Pixar Collection: Disney Store Pixar Pals Character Mug

Recently re-released by the Disney Store, here we have the awesome "Pixar Pals" hand decorated  character mug featuring artwork of Mater, Buzz, Sulley and Mike! This was originally available in 2012 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Disney Store (part of the "Silver Anniversary" collection). It has long since been sold out, but, lucky for those who hadn't gotten it like me, it's now making a comeback.

The only difference between this and the original release is that this one doesn't include the "Disney Store 25th Anniversary'' stamp on interior base. Other than that, everything else is the exact same.

The mug is 4'' H x 5'' diameter, holds 15 oz., is microwave/dishwasher safe and retails for just $10.50. It's quite big (can almost double as a cereal or soup bowl) and is made of a quality, sturdy ceramic material.

Since I don't have a Disney Store near me (and it's not currently available online), blog reader Brian H. was nice enough to pick this up for me at his local store. A big thanks and shout out to him for going out of his way!

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. I would love to hear fro you!

Monsters University: Scare Card Collection Binder

When Monsters University was released, I figure most fans of Disney·Pixar (or of the film in general) really wanted there to be real scare cards made available to consumers (I know I was one of them). Well, that wish kind of came true in a round about way (see my entire write-up on all the scare cards that have been "released" and everything you need to know about them HERE).

In short, there hasn't been a "wide", public release of scare cards. All of the ones that have been available have been as exclusives and are typically very hard to track down. Many fans still eagerly anticipate a wide release someday, but chances are starting to look slim now that we're years past when the film originally came out in theaters. It seems like then (or around the time of the home video release) would have been the perfect time. 

However (and surprisingly), despite not having released scare cards to the general public, the Disney Store did release an exclusive 3-ring binder a little while back for collectors who have been lucky enough to obtain the ones that are out there. This binder was available for a brief time and sold out very quickly.

Above is an example of a few of my scare cards in the binder (card sheet protectors had to be bought separately). I hope to fill it up more in the future as I try to track the others down! See my full write-up on the cards above HERE.  

I missed this when it was still available at the Disney Store, but was lucky enough to snag it on eBay recently for about $30. It was the last one available, but If you're interested in getting this for your collection, be sure to watch eBay constantly as new listings may pop up soon! 

Finding Nemo: Hallmark Flameless Candle

As mentioned in a few of my previous posts, within the last couple months, Hallmark stores released a brand new exclusive line of Disney/Pixar decorative products. I had heard about this through through the grapevine and, when I arrived at that section of the store, I was surprised by how many great items there actually were. No shame to say I wanted them all!

One of the many awesome items there that I couldn't resist was this unique Finding Nemo LED flameless candle. If you've seen these types of candles before, it's amazing how real they look when turned on. With the flip of a switch (located on the bottom), a realistic flickering light can be seen through the waxy, candle-like material. That, combined with the adorable minimal scene on the front featuring Nemo amongst the ocean seaweed and jellyfish, made this a must have!

The orange plastic/cardboard packaging piece on the top easily slides off. The inside is "carved out" semi-deep and even includes a fake "wick" as well. This retails for $19.95, is about 6" H x 3" Wand is powered by 3 AA batteries.

This will look fantastic displayed on a shelf with other Finding Nemo products as well as, and this is what I'm thinking we'll do, in a Nemo themed kids bathroom someday! It's just great that with these flameless candles, you get the cozy ambiance of a real candle while being 100% kid friendly and safe.

This is a must have for any Finding Nemo fan, especially fans with any kind of Nemo themed kids room that they're looking to add some decor to. Fortunately, this candle (as well as the rest of the new Pixar Hallmark product line) can now found online on their site HERE. Hurry though! Once these are gone, I have a feeling they'll get really hard to track down.

Additionally, a big thanks to my wife Brita who got me this for Christmas! She outdid herself as usual and I'm super thankful for all she does for me...

...and thanks to you for visiting my blog! Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions you may have and be sure come back daily for more from my Pixar collection.

Art: Mike Wazowski Snowmonster "Happy Holidays" Card

Not too long ago, a friend of mine/blog reader Tiffany W. had the amazing opportunity to go to Pixar Studios. While she was there, she was able to shop at the studio's store full of exclusive merchandise - only open to invitees and not open to the public.

To my surprise, Tiffany was kind and generous enough to pick me up a little souvenir for my collection! I was absolutely thrilled when she told me she got me an exclusive Christmas card and I anxiously anticipated its arrival.

This past week, to my excitement, it arrived! When I opened up the package, I first pulled out the included plain white envelope featuring Buzz Lightyear on the back and instantly recognized this as being something directly from Pixar. I then pulled out the card, having no idea what to expect, to find a hilarious illustration of Mike Wazowski leaning up against a snowma- I mean, snowmonster! On the the inside of the card it says "Happy Holidays" and on the back it includes Pixar's signature logo and street address.

