Cars 2: Rip Clutchgoneski

 Last fall when Mattel finally released the long awaited and delayed Rip Clutchgoneski, it was definitely the hardest car to find of the whole 2013 year! He was not a "chase" or a "super chase" car...but sure seemed like it! For months and months, this Rip sold for $40-$50 online and was extremely sought after.

My success story happened last December (when this car was still SUPER hard to find) while I was visiting my in-laws in MD for Christmas. I decided to take a little trip by myself to a couple of the local Targets and Walmarts. I found nothing. I decided to go to one last Walmart stop, that I found on the GPS just a tad out of the way, and thought it might be worth a look...and it was! There was Rip Clutchgoneski. One on the shelf. The rarest of them all. You know I snatched that one right up!

These days, Rip has been re-released in other cases and is no longer a very rare find. He currently only sells for about $8-$10, but I'm happy I found him when I did! The hunt and the find is all part of the fun of collecting and it's extra fun when you find a rare gem like this was. : )

Brave: Squinkies (Toys R US Exclusive)

Here is the Toys R Us exclusive Brave Squinkies 14 piece set! This was released last year near the release of the film.

 

If you're not familiar with Squinkies, they're just little tiny, rubbery characters that don't do much except stand there and look cute, but I like them cause they're small and stylized! They come in little plastic balls for cases which can be stored and dispensed in Squinkie dispensers (sold separately). Look for more Pixar Squinkie posts soon!  

 

This set comes with a pretty good selection of characters/accessories from Brave including: The triplets (in both human and bear forms), Fergus, Queen Elinor, The Witch, Mumbear, Angus, an archery target and two different Merida figures. 

 

  Here is an example how you can insert a figure on each of the pegs on these accessories/mini displays:

If you like Pixar's Brave and Squinkies (or just mini figures in general), this would be a great set to pick up! It's not available in stores anymore but can be relatively easy to find on eBay and Amazon for under $20 (it is on the little more rare/expensive side for Squinkies).

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Cars 2: Takeshi (Super Chase)

Back in August while I was visiting my home in CT for a few weeks, I just happened to stumble upon this Mattel "Super Chase" (meaning VERY limited quantities were made- I think just one in the case that this car was available in) car, Takeshi!

When I first arrived at the Cars section, there was nothing new or exiting...the same old ones that are always there. I walked around the toy section for a few minutes (which was unusual as I usually leave right after taking a peek at what's there) and walked past the cars again on my way out not expecting anything. Low and and behold, while I was away for those brief two minutes, someone had restocked the shelf with the latest and greatest cars...including this Super Chase Takeshi!

Takeshi appeared in Cars 2 while Mater and Mcqueen watched what seems to be the Japanese version of the TV show "Wipeout"-with cars of course (screen shot above). 

As you can see from the back of the package above, there are two other Super Chase cars available and are from the same scene as Takshi. Unfortunately, I still haven't had luck with Yukio but I'm still on the lookout every time I go to the store! If YOU have found any of these Super Chases, comment below! I like to hear you collecting success stories. 

Toy Story 3: TSC Lotso

 Here is the official Toy Story Collection (TSC) Lots-O-Huggin' Bear replica from Thinkway Toys! The Disney Store and Disney Parks have released numerous Lotso plush toys over the last few years, but this is by far the most movie accurate version out there-complete with the strawberry scent.

This Lotso though, unlike in the movie, talks when you "hug" him, has over 45 phrases and has an interactive mode (electronic features can be turned off if you'd like to use him as just a plush). See all the features on the back of the box below!

 

Here's a cool bit of Lotso trivia! In a viral marketing campaign in 2010, Pixar posted a YouTube video of a commercial for a "real" Lotso teddy bear manufactured in 1983. It looks just like a 1980's toy commercial and it's so amazing how they were able to recreate the era like that! The commercial features this Toy Story Collection Lotso and can be seen below: 

 

 Lotso has been recently re-released and can now easily be found at Toys R Us stores or online HERE for $49.99. Get it while you still can!

Cars 2: Dracula Mater

"I want to siphon your gas!" -Mater, Cars 2

Just in time for Halloween, Mattel has just released the brand new 1:55 scale diecast Dracula disguised Mater!

This is the very last car from the 2013 "Mater Collection" (6 out of 6) and has been long awaited...

As always, Mattel has done a fantastic job capturing all the little details from the film.

I found this one at my local Kmart, so it may be worth dropping by yours to see if you can track this one down!

Toy Story 3: Chatter Telephone

Here we have the Toy Story 3 Talking Chatter Telephone from Fisherprice! This item was released in 2010-2011and was available at most toy stores and the Disney Store. I was thrilled when I saw that they had made an official movie version of the character! 

