Cars 2: Erik Laneley

From Mattel, here we have last year's 1:55 scale diecast re-release of Erik Laneley! This release was part of the 2013 "WGP" sub-line (#9/17), but was originally available in the original Cars 2 collection (#39).

In the film, Erik is the car who starts the Tokyo race of the World Grand Prix (screen shot above).

TRIVIA: He is named after Pixar employee, Erik Langley.

If you missed this release, be sure to track it down on Amazon or eBay using the link below:
Cars 2: Erik Lanely

Cars: Halloween Coloring Book ("Shakin in my Tires!")

New for 2014, here we have a recent release from Golden Books..."Shakin' in my Tires!", a Disney/ Pixar Cars coloring book with over 30 glow-in-the-dark stickers (38 to be exact). This is currently available at Walmart and possibly other similar stores as well.

This coloring book is made up of 45 colorable moments from Cars, the Cars Toon Mater and the Ghostlight and other "spooky" scenes made up specifically for this book. Unlike the similar Toy Story of Terror coloring book (shown Friday, seen HERE), this one does not include any games or activities.

Below are some page examples and the included glow-in-the-dark stickers you'll find in the book:

My favorite stickers included here have to be the "bat cars", the "Dead End" sign (since it's both car related and classically spooky) and the traffic cone candy corns. Very creative! 

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and be sure to check back daily as more items from my Pixar collection will be added soon! Stay tuned. 

Toy Story of Terror: PEZ Cat

Here we have a very exciting brand new 2014 PEZ release..."PEZ Cat" as seen in Pixar's landmark television holiday special, Toy Story of Terror! In the film, she is one of the toys held captive by the Motel's greedy manager, Ron.

This PEZ is a limited edition and a Toy R Us exclusive, which makes this a relatively hard to find character. She was released just a couple of weeks ago, on October 6th. As soon as I saw her, I was ecstatic, since I had no idea of her release (but had hoped for one since last year when I saw the film).

It's always a thrill when a "real life" version of a toy seen in any of the Toy Story films or shorts makes its way onto store shelves. I'm really hoping to see some more of the gang made from Toy Story of Terror, such as a full size Combat Carl, the Lego Bunny, Old Timer, the Pocketeer and others.

Of course I had to fill it with the "film accurate" pink PEZ!
 

And yes, I couldn't resist reenacting this classic moment...
 

There we have it...another memorable Toy Story character immortalized in plastic! I couldn't be happier with this release. If you'd like to add PEZ Cat to your collection, be sure to check your local Toy R Us. Here is the UPC number, if you'd like to call ahead to make sure they have any in stock before you make the drive: 073621090309

If you're having trouble finding this is stores, you can always head to eBay using the link below:
Toy Story of Terror: PEZ Cat

Toy Story of Terror was directed by the great Angus MacLane and can now be purchased on DVD and Blu-Ray. Find it in stores or on Amazon HERE! Additionally if you're a fan of PEZ, be sure to check out my other Pixar related PEZ dispensers HERE.

Toy Story of Terror: Coloring Book

New for 2014, here we have a recent release from Golden Books..."Scares and Surprises!", a Toy Story of Terror coloring book with over 30 glow-in-the-dark stickers (31 to be exact). This is currently available at Walmart and possibly other similar stores as well.

Toy Story of Terror (directed by Angus MacLane) was released on ABC one year ago from yesterday (on October 16th, 2013) and marked Pixar's very first 30 minute TV holiday special. Now kids can read a simplified adaptation of the story, color in their favorite moments from the film as well as complete fun activities, such as mazes, matching games and word finds.

Below are some page examples and the included glow-in-the-dark stickers you'll find in the book:

Now that we're half way through the month of October, I'm glad I've finally got something to post that's festive! More to come...if you're a fan of Toy Story of Terror, be sure to check back right here tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Cars: Dexter Hoover with Yellow Flag

From Mattel, here is last year's re-release of Dexter Hoover with yellow flag! This release was part of the Toys R Us exclusive "Radiator Springs Classic" series, but was originally available in both the "World of Cars" and "Race O Rama" series. He is a 1:55 scale diecast with plastic flag accessory.

As shown in the screen shot above, Dexter is one of the race officials at the Piston Cup race. He is seen with a few flags, that are traditional in real life Nascar racing: a green flag (for the start of the race), a checkered flag (for the winner at the end of the race) and this yellow flag (signaling to the racers that there is "local caution" ahead).

If you're still looking to add this one to your collection, be sure to check Amazon or eBay using the link below:
Cars: Dexter Hoover with Yellow Flag

Cars 2: Prince Wheeliam

Here we have #42 of the original Mattel Cars 2 series from a couple years back...Prince Wheeliam! This character was a "Chase" edition car, meaning a very limited quantity were actually distributed. As usual, this is a 1:55 scale diecast.

