Friday, December 24, 2010

Happy Holidays from Huey, Dewey and Louie!

For those collecting (and familiar) with the Mickey's Christmas Carol Series, Master Sculptor Ruben Procopio has just updated his blog with some amazing photos of the upcoming Nephews and Tree!

At play at Mr. Fezzywig’s party are Huey, Dewey and Louie, putting a festive final touch on the Christmas tree, bringing holiday merriment throughout every season.


"Holiday Helpers" sculpted by Ruben Procopio is Limited to Production Year 2010. The Christmas Tree is plussed with pewter and miniature ornaments.

When we saw this sculpture last month, we were all amazed by the attention paid to detail on this sculpture from the ornaments (gingerbread men and toy soldiers) to the box holding the ornaments. It was a real nostalgic touch for many!

Below are more images (click each image for a larger view) of this highly anticipated sculpture and check out Masked Avenger Studios for more images!

Merry Christmas!!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Holidays!

As Christmas draws near, a little Holiday Treat!

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Twenty of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

This week check out the following:

- “Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland,” “Tangled,” “Toy Story 3” and “Modern Family” garner Golden Globe Award nominations

- “TRON: Legacy” screenwriters Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis reveal their favorite scene in the new movie

- Beautiful, new artwork unveiled for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World

- The Disney Dream “chills out” in the snow as it prepares for it’s 16-night transatlantic journey to Port Canaveral

- Last chance for “Early Bird” D23 Expo 2011 tickets at 2009 prices!

- Was Zac Efron lip-synching in “High School Musical”?

- Viewer questions… And more!

Episode Twenty can be viewed here!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

More WDCC Arriving at Retailers!!

In the past week, WDCC collectors are seeing more and more of the 2010 releases arriving at retailers and some just in time for Christmas!

Retailers this week are seeing the arrival of Sally and the Skeleton Tree, a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons. The Skeleton Tree is plussed with pewter and real rope chord.

Sweet rag doll Sally ("Otherwordly Ovation") looks on amidst the eerily animated bony band of the vocalizing Skeleton Tree as the delighted Devil and the charmingly repellent Undersea Gal give Jack the highest compliment possible: he made flesh crawl!

Dealers are also seeing the re-order of The Devil ("Debonair Demon") and Undersea Gal ("Briny Beauty"), also sculpted by Patrick Romany-Simmons arriving back in stock.

Both Limited to Production Year 2010, the Devil is plussed with a pewter tail and the Undersea Gal is plussed with pewter arms and neck.

Check with Authorized Dealers and the Walt Disney Theme Parks for availability!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Early Bird Discount for D23 Expo 2011 Tickets -- 2 Weeks Left!


Friendly Reminder:

Early Bird Discount Prices for D23 Expo 2011

End December 31, 2010


D23 members can save up to $204 off General Admission!*

Not a member?

A membership to D23—Disney’s official fan club—is the perfect gift for the Disney fan in your life!

The highly anticipated D23 Expo 2011: The Ultimate Fan Event returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19 – 21, 2011, once again bringing the entire world of Disney under one roof, and offering attendees unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks as only D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can!

An event that only occurs every other year, this is the first D23 Expo since the premiere event in 2009.

Highlights of D23 Expo 2011’s weekend activities will include:

  • 2011 Disney Legends. Paying tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to Disney entertainment
  • Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives. Featuring dozen of props, artifacts and costumes, accessible to the public for the first time in Disney’s history
  • Collector’s Forum. Where attendees can buy, sell and trade precious memorabilia and merchandise
  • Fan Art Contest. Themed to 101 Dalmatians in honor of the 50th anniversary of the animated classic
  • The Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament will allow participants to demonstrate their Disney knowledge as they compete for outstanding prizes
  • Many more one-of-a-kind D23 Expo panels, presentations and experiences which will be announced in the coming months.

Read more details on specific prices on the D23 Web site:

www.D23Expo.com

Highlights of D23 Membership include:

  • Disney twenty-three. A one-year subscription (4-issues) to D23’s exquisite magazine created exclusively for Disney fans. Each issue comes with a surprise collectible gift. (Gold Membership level only)
  • Special Offers, Discounts and Contests just for D23 Members.
  • Annual Membership Gift from the Walt Disney Archives Collection. The 2010 gift is Disney Undiscovered: A 23-Month Calendar of Disney’s Unrealized Masterpieces.
  • Special Events. The opportunity to attend exclusive member events
  • D23 FanFare. Bi-weekly e-newsletter sent just to D23 Members
  • Personalized Membership Certificate and D23 Membership Card

For complete details on D23 Membership visit:

www.D23.com

*Based on the purchase of four general admission, three-day adult passes.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

New WDCC Releases Arriving at Retailers!

