Pixar A POP-UP CELEBRATION Book Review

"Dedicated to all the dreamers, storytellers, and magic makers at Pixar Animation Studios." -M. R. (Matthew Reinhart)

Are you all ready for a peek inside one of THE coolest Pixar books ever created? Today I'm taking a detailed look at Pixar: A Pop-Up Celebration by author and artistic genius Matthew Reinhart! This book is jammed packed with so much goodness that I don't even know where to begin. Here goes nothing.

Released on November 21st just last year (I know this post is a long time coming), this book not only gives you some of the most intricate and stunning pop-up scenes I've ever witnessed, but also beautifully summarizes (in just five short paragraphs) Pixar's early history, their creative process, the software they use and where the studio has been/is currently located today. And what's seriously awesome, is that this book covers every one of their 19 feature films (Toy Story all the way through Coco) AND theatrical short films (The Adventures of Andre & Wally B. through last year's Lou) to date. You won't believe how much was crammed into this thing!

The book is 10 pages long and is organized into five 2-page spreads (as seen on first two pages below—I'll be calling them "sections"). Each section features up to four flaps— each flap dedicated to a single Pixar film (denoted by renditions of the films' iconic teaser posters). Open each one up to reveal an impressive pop-up display of an iconic moment! Naturally, everything is presented in chronological order.

The theatrical shorts are featured on "filmstrip" pull down tabs. Just gently pull down each one for the reveal! Even some aspects of Pixar's early history (Pixar Image Computer) and creative process (storyboards) were created in 3D/pop-up form here to help fill out each page. It's all just too neat!

Here's the next best part; just like Pixar's films, there are TONS of Easter eggs hidden throughout this book. Be on the lookout for the Pizza Planet truck, the Pixar ball, A113 (which I found at least three times. Hint: Check the Wall·E, Inside Out and Finding Dory flaps), a bunch of Hidden Mickeys and so much more! Keep an eye out for subtle references to John Lasseter, Randy Newman and some cross references to other Pixar films/imagery as well (not to mention lots of little details from the actual movie moments the pop-ups are based on). Man I want to go into all the details with you, but I want you to experience all that on your own! I don't want to spoil everything here, so let's just say don't forget to study each pop-up very closely. Tell me what YOU have found in the comments below!

And here's your exclusive look inside... just look at that Luxo. Jr. lamp and ball right off the bat! Wow. From the second I opened this up, I knew I was in for a treat.

SECTION 1

1984-1999

SECTION 2

2001-2006

SECTION 3

2007-2010

SECTION 4 

2011-2015

SECTION 5 

2015-2017

I can't even describe how much I respect the thought and care that went into each pop-up scene (and the book as a whole for that matter). I just adore everything about this release—from the gorgeous art style to the intricacy of each page— I'm so unbelievably impressed! It's so happy, so vibrant and perfect for kids and adults alike. No one is too old for this. I mean, who wouldn't have fun seeing all their favorite Pixar moments pop out of a book right in front of their eyes? Even just the way each scene is engineered to expand and pop out perfectly as you open them is so fascinating. It just baffles me how these things are constructed.

Lastly, I really appreciate all the small details that were put into this for Pixar mega fans such as myself. This could have been overly simplified and made with only children in mind, but this creator went above and beyond to please us diehards (I even learned a thing or two!). You can tell Reinhart did his research and is also passionate about the studio. Younger kids and casual fans will no doubt enjoy this on the surface, but it's those little touches and deeper references that took everything to the next level for me.

As someone who's loved pop-up books since childhood, I knew right away that this was a must have. A big thanks to my parents for snagging this for me for this past Christmas! If you'd like to add this to your Disney·Pixar library (which I obviously recommend if you couldn't tell), be sure to pick it up at Barnes and Noble, Amazon (direct link below) or wherever books like this are sold. Retail is $65, but you can usually find it on sale for around $40 (which is much more reasonable).

Shout out any thoughts or questions you might have in the comment section at the bottom of this page. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Incredibles 2: Band-Aids

Box Side A

No matter how strong or powerful we are, everyone needs a Band-Aid once in a while...even super heroes get scrapes and scratches! Ooh—and paper cuts. They're the worst. Anyway, check out this awesome new set of Band-Aids inspired by Incredibles 2! Young or old, if you're an Incredibles fan hotly anticipating this sequel, you might want to pick these up. I was able to snag them at my local Target just yesterday!

Starting with Inside Out a few years back, I've since gotten every new Pixar inspired Band-Aid boxed set that has come out (which includes The Good Dinosaur, Finding Dory, Cars 3 and now these ones). I had a feeling Incredibles 2 Band-Aids would be out soon and, well, I was spot on! I was super excited to stumble upon these since I had been keeping my eyes open for them (assuming they would be made) over the past couple weeks.