This was an absolute perfect choice for me. Not only do I love Monsters Inc., but I also love the simplicity and design of the card; the festive Mike illustration is awesome and is one I had never seen before.

A huge thanks to Tiffany for being so thoughtful in sending me this! It will be a treasured piece of my collection for sure, as anything from the famous "studio store" is extremely hard to come by. Maybe someday I'll live out my dream and get to go to it myself! Here's to hoping.

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. I would love to hear from you!

Brave: Merida Itty Bitty

Last Spring, Hallmark stores released an adorable exclusive collection of Disney & Pixar mini stylized plush characters called "Itty Bittys." Fortunately, since I was hoping they would, they have recently come out with a few more characters including Merida from Brave! She is about 4" in height and retails for $6.95.

The first Pixar Itty Bitty characters released were Mike and Sulley (see post HERE from last April). Nemo & Dory and Buzz & Woody have also been released since...so be sure to visit those posts as well. Which Pixar Itty Bitty characters would you like to see released?

Gotta love her "wild and free" hair...cute and hilarious! 

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, such as Disney princesses, super heroes, classic Disney, Star Wars, Muppets, Winnie the Pooh, Peanuts, Wizard of Oz and more.

You can currently pick Merida up at your local Hallmark store, purchase at their online store or on eBay using this direct link: Merida Itty Bitty

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.

Cars: Kit Revster

From the brand new 2015 Mattel 1:55 scale Cars collection, here we have Kit Revster! This is the first time this character has been released in a single pack, having only been released thus far as an exclusive in a Target exclusive Piston Cup 7-Car Gift Pack. 

As shown in the screen shot above, Kit is a Piston Cup fan seen briefly in the stands during the big three-way race finale in the original film (right after Mcqueen pushes The King over the finish line).

Look for Kit in stores now!

Cars 2: Alberto

Here we have one of the last releases from Mattel's 2014 1:55 scale Cars 2 series...Alberto! He is #9/9 of last year's "Race Fans" sub-line.

In the film, Alberto is a Francesco Bernoulli mega fan seen somewhere in the stands (presumably during the Porto Corsa, Italy WGP race). I'm usually quite good at finding obscure background characters in the Cars films, but alas; I couldn't find Alberto anywhere, even after looking at the race scenes almost frame by frame! I couldn't find any info online either...SO no screen shot for now, but any help would be appreciated! If you know where I can find Alberto in the film, let me know and I'll update the post.

Alberto has been a bit harder to find over the last month or so (I was lucky enough a find him at Target a couple weeks back), but he is generally still currently available in stores. If you'd rather just save the time and pick him up online, head to Amazon or eBay for the best deals.

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

Finding Nemo: Coral Reef Snowglobe

In 2006-2007, the Disney Store released this fantastically detailed Finding Nemo musical snowglobe featuring some of your favorite characters from the film!

Out of all the Disney/Pixar snowglobes out there (and there are hundreds), very few really stand out to me as spectacular or "must haves" for my collection. As soon as I saw this one however, I knew it was one of them. For this past Christmas, my wife got me this much requested snowglobe (as well as the other great Finding Nemo "Tank Gang" aquarium one) with the box and all. While the box does has some wear/stains from over the past nine years, the snowglobe itself is in perfect condition. A huge thanks to Brita, as usual, for this awesome gift!

Now, lets take a look at this beauty outside the box...

This snowglobe, to me, is a representation of the final scene in the film (when Squirt joins Nemo and the rest of Mr. Ray's little school group, with Marlin and Dory watching as they swim off into the distance - *chills*). When wound up (winding key on the bottom), it plays the adorable song "Over the Waves." Again, like the "Tank Gang" snowglobe, it was an interesting choice not to include Thomas Newman's beautiful theme he created for Nemo for the music here, but "Over the Waves" has a really pretty melody as well. In addition, there is also a blower on the inside of the globe that keeps the glitter continuously circulating when turned on! That is a fantastic feature and it really adds to the magic of this globe - it gives the effect of the waves passing them as they swim under the water.

This snowglobe stands at about 9 1/2 " high, requires two 2 x AA batteries for the blower to work and originally retailed for $88.00. Dory and Marlin on the side of the base are on little springs, which give them a little bobble motion when touched. I thought that was a nice detail. The globe itself is glass, with the base and characters being a hand-painted, sculpted resin material.