For those anticipating the new releases from the Walt Disney Classics Collection (WDCC), three additional sculptures are arriving at retailers still in time for the holiday season!

I was very happy to hear my pre-order for "Reflections of Christmas Past" featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and Daisy (as Isabelle) from Mickey's Christmas Carol had shipped today!

The boxed set, Limited to Production Year 2010 was sculpted by Ruben Procopio. Scrooge and Window Facade are made of resin due to attachments and materials. The Window is plussed with clear plastic panes. Daisy is porcelain.


Here are some additional angles of Daisy, courtesy of Ruben Procopio's blog, Masked Avenger Studios. Awesome Job Ruben, one of my favorite Daisy's done to date!

Also arriving at retailers is "Cash Register Concerto," the third release in the Classic Comics Series featuring Scrooge McDuck.

This sculpture, based on the cover of Uncle Scrooge #5 comic (March, 1954) is plussed with wire spectacles and 21 separate pewter details.

Sculpted by Bruce Lau, it is Limited to Production Year 2010.

Please contact your Authorized Dealer for availability!

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Nineteen of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

This week check out the following:

- “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” director Rob Marshall gave fans a first look at the new trailer during a big Disneyland bash—plus the first images of Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and the “Pirates” crew from next summer’s big movie!

- As exciting construction gets underway at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Disney California Adventure, dates are set for the closing of Mickey’s Toontown Fair and the removal of the “CALIFORNIA” letters

- “TRON: Legacy” screenwriters Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis chat about the appeal of the new movie

- Miss Piggy moves the opening date of the new Muppets film—plus additional celebrity cameos for the movie are revealed

- D23’s Magic and Merriment event makes the season bright at Walt Disney World, and a slew of 2011 D23 Member events are announced

- A look at the new Winnie the Pooh interactive queue at the Magic Kingdom

- Disneyland Paris unveils a new resort and water park

- ABC announces a new musical series cocreated by Disney Legend Alan Menken

- Viewer questions… And more!

Episode Nineteen can be viewed here!

Latest Armchair Archivists is Live Now!

The new Armchair Archivists is live now!

It’s the third (and final) TRON: Legacy Special Edition. Check it Out!

The latest episode can be viewed here!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Disney Adds a New Gem to the Blu-Ray™ Diamond Collection!

BURBANK, Calif., December 9, 2010 — The Walt Disney Studios proudly announces the addition of Bambi to its coveted, cutting-edge Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection line-up of Disney’s greatest animated-classics. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, Bambi Diamond Edition features the loveable and adorable wide-eyed fawn and his forest friends in Blu-ray high-definition on March 1, 2011.

The Diamond Edition debut of Bambi, Walt’s fifth full-length animated classic, is an endearing tale about a young prince of the forest who learns valuable life-lessons about friendship, love, and the miracle of life. The movie is a must-own coming-of-age story that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has especially packaged with families in mind - providing the ultimate, interactive hi-def home entertainment experience with a newly enhanced digital restoration, enhanced picture and sound, games, activities and more.

The new Bambi Diamond Edition will be available as a 2-Disc Disney Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) for the suggested retail price of $39.99 US/$46.99 Canada, a High Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $19.99 US/$39.99 Canada, and/or a Standard Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $14.99 US/$24.99 Canada. Those who wish to own the standard definition DVD version of Bambi will need to wait seven additional weeks – until April 19, 2011.

Disney’s new “Second Screen” technology, which is being introduced for the very first time on the Bambi Diamond Edition release, will further transform the at-home movie watching experience by empowering viewers with the ability to engage with film content on multiple media platforms and bring them to life in their own hands at the touch of a button. By simply downloading the new Disney Second Screen App onto an internet-connected computer or iPad™* and synching it to the movie, consumers will instantly be able to dive deeper into the film by engaging with fun interactive elements like animated flipbooks, galleries, photos, trivia and more.

