (which you can buy HERE). Get it all together in one value breakfast set HERE!

Let me know all your thoughts down below. Have you picked up anything from Pampered Chef's Toy Story 4 collection? I'd love to hear your experience.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Monday, December 23, 2019

Cars 3: Bob Cutlass

cars 3 bob cutlass diecast

Tonight I'm going to briefly document another Cars 3 Mattel 1:55 scale diecast released earlier this year...Bob Cutlass (part of the 2019 "Florida 500" sub-series)! As shown in the screen shot above, Bob Cutlass is a Piston Cup announcer for RSN (Racing Sports Network) seen alongside Darrell Cartrip. The character originally appeared in the first Cars film, but then was absent from Cars 2 for whatever reason. It was fun to see him back for Cars 3, seen several times throughout the film (mainly during the races at the beginning and end of the film).

The original diecast of Bob, based on his appearance in the first film, was released back in 2007 and then many times since (I got mine in a 10-pack later on, but he was also available in single packs and other multi-packs over the years). This here is the first ever release of Bob as he appears in Cars 3 and, as you can tell, he looks just a little different. He now sports the RSN logo on both sides and Mattel gave him a much lighter paint job (which honestly looks more blue than gray/silver).

cars 3 bob cutlass diecast

FUN FACT: Bob is based on the real life racing announcer, Bob Costas.

If you're still looking for this diecast for your collection, you can still sometimes spot him at either Target or Walmart. I've also included an Amazon link below (as usual) for your convenience. Happy hunting! Let me know your thoughts down below.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Toy Story 4: Little People Collection (by Fisher-Price)

fisher price toy story 4 little people review

I absolutely love "Little People" toys by Fisher-Price. They're colorful, sturdy, have fantastic play value and will spark your little one's imagination for hours upon hours. Timeless is the best word I can use to describe them. You name a life experience, there's a Little People set for it: schools, zoos, houses, farms, safaris, construction sites, airplanes and other vehicles...the list goes on. When Fisher-Price introduced Toy Story inspired Little People sets to the mix back in 2012 (RC and Buzz's Spaceship), I was absolutely thrilled. I purchased them right away and have been saving them for my future kids ever since. Well, the future is NOW! Our baby boy Aidan is just over a week old and I already can't wait for him to start playing with toys. He still has to grow up a bit though, as Little People are recommended for kids ages 1-5 years old.

Earlier this year, several NEW Toy Story Little People sets were released; this time based on characters and locations from Toy Story 4! I was so thrilled once again to add them to my collection and am happy to finally have the time to document them here on the blog for you today. 

FERRIS WHEEL 
$19.99—Includes/requires 2 AA batteries
First up, there's the Ferris Wheel playset—obviously inspired by the film's iconic carnival setting. This one comes with Woody and Ducky figures and features cute fair style music when you spin the Ferris wheel using the yellow crank. There's even a "Little People" version of a strong man game; press down on the lever and watch the "weight" fly to the top! Figures looking to go for a ride can sit in any of the three passenger cars. This thing is absolutely adorable. 

fisher price toy story 4 little people review
fisher price toy story 4 little people review

7 FRIENDS PACK
$19.99 
Of course you'll need to flesh out the Little People Toy Story world with more characters! This "7 Friends Pack" includes Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep, Bunny, Forky, Rex and the same Woody and Ducky that came with the Ferris Wheel set. I opted in to get this pack, but you can also get them in 4-packs and 2-packs. I love the designs of these guys...they're perfectly stubby and cute! 

fisher price toy story 4 little people review
fisher price toy story 4 little people review

JESSIE'S CAMPGROUND ADVENTURE
$24.49
Last but not least, we have the epic "Jessie's Campground Adventure" set (inspired by Bonnie's family's RV; again one of the main locations in the film). This transforming vehicle/playset comes with Jessie and Buzz Lightyear figures and opens up to reveal all sorts of fun!

Turn the "discovery button" near the picnic table to switch back and forth between a board game and a watermelon snack (watch Buttercup and Dolly dance, too). You can also pop open the cooler and discover other camping supplies around the RV. The Little People friends can go to sleep in the RV beds and even look out the window at the mesmerizing lights of the carnival. Kids will especially love searching for all their favorite Toy Story 4 pals, which can be spotted all over the inside of the RV. Can they find Trixie, Forky, Slinky, Dolly, Hamm, Buttercup, Rex and Bullseye?

fisher price toy story 4 little people review fisher price toy story 4 little people review

If your "little person" is anywhere in the range of 1-5 years old, these are the perfect toys for them. They are the best introductory Toy Story toys out there for young fans! With Christmas right around the corner, I can't recommend these enough. You can find them currently at Target, Walmart, Kohl's or Amazon using the links below. Be sure to leave me all your thoughts down in the comment section!