In the film, Prince Wheeliam, based on the real life Prince William, is seen attending the final race of of the WGP in London outside of Buckingham Palace. He is of course next to his grandmother "The Queen", based on the real life Queen Elizabeth II (screen shot above).

Be sure to visit eBay or Amazon if you're still trying to tack this one down! Best of luck on the hunt.

Cars 2: Kimura Kaizo

Here we have the Mattel 1:55 scale release of Kimura Kaizo! This character was released in late 2011 and was #11 of the original Cars 2 "Deluxe" size assortment.

Kimura is a Sumo Wrestling referee (known in Japanese culture as a Gyōji) and was briefly seen in the film during the "arrival to Japan" montage (screen shot above). See my older post, featuring the two wrestlers Pinion Tanaka & Kingpin Nobunaga, HERE.

In real life (see image HERE), Gyōji referees actually do wear purple robes with various designs on them, as well as wear a black hat and hold a wooden fan/paddle (called a gumbai), similar to what you see in Cars 2. Leave it to Pixar to do their research! No detail slips past them. 

If you missed buying Kimura for your collection back when he was released, you can still find him easily on Amazon or eBay using the link below:
Cars 2: Kimura Kaizo

FINAL REMINDER: If you haven't yet, be sure to enter this week's giveaway HERE for your chance to win a brand new Disney Parks Up inspired Dug Spinner Pin! Only 24 hours left to enter.

Cars 2: Acer with Helmet

From Cars 2, here we have the Mattel 1:55 scale diecast of Acer with Helmet! This version of Acer was available in 2012 and was an exclusive featured only in a "Movie Moments" 2-pack with Professor Z.

Acer (wearing his helmet) is seen near the beginning of the film, as the lemons and combat ships pursue Finn Mcmissile after his oil rig escape (screen shot above).

At the time of this release, this 2-pack was very difficult to find in stores. If you missed adding this one to your collection, you can find it still on Amazon or eBay using the link below: 
Cars 2: Acer with Helmet

REMINDER:  If you haven't yet, be sure to enter this week's giveaway HERE for your chance to win a brand new Disney Parks Up inspired Dug Spinner Pin! Only 24 hours left to enter.

Cars: Ron Hover

Here we have Mattel's 1:55 scale diecast re-release of Ron Hover, a character seen in the original Cars! Ron was originally available in the 2009 "Race O Rama" series, followed by this 2012 re-release in the Toys R Us exclusive "Radiator Springs Classic" series. He has also been released with "Lenticular Eyes" as well.

As shown in the screen shot above, Ron is a CRSN (Cable Racing Sports Network) news copter, briefly seen hovering with Kathy Copter, when the press discovers Lightning Mcqueen's whereabouts in Radiator Springs. 

If you missed this one when it was released, you can pick up Ron on Amazon or eBay using the link below:
Cars: Ron Hover

Cars: Patti

Here we have Mattel's 1:55 scale diecast release of Patti from the original Cars! She was released only once, back in the 2009 "Race O Rama" series.

In the film (screen shot above), Patti is Mario Andretti's personal assistant. She is seen only for a moment, next to Mario, right before the final Piston Cup race at the Los Angeles Speedway.

If you missed adding this one to your collection, you can pick her up on Amazon or eBay using the link here-Cars: Patti

Cars 2: Alex Vandel

From Mattel's original Cars 2 line, here we have #45, Alex Vandel! This is a 1:55 scale diecast and a "Chase" edition car (meaning a limited quantity were made).

As shown in the screen shot above, Alex was seen in the Tokyo airport going through security. This was a hilarious and clever gag in the film, as you may notice that Alex does not have any tires on (they are on the x-ray conveyer belt); a reference to us having to take our shoes off before going through airport security in real-life.

Trivia: This character is named after Pixar employee, Alex Mandel.

This is a cool looking character that I'd definitely try hunting down for your collection (if you haven't already). After all, it's the only Mattel Cars release that has not included tires, which makes this one unique. You can find Alex on Amazon or eBay using the link below:
Cars 2: Alex Vandel

Cars: Marilyn

From Mattel, here is the 1:55 scale diecast re-release of Marilyn from the original Cars! This release was part of the Toys R Us exclusive "Radiator Springs Classic" series, but she was originally available in the "Final Lap" and "Lenticular Eyes" series.

As seen in the screen shot above, Marilyn is seen during the end credits when Radiator Springs is shown back in full swing. Marilyn is a direct reference/parallel to the retro character Greta, who is seen earlier on in the film during the "Our Town" flashback sequence.

From Pixar Wiki:
"Marilyn has always been faithful to her stylist, though to be honest she hasn't been happy with her color for some time now. So when, during a road trip across the country, she and her family stopped off at Radiator Springs, on a moment of impulse, she stopped into Ramone's body shop, and now she's a stunning purple! Her family loves the new look and so does she, but her stylist back home isn't speaking to her."

If you're still looking to add Marilyn to your Pixar Cars collection, you can pick her up on Amazon or eBay using the link below:
Cars: Marilyn