Film Synopsis:

As morning light breaks across the meadow, a young deer named Bambi is born and hailed as ‘Prince of the Forest.’ Soon Bambi emerges from the thicket on wobbly legs, much to the delight of his new friends, Thumper, the playful rabbit, and Flower, the bashful yet lovable skunk. But the fun of nibbling on fresh blossoms and frolicking through the woods is only the beginning. Exploring his new world, and guided by the wisdom of Friend Owl,Bambi learns valuable life lessons with every adventure – experiencing the power of friendship, family, and love along the away.

The Making of the Film:

Bambi was Walt Disney’s fifth animated full-length feature film which released in 1942 during World War II and took approximately five years in the making due to the exquisite artwork and attention to detail of each and every scene, character and figure. The artwork itself was created by some of the legendary “nine old men,” including Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Marc Davis, Milt Kahl and Eric Larson and in order to achieve the film’s unprecedented level of realism, animators modeled anatomical studies using live animals (including a pair of fawns named Bambi and Faline) and imbued each with a uniquely endearing personality. Bambi’s delightful forest home received the same painstaking attention to detail, as background artists painted hundreds of landscapes based on extensive field research and nature photographs.

Walt Disney broke the longstanding animation tradition by casting child actors in the roles of Bambi’s young animals, including Bobby Stewart as Baby Bambi, Donnie Dunagan as Young Bambi, Hardie Albright as Adolescent Bambi and Peter Behn as Young Thumper. The cast also includes Sam Edwards as Adult Thumper, John Sutherland as Adult Bambi, Paula Winslowe as Bambi’s Mother and Sterling Holloway (the voice of Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book’s Kaa, the snake) as Adult Flower.

Film Accolades:

Bambi was nominated for three Academy Awards® for Best Song (“Love Is a Song,”), Best Sound Recording, and Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. To date, Bambi is No. 3 on the list of American Film Institute’s Top 10 Animated Films of All Times. And in 2004, the movie was commemorated with a first-class U.S. postage stamp and in the 1990’s the film inspired astronomers to name a pair of asteroids after the adorable characters – Thumper (April 20, 1993) and Bambi (October 17, 1995).

Bonus Features:

Backstage Disney:
· Inside Walt’s Story Meetings: Enhanced Edition - A fascinating, multi-tiered, interactive story-telling experience. Go back in time with dramatic voice re-enactments of the moments with Walt that led to the creation of this classic film.
· Two Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes
· Deleted Song: “Twitterpated”
· Blu-ray Galleries — A collection of the extraordinary images originally created as part of the design process for Bambi.

Family Play

Games & Activities:
· Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge: Bambi Edition— An interactive educational gaming experience that uses the film as a learning tool. Players can customize their own Big Book of Knowledge and learn all about forest creatures, seasons andmore! Each time a player completes a task, they are rewarded with new stickers to decorate their Big Book of Knowledge.

Digital Exclusive:
· The Golden Age

Classic DVD Bonus Features:
· The Making Of Bambi: A Prince Is Born—A comprehensive look at the making of Bambi covers the story, the characters, the actors, the art design, the music and the history of Walt Disney’s classic film using behind the scenes footage, production stills, animation, artwork and multiple interviews withperformers and behind the scenes participants.
· Tricks of the Trade (excerpt)—In an episode from the 1957 Disneyland TV show, Walt narrates the story of the multiplane camera, an animation innovation crucial to the production of Bambi.
· Inside the Disney Archives—Disney Supervising Animator Andreas Deja guides viewers through Disney’s Animation Research Library, where artwork from past Disney animated feature films is stored, including early story sketches of Bobo the rabbit,” (who became Thumper), glass paintings made for the multiplane camera and more.
· The Old Mill—Winner of the 1937 Academy Award® for Best Short Subject/Cartoon, The Old Mill was a testing ground for several techniques critical to Walt’s artistic vision for Bambi, including the multiplane camera, animating realistic animals and experimenting with such natural occurrences such as wind, rain and lightning.
· DisneyPedia: Bambi’s Forest Friends

The Walt Disney Classics Collection announced the upcoming release from this animated classic earlier this year featuring Bambi & Thumper that we should see arriving at dealers shortly!

"Just Eat the Blossoms. That's the Good Stuff" is Limited to Production Year 2010 and was sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.

It’s no wonder that upon first seeing the animation of these two unforgettable characters, Walt Disney proclaimed them to be “pure gold.”

