Day & Night: Book

 This has to be one of the nicest of the books Pixar has released and is based one of my top favorite shorts. From Chronicle Books Publishing, here we have the beautiful hardcover picture book of Day & Night written and illustrated by the short film's director, Teddy Newton!

I'm a big fan of when Pixar releases books based on their short films and, needless to say, I jumped on this one as soon as I saw it. This book was released in 2010 to coincide with the film's release alongside Toy Story 3 in theaters.

It's kind of fun to have words written for this book since the short film doesn't have any dialog (or at least none spoken by the main characters). While this book version lacks the full strength of the film, it's still a fun summary of a genius story with great pictures. 

The book is 32 pages and is 8.2 x 8.3 inches in size. Here are some of the fun pages to expect:

 

 On the back there is also a quote by the man himself, John Lasseter, praising the film for its cleverness, originality and message.
 

 In addition, there was a YouTube video released that features director/author Teddy Newton talking about some of what was involved with making his film into a book.

You can pick this up on Amazon or on eBay below: 

Pixar's Day & Night Hardcover Book

I definitely recommend this book to any Pixar fan. Pick one up today!

Monsters University: OK Toddler Shirt

Another one of my Christmas surprises from my parents this past year was this toddler size (2-3 years) version of the Disney Store Monsters University OK (Oozma Kappa) shirt that I have! Now me and my future little guy can be matching MU fans someday. 

This was an awesome little unexpected treat. My parents tied it with a Christmas ribbon (seen above) and put it inside my Monsters University luggage gift (also for my future son/kids) alongside the tickets they got me for my wife and I to go to Pixar in Concert! I can't thank them enough for all the Pixar magic they always hook me up with. This was such a fun idea!
 

All sizes of this shirt have since sold out at the Disney Store and, surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be any up on eBay either. Keep checking though, some might come up.

Thanks, as always, for visiting and supporting my blog! Be sure to check back daily for even more items from my Pixar collection.

Wall-E: The Intergalactic Guide

Yup, here's another "Essential Guide" book! This time though, since based on Wall-E, DK publishing decided to be a little creative by calling it the "Intergalactic Guide" instead. 

These books always chock-full of lots of fun info about characters, plot points, props, fun trivia ("Did you know?" facts), quotes, stats and much more! They are definitely geared more to a younger crowed, but I still say they're great for learning so many simple things about the films that you might not get from just watching them. They're just as fun for adults, or at least I speak for myself. I especially like this one since I really don't have very many items from Wall-E.

This book is hardcover and has 48 quality, insightful, colorful pages.

 

If you're a Wall-E fan, I definitively recommend picking this up. You can find it on Amazon or eBay below: 

Wall-E: The Intergalactic Guide

 You can find an "Essential Guide" for every Pixar film except A Bug's Life.

Check out my "Books" label to the right the explore my growing collection of Pixar books and to see more of the Essential Guides that I own. More to come!

Thanks for visiting today's post and be sure to check back daily for more items from my Pixar collection.  

Cars 2: Wheel Well Guido

 Here is "Wheel Well Guido," another fun brand new Mattel 2014 diecast release! This one even includes the bar counter and sign (as seen in the Cars 2 screen shot above), continuing Mattel's latest trend of including additional accessories with the cars. Interestingly though, there is an obvious error with this release. For whatever reason, Mattel decided to have the "Team Lightning Mcqueen" sign be written in Spanish, rather than English. The question on many collectors' minds is, why? 

Also, this Guido doesn't include his bow tie as seen in his picture on the package. However, there was a Guido with bow tie released last year included in the Guido (with shakers and glasses) and Luigi 2-pack, based on the same scene.

This Guido has just been released as part of "Case Y" and is showing up at retail all over. I found this one at Walmart, so definitely go check yours to see if you can track him down if you're still looking!
 

If you're having a hard time finding him at retail, you can pick him up at Amazon or eBay below:

Cars 2: Wheel Well Guido

Thanks for dropping by and be sure to check back daily for more!

Monsters Inc: "Fright Pack" Blind Bag Mini Figures- PAGE UPDATE

Today's post is, for me, a very exciting page update! I was finally able to track down the last three Monsters Inc. Fright Pack blind bag mini figures that I needed to complete that collection. Visit the original post here and scroll down to see the update!

Thanks for stopping and be sure to check back daily for more!

Partly Cloudy: Book

 

Partly Cloudy (Directed by Peter Sohn) has been one of my absolute favorite Pixar short films ever since it premiered alongside Up back in 2009. Its story, animation, character design, lighting, colors, music, etc. are all just nothing short of brilliant to me. It's an adorable film and and was, without a doubt, an instant classic! 

I was thrilled when Pixar (through Disney Press Publishing) released a softcover children's book based on the film to coincide with the short's release. It's written by Kitty Richards, is 23 pages long, and is fully illustrated by Jean-Paul Orpinas and Caroline Lavelle Egan. 

