A 'Fitting Display' for Cinderella's 60th Anniversary!

For those looking for unique ways to display their sculptures, I received an image of the recently released Cinderella & Prince Charming sculpture ("Royal Introduction") displayed with the Cinderella Film Title Base.

Film Title Bases were released for the following films: Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Beauty and the Beast Film Title Base was retired in August, 2008. Limited quantities are still available for the remaining bases. Please contact an Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer and/or the Disney Theme Parks for availability.

Cinderella and Prince Charming, sculpted by Kent Melton is a Limited Edition of 750. The Cinderella Film Title Base, released as an Open Edition release was released in October, 2004.

Dumbo Has Landed!

More green boxes arriving! Retailers were notified that Dumbo & Timothy Mouse from the animated classic Dumbo has arrived and started to ship to retailers!

Shipments should start arriving over the next two weeks and some retailers have reported his arrival as of today!

Are They in for a Surprise, Got the Magic Feather?, sculpted by Bruce Lau is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.

Complete with his littlest yet biggest cheerleader Timothy Mouse and the rarely portrayed confidence-granting “magic feather,”Dumbo is sure to inspire soaring spirits in everyone who he smiles upon.

Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer and/or the Disney Theme Parks for availability!

Update 01-28-11: My Dumbo arrived today and just as awesome as I remembered when I saw for the first time in person. This is easily my 2nd favorite Dumbo to date. Simply Adorable, the 1995 membership gift is still my favorite.

Everything about this sculpture is perfect .. from the expression on Dumbo's face to the impeccable paint job. This is one of the first miniatures that has been part of a sculpture that has such flawless detail. Hands down a winner and rare opportunity Dumbo being done in his clown-face circus attire. Kudos to both Bruce Lau and WDCC!

Additional Angle of Belle Added!

For those anticipating the upcoming new sculpture from Beauty and the Beast, featuring Belle, a new angle has been provided!

Gazing tenderly at the image of her beloved Beast as enchantingly conjured up by the Magic Mirror, Belle attempts to convince the frightened townspeople that they have nothing to fear from the seemingly ferocious figure, for the lovely princess-to-be sees her spellbound Prince through the eyes of love.

Plussed with pewter hands, legs and the lock of hair Belle so endearingly brushes back throughout the film, this graceful sculpture reflects the artistry of Beauty and the Beast in celebration of the animated classic’s 20th anniversary.

He’s Really Kind and Gentle. He’s my Friend., scheduled for Spring 2011 is Limited to Production Year 2011 and sculpted by Dusty Horner.

Website Update

Over the past year, I've gotten a bit behind on the website. Many have emailed asking if I would still be updating the Secondary Guide and Image Gallery, putting together a presentation page for the Spring 2011 Releases and updating the Production Mark Section.

The past year was both a positive and busy year on the work front, feeling quite blessed given our current economic times but finally getting some normalcy back, so hopefully over the next couple months am planning on getting all sections updated.

This past weekend created and updated the following pages (click on each link to go directly to that page/section):

• Spring 2011 Presentation Page
• 2011 Calendar Page - Since some of the Spring, Summer and Fall 2010 releases did not arrive at retailers until Jan. (and in some cases Feb.), moved those releases from the 2010 Calendar to the 2011 Calendar for those tracking actual arrival dates.
• Sculptor Listing Page

Next on agenda is the Production Mark Section then the task of getting the Secondary Guide and Image Gallery totally up-to-date.

Update 01-26-11: The Production Mark Section has been updated to included the Production Marks for 2009-2011.

Thanks to all for both your kind emails and patience!

New Cinderella Sculpture Reclassified as a Limited Edition

The following was sent out to the Walt Disney Classics Collection Sales Force and Retailers today:

"As the first shipments of the Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture Cinderella and Prince Charming: Royal Introduction have started to arrive an error has been brought to our attention.

This sculpture was intended to have both a 60th Anniversary Backstamp (commemorating the film's anniversary) and a Numbered Limited Edition 750 mark. The sculpture does have the Anniversary Backstamp but is missing the Edition Box where the pieces would ordinarily be hand-numbered as they are produced.

Since the sculptures have dispersed worldwide, the pieces and accompanying certificates can not be numbered. Instead, the sculpture will be reclassified as a Limited Edition 750 rather than a Numbered Limited Edition 750. We will be updating Facts & Firsts for 2011 to correct the description from a Numbered Limited Edition to its current status as a Limited Edition 750."

Status Update: Dancing Ariel & Eric

Back in early December (Dec. 6th to be exact) the Walt Disney Classics Collection (WDCC) announced the suspension of the Dancing Belle and Beast ("Tale as Old as Time"). Our WDCC group began an internal discussion amongst ourselves which Dancing Couples were neither suspended and/or retired. The only one that appeared to be neither retired or suspended was the Dancing Ariel (in wedding dress) and Prince Eric.

Today I had a collector inquire on the status of this piece, so thought maybe something I should follow up and lo and behold, it was suspended in July, 2010.

"Two Worlds, One Heart," sculpted by Kent Melton was released in May, 2005 as an Open Edition release and depicts one of Disney's favorite Princesses on her wedding day to Prince Eric.

The sculpture is plussed with opalescent paint on Ariel's gown and gold paint in both Ariel's crown and Eric's epaulettes.

You may want to check with your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer and/or the Disney Theme Parks for availability.