D23's 'Magic and Merriment' Event at Walt Disney World

Last year a delightful holiday tradition was born when D23 Members from across the country gathered at Walt Disney World to celebrate the sparkle of the season at D23's first Magic and Merriment event. Join us as we create heartwarming new memories this year.

The holly jolly happening begins the evening of Friday, December 10, when guests register for the event at One Man's Dream, the iconic Disney's Hollywood Studios attraction celebrating the legacy of Walt Disney. Inside the attraction, which is presented by D23, you'll also be treated to a private screening of Archiving the Archives, a new documentary celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives.

On Saturday morning, December 11, you'll enjoy hot holiday cider, flavored coffees and scrumptious Christmas Stollen inside the Odyssey Center at Epcot, where guests will be greeted by members of the D23 Team and some holiday surprises. Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton will be on hand to welcome guests and share some stories of the magic of the Resort at the most happiest time of the year. Chefs Erich Herbitschek and Stefan Reimer return to Magic and Merriment for another hilarious — and delicious! — baking demonstration sure to tempt your taste buds. You'll then be invited to spend the afternoon enjoying the holiday splendor of Epcot at your own pace before re-joining the group at the America Gardens Theatre as the sun begins to set.

As you nestle into your reserved seat, sit back, snuggle up and delight in the warm embrace of Walt Disney World's perennial Christmas favorite, Candlelight Processional. This time-honored tradition of classic carols and hymns sung by a choir of hundreds will be narrated by Disney and ABC star Whoopi Goldberg (The View, The Lion King). Following this special performance, you will be transported to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a sumptuous holiday feast on the incredible set of the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular. After the park closes, you'll head over to New York Street for a private viewing of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights during a special presentation hosted by Walt Disney Entertainment's John Phelan.

Sunday morning you will wake up to mix and mingle over brunch at the stunning Top of the World Lounge high above Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The Lounge, which offers a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom Park, is usually reserved for Disney Vacation Club Members staying at Bay Lake Tower, but our friends at the Disney Vacation Club are opening it up just for you. Enjoy an inside look at this breathtaking building and even tour a Grand Villa, one of the most stunning suites at the Walt Disney World Resort!

After brunch, D23 Members will enjoy a very "suite" treat — exclusive tours of the stunning Dream Suite inside Cinderella Castle, high above Fantasyland. The suite is not open to the general public, so this will truly be a magical moment.

Come nightfall, celebrate together at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and relax at D23's private hospitality lounge on board the Liberty Belle steamboat for holiday treats, cocoa and cider. You'll also enjoy reserved viewing of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade and the holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. And, of course, it wouldn't be a D23 event without a few seasonal surprises to commemorate the weekend!

Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, in Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, is a multimedia gallery attraction for Guests of all ages. Take a self-guided tour through the exhibits of photographs, audio interviews and memorabilia that tell the story of Walt Disney—the man whose life accomplishments still intrigue and inspire people the world over.

Specifically created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, Walt Disney: One Man's Dream is a trip through time that starts with his birth in 1901 in Chicago, Illinois and continues through his inventions, innovations and visions for a company that has become synonymous with magic.

Among the 400-plus artifacts that are rotated through the Walt Disney: One Man's Dream gallery are:

  • Audio and film clips that contain previously unseen footage and interviews with Walt Disney
  • Model for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction
  • Models of Main Street, U.S.A. from Disneyland Resort
  • Planning model for Disney's California Adventure theme park
  • Scaled replicas of Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris Resort
  • Special Academy Award statues for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
  • Walt Disney's second-grade school desk

Guest Policies

  • Reflective Captioning system is available. Contact a host or hostess at the attraction for assistance.
  • Assistive Listening Receivers, which amplify the audio, may be used at this location. Please visit Guest Relations to obtain a receiver.
  • Guests may rent attraction translation device units at Guest Relations locations in the Theme Parks with a refundable deposit.
  • Handheld Captioning is available at this attraction. Please visit Guest Relations to obtain a device.
  • Guests may remain in their wheelchair, motorized scooter or ECV to experience the attraction.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

'Song of the South' is Arriving at Retailers!

Just in time for the holidays, the Song of the South set featuring Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox has started to arrive at retailers and being shipped as of this entry!