Of course, the original, vintage Chatterphone is more movie accurate, but I really like this one mainly because it's electronic and includes his voice and lines straight from the film! 

In addition to the phone's voice, it also includes movie lines from Buzz, Woody and Rex as well. Which voice you get depends on where you start spinning the dial. 

 

There are 21 different phrases in all plus the features of the original version-such as moving eyes and squeak noises when you roll him back and forth.

Check out the brief video below to see him in action:
 

This toy is not currently available in stores but is easy to find on eBay or Amazon for about $30 or less! Definitely grab one if you can...it will be a great addition to your Toy Story collection.

Toy Story: TSC Buzz Lightyear

Since 1995, I would be confidant to say that there has probably been more full scale versions of Buzz Lightyear released than any other character from the Toy Story films...

"Interstellar Buzz Lightyear" (all clear/see through version), "Intergalactic Buzz Lightear" (all silver/chrome version), "Rescue Gear Buzz Lightyear" (all grey version), "Power Up Buzz Lighteyear" (light up version) "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command" (style from the TV series version), "Power Boost Buzz Lightyear" (a clear, all green version), "Stars and Stripes Buzz Lightyear" (patriotic red, white and blue version), "Power Blaster Buzz Lightyear" (equip with a giant blaster and shield), "Blast off Buzz Lightyear" (with rocket SFX), "Karate Action Buzz Lightyear" (with karate chop action), "Hawaiian Vacation Buzz Lightyear", "Interactive Buddy Buzz Lightyear" (2-pack with Woody in which they interact with each other), and "Spanish Speaking Buzz Lightyear" (with Spanish voice, sounds and appearance)...

Then there's of course the more film inspired versions including: the original 1995 film inspired Buzz Lightyear, the latest/most current  Disney Store Talking 12" Buzz Lightyear Action Figure and the 2 "Toy Story Signature Collection Buzz Lightyear" versions (the regular, shown here as part of my collection and the utility belt variation which I don't have). 

Phew! 17 listed right there and I'm sure I didn't even to all of them!  If you know of any I missed, let me know in an email or in the comments below.

Anyway, let's get to what this post is all about...My Toy Story Collection Buzz Lightyear! This was only the second Buzz I've ever owned (after the original 1995 version).

This is such an awesome replica and it's SO close to be the definitive version! Unfortunately, even though this is advertised as being THE Buzz from movie, there are still just a couple key features missing here (which I'll talk about more later). Nonetheless, this is the Buzz you need and is the most accurate to date.

First off, let's start with the package. This is the only Buzz out there that comes in a box that is movie inspired. The box is almost an exact replica, from the cardboard wings (which come inside the box, you need to attach them yourself) to the classic image and quote of cartoon Buzz on the back! Make sure if you open your Buzz, do it carefully from the bottom. You'll want to be sure to save this box to add to your collection.
 

 

 Movie accurate details included: 

• Glows in the dark
• Wings pop out with flashing lights on the tips
• Key phrases from the film activated by pressing buttons on chest
• Flashing laser and correct sound effects 
•  Wrist communicator opens

Movie details not included:

• No Karate chop action 
• Facial expression a bit different 
• Helmet does not "swoosh" back with the press of a button and does not open all the way

Thanks to Thinkway, this Buzz is now available again in stores after its re release a couple months ago. It retails for about $65 and is easy to find at Toys R Us or Amazon. Get it while you have the chance...it may be gone again soon and become hard to find.

The Buzz is worth every cent of the higher price tag as it's a fantastic quality and very durable. It's extremely detailed and comes with a certificate of authenticity-assuring you that you have the most film inspired/accurate Buzz on the market. I can't recommend it enough!

As mentioned earlier, there is another version of this same Toy Story Collection Buzz that I don't have and it was available in wave 2. It's exactly the same Buzz only this time, with his "New Utility Belt" as seen in Toy Story 2. Other than the light up belt with sounds and the "New Utility Belt" sticker on the front of the package, everything else stayed the same. I didn't get it because it was hard to spend that $65 on something I pretty much already have...now it sells for about $300!

The next best, most movie accurate Buzz out there right now (in my opinion) is the current one from the Disney Store. This one is only $25 and is a great alternative to the Toy Story Collection one. In fact, it might even be worth getting both like I did! It's worth it as this one has the long awaited "karate chop action!" It also glows in the dark, has the voice simulator, opening wrist communicator, firing laser and pop out wings with light up tips. It even has a helmet "swoosh" action by pressing the button on the side (even though it still doesn't go all the way back-still stops half way).