Check out the very brief video I took below to see and hear it in action (unfortunately being so rushed taking pictures and videos of this at Christmas time, I forgot to turn on the blower. See an accurate video with the blower HERE if interested):

 Pixar/Finding Nemo fans: I really can't recommend this enough! It's really an high quality, vibrant, detailed product; really amazing.  If you're interested in tracking this one down for your collection, your best bet is finding it on eBay (it has become pretty rare and sought after, however). Visit this direct link here to the current listings and best of luck on the hunt: Finding Nemo Coral Reef Snowglobe

Bonus- Dan the Pixar Fan Behind the Scenes:   

Pixar Collection: Uno Card Game

Since its development in 1971, families have been enjoying Uno - a simple card game that adults and kids can enjoy alike. Since the game's initial release, over 130 different themed versions have been developed; everything from Care Bears to Batman to Scooby-Doo to Harry Potter! For the most part, if you name it, Uno probably has it. There have been a few Pixar themed sets released over the years as well: Toy Story, Toy Story 3, Ratatouille, Cars and Cars 2. 

In 2013, Cardinal Games released this fantastic "Disney·Pixar Collection" Uno, featuring characters from all the Pixar films (up to that point) from Toy Story through Brave in a tin collector's box! For Christmas, my parents totally surprised me with this and I was actually really excited, given that it was something I didn't have or know about.

This version of Uno is recommended for ages 5 and up, is for 2-10 players and has the same, classic game play that you know and love (just adds 112 custom Pixar themed cards). It retails for around $18.00.

You can find this set easily on Amazon below or other online game retailers. If you're an avid "eBayer", visit this direct link to current listings: Disney·Pixar Uno Card Game

The Incredibles: Mr. Incredible Talking Superhero

In the Fall of this past year, Disney/Pixar and Thinkway Toys released an amazing collection of Pixar products sold exclusively at Toys R Us. The line includes both new products and re-releases of old favorites which can still be easily found in stores.

Once of my favorite items from this line, especially given that my The Incredibles collection is quite slim, is this Mr. Incredible "Talking Superhero"! This is a 13 1/2" over-sized electronic action figure, great for play for young kids or for display for older collectors - or, like me, all of the above. He retails for $44.99.

This toy has over 25 phrases (dialogue taken directly from the film) and sound effects, which are activated by pressing the button on his chest. His body is made from a hard, durable plastic, while his head is a more soft, rubbery material to accomidate his "talking mouth action" (his mouth opens and stretches when the button is pressed, which I think is pretty awesome).

His likeness to the Mr. Incredible we know and love from the film is spot on. He comes in a great "hero-like" stance and also stands perfectly on his own when taken out of the box.

As far as his interactive action features go, his right arm springs downward with punching sounds effects when raised, his right leg springs downward with kicking sound effects when pulled back, and twisting him at the waste will also trigger some punching sounds.

I know I've said it before, but I love the look of the packaging, it feels so fresh and new with a very clean "Pixar-esque" simplistic design. It's also very exciting to have new products and re-releases for many of the older Pixar films such as Up, Wall·E, The Incredibles and others. You just don't see much out there from them!

I haven't taken this toy out of the box yet, but here is a very brief video I took of his talking/mouth moving feature with some of his "demo mode" phrases. I'll be excited to take him out of the box soon to see how his other features work and to hear all of the lines he speaks. I'll update this post when I do!

For all you The Incredibles fans out there, this is a must have. I absolutely recommend this toy! You can find it easily still at your local Toys R Us (or their website), on Amazon, or eBay using this direct link to current listings:  Mr. Incredible Talking Superhero

On a final note, a big thanks to my wife's Grandmother who was nice enough to get me this for Christmas! 

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to comment or contact me if you have any questions or thoughts. I would love to hear  from you!

Monsters Inc: The Art of Disney Exclusive Laser Cel Limited Edition Print

Here is a great Monsters Inc. limited edition 3D Laser Cel print that was sold exclusively at Downtown Disney at the Art of Disney store back in the late Spring / early Summer of last year.

This print is one of six 3D Pixar themed prints that were released in this particular collection. The others include images from Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation, Up, The Incredibles, Cars and Finding Nemo. I'm not sure how many pieces these "limited" prints were limited to (maybe 1000?), but few enough that they're almost impossible to track down at this point.

When we were there at the Art of Animation store at Downtown Disney during our WDW trip last May, my wife Brita noticed how much I loved these prints there... and secretly bought them all! Since then, she's been giving me them here and there for different holiday and occasions. For Christmas, she gave me this one as one, which was the last one I needed to complete this great collection. So awesome...A BIG thanks to her as always! 

 At the Art of Animation store, they retailed for $39.99 and are 8" X 10" in size.

It's hard to tell on here from the picture below, but what makes this print unique, is that Mike is "raised" (with the background behind him about 1 cm) for the really 3D cool effect.

Each print in this series is of the highest quality with vibrant colors - and this one is no exception. There is more info on the quality and materials used printed on the certificate of authenticity, seen below.