Walt Disney loved the animal fables penned by Joel Chandler Harris in which clever Brer Rabbit constantly outfoxed crafty Brer Fox—but this time it looks like it’s the hungry fox who has the upper hand.


But never fear, quick-thinking Brer Rabbit will have the last laugh. First brought to life through Disney animation, these fanciful folklore critters have been immortalized in the classic Disney Theme Park attraction Splash Mountain.

These fun-filled sculptures are plussed with a bronze fork and pewter neck on Brer Fox and a pewter pole for Brer Rabbit.

"Cooking Up a Plan" (Brer Rabbit) and "Last Laugh" (Brer Fox) are a two-piece box set, sculpted by Ruben Procopio that will be Limited to Production Year 2010.

Who do YOU think is going to get the Last Laugh between these two? :)

I know many collectors like to see actual photographs of the pieces vs. the images sent when the sculptures are announced, so want to thank my good friend & fellow collector Matthew for sharing some photos of his (click on each image for a larger view). Thanks Matthew!!

Brer Rabbit & Brer Fox

Comparison Photo for Sizing with Bacchus & Jacchus

Underside to show 2010 Production Mark from Sword in the Stone

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Eighteen of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

This week check out the following:


New episode of "D23's Disney Geek"! 12/8/10- “TRON: Legacy” cowriters Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis give us the scoop on the film live from D23’s TRON Pop-Up Shop event

- Disney Parks from Tokyo to Paris celebrate the holidays in style—check out holiday magic from around the world!

- More celebrities announced for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade—including a very dark “Star”

- A look behind ABC Studio’s new production facility at the historic Golden Oak Ranch—with a peek inside “Walt’s Cabin”!

- “Toy Story 3” has a brilliant campaign to take home Oscar gold—and we have all the images

- The truth behind the alleged “end of the princess movie”… And more!

Episode Eighteen can be viewed here!

Monday, December 6, 2010

The Walt Disney Classics Collection Announces Two Suspensions Today!

Sales Reps and Authorized Dealers were advised today of the suspension of the following:

Belle and Beast


Mickey Then and Now

Belle and Beast ("Tale as Old as Time"), an Open Edition release sculpted by Kent Melton was released in March 1997. Though not an
official series, they were referred to as part of the Dancing Couples.

Mickey Mouse ("Mickey Then and Now"), an Open Edition release sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons was released in January 2003. This charming sculpture was released in honor of Mickey's 75th Birthday.

This rare appearance captures Mickey's evolution of a truly remarkable career. The black and white version of Mickey is from Plane Crazy (1928) and the colorized version is from Runaway Brain (1995).

Special Note Regarding Suspensions: When an Item is Suspended it is out of stock and there are no plans to re-order for at least a year. However, it could be decided to change the status from Suspended to Retired (Dry Retirement) at some point.

If interested in a suspended item, you may want to check with retailers regarding availability as there is no guarantee that the item could be put back into production and its status changed back to active status.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

'Very Special Holiday Giving Episode' of Disney Geek is Now On-Line PLUS WDCC Sneak Peeks!

Episode Seventeen, a Very Special Holiday Giving Episode of “D23’s Disney Geek” is now online!

This week check out the following:

- Alan Menken talks about crafting the score for “Tangled.”
- Disney Master Artist Dave Pacheco walks (and races!) us through the creation of a new Walt Disney Classics Collection piece
- TRON-a-riffic gifts like the TRON: Evolution videogame, Hurley’s TRON: Legacy T-shirt and Oakley’s slick TRON 3D glasses
- Designer Quynh Kimball shows us Disney Parks Monopoly III—with Figment and the Abominable Snowman game pieces!
- “Toy Story” star John Morris (the voice of Andy in all three films) tells us about his favorite “Toy Story” scene to celebrate the release of the “Ultimate Toy Box” collection
- A “D23’s Disney Geek” Vinylmation debuts to show off the Create Your Own Vinylmation line
- A brand new holiday ornament celebrating “The Lion King” on Broadway… And More!

Special Note: Walt Disney Classics Collection (WDCC) fans will enjoy the portion of this episode where Dave Pacheco talks about the sculpting process of the upcoming Sally with Skeleton Tree from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas!

Episode Fifteen can be viewed here:



Plus, this week there’s an online companion piece with additional details about each item including prices and where to find them. The Holiday Gift Guide can be viewed here!