NOTE: New versions of Buzz's Spaceship and RC (almost exactly the same as the original 2012 releases, just with minor upgrades) were also released this year. I've only seen them at Kohl's, but they could also be available elsewhere. I won't be getting them since I already have the originals, but I definitely wanted to let you know in case you missed them.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Cars 3: "Fan Favorites" Team 95 Mater

mater with piston cup trophy hat

As part of Mattel's Cars 3 Target exclusive "Fan Favorites" sub-line (released over the summer), here we have the 1:55 scale diecast of Team 95 Mater! This little secondary collection is separate from the main line and is made up of both canon and non-canon versions of some of our favorite characters (as usual, I collected only the "canon" characters—or in other words, the ones that actually appeared on screen in the film). Other than Mater here, this wave also features:
  • Team 95 and 51 Maddy McGear (Canon)
  • Dinoco Cruz Ramirez with tool cart (Canon)
  • Team 51 Ramone (Non-Canon
  • Team 95 Sarge (Non-Canon)
  • Team 95 and 51 Sheriff (Non-Canon)
Gotta love all Mater's hats, right? As shown in the screenshot above, Mater is seen wearing this oversized Piston Cup trophy hat at the end of Cars 3 during the climactic Florida 500 race. Yes, relative to Mater's size, you can tell that the hat is much bigger in the film. I think this should have been a deluxe size diecast release with the proper sized hat, but this off-scale version gets the point across just fine I suppose.

mater with piston cup trophy hat

You can also find this "Fan Favorites" version of Mater in a Target exclusive 4-pack (seen HERE). Pick up this and any of the "Fan Favorites" collection at your local Target today! They're all still surprisingly pretty easy to find in stores, but I've also included a direct Amazon link below for your convenience.

Happy hunting!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Inside Out: Animator's Collection Littles Bing Bong (Wave 10)

Inside Out Animator's Collection Littles Bing Bong

The Disney Store's "Animator's Collection Littles" is a series of blind boxes (as seen above; shaped like a stubby pencil) featuring toddler-esque stylized micro figures of many of your favorite Disney/Pixar characters! As of right now, there have been 11 waves in this series since the collection began in December 2017. Bing Bong here, gifted to me recently by one of my good friends, was part of wave 10 earlier this year. Isn't he too cute?? Though I haven't collected these blind boxes on my own, this was the perfect one for me to get given how much I enjoy Inside Out and love this character.

What's really neat about the blind boxes in this collection is that the cases are stackable! The bottom of each pencil-shaped case is essentially one big window. Turn the case on its side, place the figure inside and start stacking (two connectors are included with each figure). The more you collect/stack, the cooler your display will look! I'm all about finding new ways to display figures (especially ones this tiny), so I thought that was a pretty unique and clever aspect.

Inside Out Animator's Collection Littles Bing Bong

For being so small, Bing Bong here has some fantastic detailing—I'm really impressed with his sculpt and paint application. He is just under two inches in size and I should note that he does not have any articulation. Each Animator's Littles blind box retails for $4.95.

Inside Out Animator's Collection Littles Bing Bong

There are two other Inside Out characters in this wave: Toddler Riley and Rainbow Unicorn (which I might need to track down now). There are also characters from Frozen and Alice and Wonderland if you're interested in them as well. Each figure comes with a checklist to help you keep track of all the "littles" in your collection.

Inside Out Animator's Collection Littles Bing Bong

Have you purchased any of these blind boxes over the last couple years? Who'd you get? Any particular favorites? Let me know your thoughts on this collection down below!

Monday, December 9, 2019

Toy Story 4: Hallmark Jessie & Rex Decoupage Ornaments (Target Exclusives)

toy story 4 target decoupage ornaments

Back in the fall of 2013, Hallmark began releasing some adorably stylized "shatterproof" decoupage Christmas tree ornaments for kids at stores like Target, Walmart and [at the time] Toys R Us. Characters from all sorts of different properties were represented, but the majority were characters from Disney/Pixar/Star Wars/ Marvel films. The line proved to be super popular and has returned, as well as expanded, every year since! It's always so fun, come around November, when Target puts out their Christmas stuff and I get to see which new characters have been developed. I had a feeling we'd see some new Toy Story characters this year...and what do you know!? Today I'm taking a look at the newly released Toy Story 4 Jessie and Rex ornaments.

There haven't been any new Toy Story characters in this line since the original Buzz and Woody, so these two make fantastic additions to the collection. Jessie looks absolutely adorable and I don't know if Rex (one of my all-time favorites) has ever looked cuter! I just love the style of these little guys. Both of these are very lightweight, stand at about 4" tall, retail for $7.00 and are Target exclusives. You can buy them in stores or online right now.

Take a closer look below!