This collection of prints is just so cool in person. The pictures here honestly don't do this one justice. I just love the clear, glossy "window" looking into such a colorful, iconic, 3D Pixar image. It really pops! They will look great on my Pixar "man cave" wall (or bookshelf) someday.

Some of these have shown up on eBay, so you can check out the link below if you're interested in buying. However, they sell for about double (or more than double) the store's price.

Disney/Pixar laser cell 3D Limited Release

Finding Nemo: Disney Store Fish Tank Gang Snowglobe

In 2003, to coincide with the theatrical release of Pixar's hit Finding Nemo, the Disney Store released this phenomenal musical "snowglobe" aquarium featuring your favorite "tank gang" from the film!

This has to be one of the coolest snowglobes that the Disney Store has released, since I don't even really consider it a snowglobe (as it doesn't fit with the standard size, shape or design of traditional  ones). Usually with snowglobes, most of the action is outside surrounding the globe (with maybe a character or two inside with some glitter); but with this one, everything is happening inside this rectangular "fish tank" with some minimal designs on the outside. I absolutely love it! How cool will this look on display with my other Finding Nemo merch? 

This stunningly vibrant and detailed tank showcases all your dentist office fish friends (Gill, Jacques, Gurgle, Peach, Deb, Bubbles, Bloat and Nemo), includes many of the tank props/accessories/"seaweeds" seen in the film and plays the adorable song "Tiny Bubbles" when wound up (winding key on the bottom). While it was an interesting choice not to have it play a song from Thomas Newman's beautiful score, "Tiny Bubbles" has a really pretty melody that actually fits quite perfectly with this.

The tank measures about  7 1/2" X 6 and originally retailed for approximately $60.00.

Check out the very brief video I took below to see and hear it in action:

Pixar/Finding Nemo fans: I really can't recommend this enough! It's really an amazing product. If you're interested in tracking this one down for your collection, your best bet is finding it on eBay (the prices are actually usually pretty inexpensive for what this is). Visit this direct link here to the current listings: Finding Nemo Tank Gang Snowglobe

Once again, a big thanks to my loving, thoughtful and supportive wife Brita for getting me this for Christmas!

Toy Story: Hallmark "You've Got a Friend in Me" Plaque

Within the last couple months, Hallmark stores released a brand new exclusive line of Disney/Pixar decorative products. I had heard about this through through the grapevine and, when I arrived at that section of the store, I was surprised by how many great items there actually were. I wanted them all!

One of items I was immediately drawn to was this fantastic Toy Story 11" (to the top of Woody's hat) X 6.25" tin plaque featuring a cute, minimal style western landscape which showcases everyone's favorite cowboy Woody and the film's famous quote "You've Got a Friend in Me." For Christmas, my parents surprised me with this and most of the merch that was there! I was so thrilled and I'm excited to share with you more of it in the coming weeks and months (see the similar Finding Nemo "Just Keep Swimming" I also posted about recently HERE)

At the store, it was displayed on simple plastic easel (which would be my preferred method of display) but it also can be hung flat on the wall. It retails for $12.95, which I think was a very reasonable price.

This is a quality, sturdy, adorable collector's piece and I couldn't be happier with it. It's available online HERE or be sure to head to your local Hallmark store! Hurry though, these types of things come and go fairly quickly there and then are almost impossible to track down. Good luck finding this and please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Wall·E: Wind-Up "Wacky Action" Wall·E

Ever since I was little, waking up at Christmas morning at my house has been just so incredibly magical. My parents always go to infinity and beyond with everything they do for us! One of my favorite Christmas morning traditions is that there are usually a few fun toys out on the table that Santa leaves (usually something like a tin toy, blocks, puzzles, jack-in-the-box, etc...those types of things) to play with before the traditional breakfast and present opening.

This past Christmas, one of the toys out on the table for me was this super fun wind-up Wall·E with expandable puzzle track set (circled in the pic below)!

This toy was part of Thinkway Toys' original 2008 Wall·E collection, which had come out just in time to coincide with the film's release. It's recommended for ages 4+. 

The track pieces with this set can be assembled in many different combinations (four are shown on the back of the package, but there are more. I'm just showcasing one here). Once you design the track in the way you want, all you have to do is flip down the peg (found under Wall·E), wind him up, place him on the track and watch him take off! Flip up the peg to play with him on flat surfaces.

The track set when assembled measures approximately 10" X 6" and Wall·E himself is about 3" tall.

Unfortunately, since this was given to me loose on the table, the packaging ended up getting lost. If you're interested, here are images I found online of the FRONT and BACK of the box.

Additionally, here's a brief YouTube video I took of this wacky little Wall·E in action:

              

This is a really fun, simple little item that I would totally recommend snagging online if you're a Wall·E fan and/or collector. Visit this direct link to eBay to purchase: Wind-Up Wall·E