Inside the box you'll find 20 bandages (assorted sizes—10 large, 10 small) with 16 unique designs.

Box Side B

Check out all of the neat designs below! The larger bandages basically feature the rendered models of the characters (minimalized and colorized, giving them a comic book-esque look), one for each member of the Parr family (as well as one with all the family together and then one for both Frozone and Edna). The small bandages are the coolest ones as they feature some of the same incredible graphic/stylized designs by artist Eric Tan which have been used in a lot of the film's marketing (ever since THIS poster, which debuted at last year's D23 Expo). 

Note: Eric Tan is a creative at Disney Consumer Products (my dream job). If you like what you see here, wait till you see the full pieces he's done (if you haven't already)! Be sure to check him out on Instagram HERE for a fuller look at his Incredibles 2 art. Really cool stuff.

Just look at these things. I know they're just Band-Aids, but come on. Those are some SWEET designs.

Be sure to visit your local store soon if you're interested in adding these to your home's first aid box. I for one will be putting these away for our future kids to use someday! Retail price at Target is $2.79. If your little ones are already fans of The Incredibles, then these might be a must have! If you're an adult and you're interested  in these for yourself, no shame. I encourage that.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Will you be picking these up?

Jakks Pacific Incredibles 2 Toys OFFICIALLY OUT TODAY!

Target

Well guys, it seems as though we now have official street date for all the Jakks Pacific Incredibles 2 toys...TODAY! Whether this was the plan all along or if the date was moved up, I have no idea. The important thing is that Target and Walmart shelves are now totally stocked with a ton of FANTASTIC Incredibles 2 merch! Glorious. I went out early this morning on a toy hunt (for these and Star Wars Solo toys) and was surprised to find the Target employee just putting the last few things out.

I had already seen much of this previously (early leaks have been happening here and there in my area for weeks now), but it was cool to see the section officially set and with a lot more stuff I hadn't come across yet. I have to say, Jakks Pacific did a really great job on this lineup and I'm so excited to dive deeper into many of these items with you over the next couple months!

Here's an overview of this release. If you've followed me on here for some time, you may know that I love to document what store shelves look like with each new Pixar toy launch! I've done this for just about every release since I started this blog in 2013 (which began with Monsters University merch). Enjoy some close up shots below, keeping in mind that this is just a sneak peek at many future blog posts to come.

Note: The Disney Store/ShopDisney Incredibles 2 products were also released today, which I posted about HERE. Additionally, if you missed it, check out my post from a little while back (though recently updated) on all the stuff I found early at Toys R Us HERE.

TARGET

Separate from the main Incredibles 2 section at Target, don't forget to check the Imaginext isle for Jakks Pacific's "Junior Supers" line! These are some of the items I was most looking forward to. They're so adorable! They had the entire lineup so far—with many more to come in the future I'm sure. You know I had to snag them all.

WALMART

There we have it guys! Visit your local Walmart or Target today to see all of this (and possibly more) in person —and be sure to share this post to spread the word about this release. Definitely let me know YOUR thoughts on all this incredible stuff in the comment section below! Which items are your favorites? Which toys are on you "must have" list? Can't wait to hear what you all think!

Disney·Pixar Incredibles 2 Merch— Now on ShopDisney.com!

Over the past few weeks, as noted in some of my previous posts, Incredibles 2 toys and other merchandise began hitting shelves a bit earlier than expected (starting with Toys R Us and then other retailers followed suit). Well now the Disney Store is jumping on the early bandwagon and releasing their exclusive merch today (a full two days early) in stores and online! Original release date was Monday the 16th. Super exciting!

Below is a look at everything you can expect from the line as of now, with more to come between now and the film's release date in June. Check it all out:

We got clothing items (a full range of sizes for the whole family), a reusable tote, a towel, an ornament set, mugs, action figures (large and small scale), plush characters, mealtime sets (plates and cups), pins and many other toys (including a "Tub of Heroes and Villains", an RC car, a puzzle, a deluxe figurine set, costumes/role play products and so much more). There's also some non-exclusive items that will be (or already are) available elsewhere such as Incredibles 2 Monopoly, LEGO Junior sets and items from the Jakks Pacific range of toys (such as playsets from their "Junior Supers" line).

UPDATE: I stopped into my local Disney Store to see all this great merch on display in person. Check it out HERE.

There are only a few things here that stand out as "must haves" for me personally, but I want to know—What do you think?! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. What are you favorite items and which do you plan to pick up for your collection? How excited are you about Incredibles 2? Head to your local Disney Store today to check out this incredible assortment of products in person or visit ShopDisney.com HERE to order online.

Look for my full reviews on some of these Incredibles 2 toys (and many others) in the coming months.