JESSIE
toy story 4 target decoupage ornaments jessie toy story 4 target decoupage ornaments jessie


REX
toy story 4 target decoupage ornaments rex
toy story 4 target decoupage ornaments rex

Also released this year were new versions of both Buzz and Woody. Since I already have the originals, I didn't feel the need to purchase these ones as well—but I still wanted to document them here. They are very cute (I honestly probably like these new designs better than the first edition versions), so definitely snag them before they're gone if you're interested! These ones are available at Target as well, but are not Target exclusives. They have been spotted elsewhere, like at Five Below (for just $5).

One thing I have to note is that I'm shocked they didn't make Forky in this decoupage style! He would have looked perfect and would have been super popular this year, I'm sure.

toy story 4 buzz and woody decoupage ornaments

Side Note- As a massive Star Wars fan, I've also been collecting all of those characters from this line as well. Check them out HERE and HERE as featured on my Star Wars collection Instagram page.

Be sure to view all my previous posts on this ornament collection HERE. The only Pixar ones I'm missing now from past years (before I started collecting these ornaments) are Mater from Cars, Sulley (regular Monsters Inc. version) and Joy, Sadness, Disgust & Anger from Inside Out. I still hope to track them down somehow. 

disney target decoupage ornaments
Target Christmas Ornament Section 2019

I've been saving all these over the years to decorate a Pixar/Star Wars Christmas tree for my son Aidan one day. I thought his own little tree with these would look really cute in his room—that is if he's into what I'm into ;) By the way, we're now five days past his due date so he's gotta arrive any day now!

As usual, please leave any comments or questions you might have in the comment section down below. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Pixar Studios Short Films Tsum Tsum Set (D23 Expo 2019 Exclusive—LE 1000)

pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

Two years ago, at the 2017 D23 Expo, ShopDisney released a convention exclusive Tsum Tsum boxed set featuring the first ever Pixar Short Film inspired Tsums (view blog post HERE). As a fan/collector of Tsum Tsums and all Pixar Short Film related merch, I was absolutely thrilled about this release. Flash forward to this year's expo back in August and, to my surprise, a SECOND Short Films Tsum Tsum boxed set was released and once again only available at the convention's Disney Store. The news of this set dropped the night before the expo started (while I was in the car driving there with my friends, actually) and I knew right away that I would not be leaving the expo without it. We had already planned to camp out overnight in order to make it into the Disney Store there to buy merchandise, but now there was no question.

Long story short, we did end up staying in line all night long, we did make it into the Disney Store early the next morning and we did buy all the merch we were hoping for! This was my personal #1 must-have and I'm excited to finally have the chance to review it here today.  

pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

The release of this previously unannounced set was an extra cool surprise, not only because we get more amazing Pixar Short Film inspired Tsum Tsums to go with the first set, but because the Tsum Tsum line hadn't seen a U.S. release in quite some time (the last Pixar related release was Monsters University last August). This was such a fun and unexpected little comeback for Tsums, as brief as it was. As a long time Tsum Tsum collector, it was just so nice to see a new Pixar release for the first time in over year.

This set a limited edition of only 1000 and includes seven characters from seven Pixar Short Films: Bao from Bao, Dante from Dante's Lunch, Geri from Geri's Game, Sanjay from Sanjay's Super Team, Knick the snowman from Knick Knack, Tinny from Tin Toy and Bambino from La Luna! Original retail price was $54.95.

pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

How adorable are these?! As far as Tsum Tsums go, they don't get much cuter. Like usual, my favorite details are the little film inspired details on their sides and underbellies, like the chess board on Geri, the stars on Bambino and the accordion underneath Tinny. I also think it's funny that they gave Geri some redness on his nose, just like the character has in the short. Such a specific little touch!

pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

Take a closer look at each one below!

BAO
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

DANTE'S LUNCH
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

GERI'S GAME
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

SANJAY'S SUPER TEAM
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

KNICK KNACK
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

TIN TOY
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

LA LUNA
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo
pixar short films tsum tsums 2019 d23 expo

One thing I have to note; I thought Dante from Dante's Lunch was a funny one to include here, since I never really considered that an official "Pixar Short Film" (I always thought of it more as a teaser). Maybe the title character from Lou or one of the aliens from Lifted would have been a better choice? Regardless, it's a super cute Tsum, I just had to throw that out there. Let me know if you agree! Do you consider Dante's Lunch an official short?

Last question—which one is your favorite from this set? I think I'd have to say Tinny, but the snowman from Knick Knack is a close second. And, though he's certainly not the cutest one, I do have to give a shout out to Geri from Geri's Game because there is virtually no merch out there for that film outside of a couple pins! This Tsum Tsum is literally my first and only piece of Geri's Game merch I own after 21 years.

If you're looking to add this set to your collection, you can grab it on eBay using THIS DIRECT LINK. Let me know all your thoughts down in the comments!