This Disney Store one pretty much has all of what the Toy Story Collection version has and more, so it might be worth picking up even if you already have the TSC one. The main difference between the 2 is the quality. The Disney Store version is, again, only $25 so you know it will be made a little cheaper (I do hear it breaks easily if you're not careful as opposed to the TSC one which is much more durable).   

On a final note, I have to pay respects to the very first, original 1995 version of Buzz. This was the very first Toy Story toy I got when I was five years old. Unfortunately, he's the only one of my originals that eventually broke so, sadly, I don't have him anymore to show here on the blog. AH! He's been replaced! My poor original Buzz must be heartbroken ; ) Anyway here is an image I found on Google of what the original Buzz looked liked-package and all: 

 

This Buzz did not have karate chop action, a swooshing helmet, an opening wrist communicator OR movie accurate size/light up wings (as seen in the picture, they were actually quite small and stubby). As you can tell, this Buzz was missing a lot of features from the film (and I even recognized that as a little kid) but I still loved him.

Monsters University: Notebook

Yesterday, I received my free Monsters University notebook/journal from Disney Movie Rewards! It's still available as a reward but hurry as it might not last long. It's 900 points to get it for free or you can pay shipping and get it for 720 points. If you have some extra points that you've been saving to use, this is the item to use them on! It's not every day that DMR gets a reward this cool...plus it's normally $15 at The Disney Store website, so it's a real steal!
 

This is a fantastic notebook and I'm super happy I went for it. It's really well made with a simplistic design, which I really like. Fun Fact: The 1313 below the MU logo is the year that Monsters University was founded.

Here is the official description from Disney Movie rewards:

Open the door to Monster-Sized creativity with Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University Notebook. The book contains 100 lined pages of 60# stock, a ribbon page marker, elastic closure and turned leatherette cover, featuring the official Monsters University logo.

To order yours now, visit this link.

 This notebook was released about a year ago on the MonstersUniversity.com/edu website (check it out if you haven't before!) long before we knew much about the film. The website was part of Pixar's awesome marketing campaign where they advertised MU as if it was an actual school. It was our first little glimpse into the film and even though there wasn't anything about the actual movie on there, it was still super exciting! 

Of course, with any official university website, a campus store is a must have...so that's what they created! The store includes simple items (like this notebook) that sport the MU logo and are meant to show off your MU pride such as mugs, a hat, glass tumbler, pennant, car window decal, license plate cover, composition book, class rings, backpack and a variety of different shirts. 

Check out the store HERE.

Looking back I'm surprised I didn't jump on these and get at least some of these items! This is my first one. Luckily, they are still available (well most of the items are-the hat unfortunately is sold out. Bummer! I should have gotten that one.) and are even now available to purchase at The Disney Store website as well.    

Thanks for checking out today's post-more to come so check back soon!

Toy Story of Terror: Soundtrack

 You know how it's easy to wake up early if there's something exciting happening (like Christmas morning)? That's how it was for me today when I woke up at 6:15 and almost immediately jumped right out of bed so I could go download the brand new Toy Story of Terror soundtrack! The score is by Michael Giacchino (if that name sounds familiar it's because he's no stranger to Pixar films-he's done the memorable music for The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Cars 2 and the short films One Man Band and La Luna), includes 12 tracks, clocks in at 21 minutes (almost the entire length of the show), and is $7.99 on Itunes and Amazon.

Possible SPOILERS below if you're trying to avoid any info on tomorrow's special:

The score starts off with "The Suspension is Killing Me." It's a fast pace suspense piece with some purposely cheesy (for lack of a better term) church organ and synthesizer "ghost wailing" sounds (that sound almost like a retro throwback to 50's sci-fi). It definitely set the tone for this spooky, yet humorous, Halloween special. I liked it! Can't wait to see the story all come together tomorrow night!

The music is solid all the way through. It has the classic scary elements that make up horror film scores-such as high pitch strings, slow/mysterious/suspense building cues and orchestra hits meant to make you jump..But it really started to make a big impression when we're introduced to the Combat Carl/Hero Theme in "The Ballad of Combat Carl." The theme is introduced subtly at the :58 second mark and is reprised in every track after (in even bigger ways). I'm exited to see what Carl's story is all about!

The heroic theme mentioned gets it's 1st full, if brief, rendition starting with "Iguna Be Kidding Me" at the 1:16 mark. So cool! It's definitely memorable and I've been whistling it ever since. I can tell it will add such a cool feeling to the show.