 

I also love the "Pixar Short Films" logo in the corner of the front and back covers. It seems to me as though this was to be part of a collection of books based on the short films, but perhaps it didn't take off like they thought and future releases were cancelled? Of course, that's just speculation. 

 

 It even includes two pages of really cute stickers (22 total):

 

 And here's a peek inside at some of the pages you can expect:

I love the illustrations (they're totally the style that I love) and the use of the soft/pastel color scheme. The pictures really capture the heart of the film and are a very similar style to what you'd see in a "little golden book."

Are you a big fan of this short film or of Pixar in general? Well then, definitely pick this up on Amazon! To buy it new is a bit pricey since this book is quite a few years old at this point, but you can get it used (and in good condition) for much cheaper.

You won't want to miss this one since they're really isn't any merchandise for this short film (aside from some Disney/Pixar pins).

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to check back daily for more items from my Pixar collection!

Pixar Collection: Pixar Soundtracks

So I decided that my collection of Pixar soundtracks was worthy of a post since it's technically a big part of my collection, even though they're just digital files and not tangible items.

I'm lucky enough to have the very rare "complete scores" for each film (except the original Toy Story and Cars since, from my knowledge, complete scores for these haven't been made) and even some soundtracks for short films that have been released (such as The Blue Umbrella-full post here, Day & Night, La Luna and Luxo Jr.).

The music in Pixar films, to me, is such a huge part of what makes them so special. Each film has instantly recognizable themes and cues where you can hear just a few seconds of it and know exactly what film the song is from. The scores and songs add tremendous heart to the already incredible, heartfelt stories. Each soundtrack is beautiful, iconic, and memorable thanks to the 4 genius composers (Randy Newman, Thomas Newman, Michael Giacchino and Patrick Doyle) that have been  involved with the 14 feature films and the many great composers that have contributed to the magic of the short films as well.

Imagine Wall-E and Eve's beautiful dance in space without the score or the Toy Story trilogy without "You've Got a Friend in Me." Think of the beginning montage in Up, the incredible action scenes in The Incredibles, Sulley's emotional goodbye to Boo in Monsters Inc. or Jessie's story in Toy Story 2, all without music. Not as powerful, right? As powerful as the images are on screen, it's really the music that brings all the emotion of these films full circle.

As much as I love all of the composers involved, as each has brought something new and amazing to the Pixar table, I would have to say Randy Newman's scores are my all time favorite. I really look forward to when he is slated to compose a Pixar film. Starting with Toy Story, he really set the tone, feel and standard for every Pixar film that followed. He truly has a unique style and sound to his music that I have never heard in any other composer.

As far as my all time favorite Pixar soundtrack? Oh man, I don't think I could choose. I guess if I had to though, I would say Toy Story for similar reasons as to why Randy Newman is my favorite of the composers (and because of the pure nostalgia I get when I hear the music). I remember how much I loved the soundtrack when seeing the movie (I was only 5) and got the soundtrack on cassette tape soon after (and I remember playing it all the time on my Mr. Mike tape player/recorder).

To see an amazing tribute to the 4 main Pixar composers, check out this video of the Pixar in Concert finale that I recorded when I saw the show back in January.

What is your favorite Pixar soundtrack? Who is your favorite Pixar composer? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and be sure to check back daily for more. Have a great weekend!

Cars 2: Emmanuel Paris Bus

Here is one of Mattel's latest 1:55 scale Deluxe vehicles, Emmanuel the Parisian Tour Bus from the "Paris Tour" Sub-line! This is a very cool and unique choice for a diecast as Emmanuel is only briefly seen in Cars 2. As seen in the screen shot above, you can spot him during the Paris arrival montage behind Mater.

This is a pretty large release, even for a deluxe car! I was very impressed by the size and great detailing Mattel included, as usual though with this line of cars.

Of course, he has has signature, movie accurate, irritated facial expression. 

I'm really excited for the other new and unique cars that will be released soon in the "Paris Tour" line. On the back of the package below, we see 4 of the 7 cars that will be released. John and Nancy are actually included in a movie moments 2-pack that has just been released so keep a sharp eye out for them!

Thanks for visiting today's post! If you'd like to know any additional details or have any questions whatsoever, feel free to comment! Be sure to check back daily for more items from my Pixar collection.

Monsters University: Roll a Scare Monsters PAGE UPDATE- Carrie

Today's post is a page update to one of my favorite product lines released in the last few years...the Monsters University Roll a Scare collection! Here is one of the last ones I needed, Carrie Williams from the PNK sorority as seen in the film. Visit the original post here and scroll down to see this update! 

Thanks for visiting today and be sure to check back daily for more!