I feel the strongest/my favorite tracks are: "The Ballad of Combat Carl" (introduces the awesome main theme), "Iguana Be Kidding Me" (great action piece and uses the main theme again-but bigger), "Nobody Puts Jessie in the Box" (with some great emotion using swelling strings), "World's Worst Curtain Call" (adds the heart you expect in a Pixar film and even includes a brief call back to, what I call, the Woody's finest hour theme from Toy Story 2) and "FedExit" (an epic reprise of the main theme).

This is a great soundtrack and I'm so happy Pixar and Michael Giacchino decided to release it. It's not a usual thing to get a soundtrack from a TV special or a short. I can't recommend it enough if you're into movie scores like I am.

 

Toy Story 3: TSC Mr. Pricklepants

Today I present the Toy Story 3 Mr. Pricklepants plush replica from Wave 3 of the Toy Story Collection (TSC)!

 Who doesn't love Mr. Pricklepants? His story telling skills and classic over the top thespian personality, despite little screen time, brought so much humor to the Toy Story franchise. I look forward to seeing more of him this Wednesday as one of the main stars in the Toy Story of Terror Halloween special!

Pricklepants here is one of three Bonnie's toys released in the Toy Story Collection line (following Buttercup and Dolly-if only we could get an official Trixie, we'd have the whole gang!). The first thing that may stand out to you is the fantastic packaging design that Thinkway created. Of course, we don't see his packaging in the film, but this is what the creators imagined the box to this toy would have looked liked when originally purchased by Bonnie. Take a look at more pics of the package below...lots of details! I especially love the front window with the opening curtains:
 

Pricklepants, as with all the Toy Story Collection replicas, comes with a certificate of authenticity and sells for about $30. He was released in late 2011/early 2012 but was re-released at Toys R Us just recently. So if you missed him at first, now is your chance to get him again! I would definitely encourage making a store run to track him down-you won't be disappointed.   

The plush himself is perfectly movie accurate and is far superior in make and quality (In my opinion, but many might not see a huge difference) to the Disney Store plush version of him released-seen below (image from Google):

 

Thanks once again for stopping by and keep checking back for daily updates!

Toy Story 2: Wheezy Plush

Here is the Toy Story plush Wheezy sold exclusively at the Disney Parks! Wheezy is one of those characters that I'm really surprised hasn't seen an official replica release. He would be just about the simplest toy to make! Here's hoping Disney, Thinkway or Mattel makes him soon. 

SO, in order to have Wheezy represented in my Toy Story collection for the time being, I went for the next best thing which is this plush. It's a little big compared to his actual film size and, of course, this one is a plush/soft toy instead of a rubber toy, but hey! I like it...and he does squeak which matters most! See the video below:

 

If you have watched the Toy Story 2 2005 DVD release introduction by John Lasseter, you will notice that he has with him, a very movie accurate, to size, rubber Wheezy squeak toy. Like many of you probably wondered...where did that come from and how do I get it?! Unfortunately, that Wheezy is extremely difficult to track down and is one of the top three hardest to find Toy Story toys. 

From what I could find in my research, that Wheezy was available only for a brief time at the Disney Store overseas in 1999 (limited to the European and Japan markets). Apparently, again from what I've heard, it was also available at select shows of Toy Story 2 "On Ice" (again, over seas). A picture can be seen below *image found on Google*:

 

Here is one lucky YouTuber that has the Wheezy and his original 1999 packaging. See it in action in this video from user "Josh Cali".

 

Which Wheezy do you have? Comment below if you have the plush or one you're one of the lucky few that have the Toy Story 2 on ice version! I'm interested to know.

If you would like the plush version, it's easy to find on eBay and the Disney Parks. Online it sells for only about $15-$20.

If you're looking for the Disney Store/On Ice version, that will be much more difficult and much more expensive. There is one currently on eBay with a starting bid of $100 and is not even in good condition (has lots of scrapes and scuff marks).

Good luck on the hunt! I'll continue to believe that we'll eventually get a Wheezy that isn't a 1999 souvenir from an on ice show...and you'll be the first to know when I know.   

Cars 2: Waiter Mater

A brand new Deluxe diecast release from Mattel, Waiter Mater! He's the very last car (11/11) from the 2013 "Wheel Well Motel" series.

As seen in the screen shot above, this Mater is straight from the scene in Cars 2 where Mater disguises himself as a waiter in order spend more time with his best pal, Lightning Mcqueen.

 Great detailing and great facial expression. Love his little tray, glasses and towel hanging off. Mattel did an especially good job on this one! You'll definitely want to pick this one up. He's available now (I found this one at Kmart) so go check your local stores to see if they have any in stock!