Brave: The Essential Guide

Here is yet another one of DK publishing's "Essential Guide" books! These books always chock-full of lots of fun info about characters, plot points, props, fun trivia ("Did you know?" facts), quotes, stats and much more! They are definitely geared more to a younger crowed, but I still say they're great for learning so many simple things about the films that you might not get from just watching them. I especially like this one since I really don't have very many items from Brave (since most of the products released were geared more towards girls, naturally).

This book is hardcover and has 64 quality, colorful pages.

 

Here's an example of one of the pages you can expect:

 You can find this one Amazon or on eBay below:

 Brave: The Essential Guide

 You can find an "Essential Guide" for every Pixar film except A Bug's Life.

Check out my "Books" label to the right the explore my growing collection of Pixar books and to see more of the Essential Guides that I own. More to come!

Thanks for visiting today's post and be sure to check back daily for more items from my Pixar collection.

Brave: Funko POP

Here is #57 of the Disney "POP" series from Funko...Merida from Brave!

If you're a consistent reader here, you probably already know that I'm a big fan of "Funkos" (as I call them) and the current vinyl collectible craze in general. I really like the minimalist, stylized design of the line and this one is no exception. Merida comes in a cool pose with her bow and arrow and her signature dress, but the real stand out here (just as in the film) is the hair. Funko did an especially great design job here and executed it perfectly. 

 

All the POP Funko figures are fun, quality and perfect for both kids and adult collectors who use them as display pieces. 

 You can find this one on Amazon here or on eBay below:

Merida Funko POP

 There is also a "variant" of this Merida which was a 2013 San Diego Comic Con Exclusive (limited to 480 pieces made) and featured a metallic dress. Surprisingly though, it's not rare or hard to find for a limited edition. You can find that one right on Amazon here (currently only $14.88) or eBay:
Comic Con Exclusive Merida Funko POP

Cars 2: Lee Race

Here is Lee Race, one of the latest 2014 diecast Cars 2 releases from Mattel! As with all of Mattel's diecast cars, this character is 1:55 scale in size.

You might be wondering when this car appeared in Cars 2...In the film, during the scene at the Wheel Well Motel (while the crew is at the bar watching "The Mel Dorado Show"), you can see Lee Race in just a brief still image during the program (when Mel is talking about Miles Axlerod's research). In the screenshot above, you can see the exact moment when Lee appears-he's the one on the right. Will we see the other scientists from this scene as diecasts soon? We can only hope!
 

This particular diecast is a "Chase" edition. If you're not familiar with what that means, it just means that collectors "chase" after these cars because they are released in limited quantities. They are much more rare and hard to find so I was thrilled to have found this one at my local Walmart just a few days ago.

This character is extra cool for a few reasons. First, he is a very unique choice for a diecast since his appearance in the film is so brief (love the detail of his chemist goggles). Second, he comes with a pretty cool accessory (the scientist/chemist test tube just as it appears during the scene. Mattel seems to be releasing more accessories with their diecasts lately, which I love). Third, his paint job is not just white (if you hold him up to the light, you can tell his paint is actually quite glittery. Its got kind of a metallic finish).

For you collectors keeping track, Lee is available currently as part of Case Y. He is number 2 out of 9 of the "Mel Dorado Show" sub-line.

If you would prefer not to drive all over the place trying to "chase" this diecast down, you can order him on Amazon here, if you're willing to fork out a little more money for him.

Or, you can try to win him (or Buy It Now) on eBay using the link below: 

Cars 2: Lee Race Diecast (Chase) from Mattel

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check back daily for more items from my Pixar collection. There will be much more from Cars and Cars 2 coming soon, so stay tuned.

Pixar Collection: Little Golden Books PAGE UPDATE- Your Friend the Rat

 Today's post is another page update to my Little Golden Books Pixar collection page. Visit the original post here and scroll down to see the update! There's much more info on this little book there, such as who it was written and illustrated by.

Thanks very much for checking things out here today and be sure to check back daily for more items from my Pixar collection. Have a fantastic weekend!

Finding Nemo: Bruce and Nemo 3D Character Mugs

Currently available at the Disney Store, here are some fantastic character mugs from Finding Nemo...Bruce the shark and Nemo himself!  

These were released a few months ago as part of a series of six Pixar themed mugs that also includes: Wall·E and Eve, Hamm, and one based off The Incredibles. See the rest right here in the coming weeks.

As you can see below, Nemo even has his "lucky fin." Great detail!  

 

As expected, these are really well made with quality ceramic and have really fun designs. They hold 16 oz and are microwave and dishwasher safe.

This collection of mugs has proved to be very popular with most of them being sold out currently. If you're interested in these though, you're in luck! They are still available on the DisneyStore.com. You can find the Nemo one here and the Bruce one here. 

Or you can buy from eBay below:

Finding Nemo: Bruce and Nemo Mugs

Thanks for visiting today's post, I really appreciate the support! Be sure to come back daily for more and please contact me if you have any questions or would like any additional info. Have a great weekend!