Remaining Summer 2010 Releases Arriving at Retailers!

As a long time collector of the Walt Disney Classics Collection (WDCC), it's been really nice over the past few weeks seeing so many of the releases announced for Spring, Summer and Fall 2010 finally starting to arrive and ship from retailers.

Earlier this week, the last of the Summer 2010 releases started to arrive at retailers .. Bambi & Thumper and Gus and Jaq. The initial shipments have started to arrive and should be arriving throughout the rest of this month into next. If your dealer hasn't received yet, be patient, as they should be arriving soon!

"Just Eat the Blossoms. That's the Good Stuff!" (featuring Bambi & Thumper) and "Saving Cinderelly" (featuring Gus and Jaq) both Limited to Production Year 2010 were sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.

There are now two remaining releases from 2010 left to arrive at retailers, Dumbo (in Clown Face) & Timothy Mouse from Dumbo and Nephews with Tree from Mickey's Christmas Carol. Last I heard, Dumbo should be arriving by month's end and Nephews with Tree in February.

'Reflections of Christmas Past' has Sold Out!

The Walt Disney Classics Collection Sales Force and Authorized Dealers were notified yesterday of the sold out status of Scrooge and Daisy (as Isabelle) from Mickey's Christmas Carol.

In this charming version of the Dickens classic put on by Mickey and his friends, many Disney favorites put in a welcome appearance, including glamorous Daisy who portrays the young Scrooge’s ladylove, Isabelle,bedecked in her holiday best.

Reflections of Christmas Past, sculpted by Ruben Procopio was Limited to Production Year 2010. Scrooge and the Window Facade are made of resin and plussed with clear plastic window panes due to attachments and materials. Daisy is made of porcelain. Both pieces are sold together as a set.

No additional orders will be processed for this popular pair. Please contact your Authorized WDCC Dealer and/or the Walt Disney Theme Parks for availability!

Sping Issue of Disney D23 Sets Sale on February 1st!

Features Awe-Inspiring Tour of New Disney Dream Cruise Ship;
D23: Disney’s Official Fan Club Also Interviews Sir Elton John About His Upcoming Animated Film and Duet with Lady Gaga;
and 25 Years of Musical Monsters with Tim Burton and Composer Danny Elfman

BURBANK, Calif. – January 19, 2011 – The spring issue of Disney twenty-three magazine hits stands February 1, loaded with articles to delight both Disney fans and the general public.

The cover story gives readers a stem-to-stern tour of Disney Cruise Line’s awe-inspiring new ship, Disney Dream, a mighty 4,000 passenger vessel equipped with cutting-edge technology and activities and entertainment for ultimate family fun on the high seas. Featuring an exclusive guided exploration of this third and largest ship in the Disney fleet, the spring issue of Disney twenty-three lets readers learn exciting details from the Imagineers who helped transform their creative vision into one of the world’s most spectacular floating vacation spots.

Imagineer Joe Lanzisero steers readers through the ideas that percolated early on in the minds of his fellow Imagineers as the seemingly impossible details for the Disney Dream took shape and became reality. Readers will discover how the design team conquered new cruise challenges such as providing every stateroom on board with an ocean view (even the interior cabins!) as well as giving guests a way to safely steal a look 12 feet over the side of the ship itself. In talking about the design process, Lanzisero claims it was “…like watching a great musician or a great dancer create. It just happens before your eyes; you never think about what goes into it.”

Disney twenty-three’s spring issue also includes an exclusive interview with Sir Elton John discussing his participation in Disney’s new animated feature film, Gnomeo & Juliet, a picturesque and comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s traditional love story that now stars garden gnomes. Sir Elton talks about how the film inspired him to spoof his own music, adding that “every artist should have a sense of humor about himself. Nothing is sacred. I think poking fun at yourself is one of the greatest things you can do.” He also chats about recording a duet with Lady Gaga called ‘Hello Hello” and provides surprising insight about other songs included in the film.

The spring issue also celebrates the 25-year collaboration between composer Danny Elfman and filmmaker Tim Burton, presenting fans with a retrospective of the quirky fruits of their collaborations. Elfman reveals the creative process behind their sometimes funny and sometimes eccentric, but always unforgettable, creations.

There’s much more in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three, including:

· GOOD TASTE IS TIMELESS: Highlights the history and tradition of the refreshing beer called Radeberger that is served at Epcot’s Germany Pavilion.
· INSIDE AT DISNEY’S EXCLUSIVE TALK, SQUAWK & SQUEAK CLUB: Disney twenty-three chats it up with the personalities who give voice to Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. Plus meet the all-star cast of Disney Channel’s new animated series, Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
· THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME: Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline leads a rich trip back in time, packed with vivid photos and travel tales giving readers an incredible insight into Walt and Lilly’s voyages abroad.
· SEAS THE DAY: Take a dive at Epcot: It’s a whole new world as Disney twenty-three Editor-in-Chief Carmen Capone goes scuba diving and comes face to face with a shark!
· THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: Richard Kraft, agent to musical talents Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Richard Sherman and others, packs his Encino, California, home with vintage Disney treasures… including, of course, a Dumbo attraction vehicle from Walt Disney World.
· 23 QUESTIONS WITH... Imagineer, attraction designer and Disney Legend Bob Gurr.
· A WALK WITH WALT 1939: WORLDS TO CONQUER: Even as Walt crafted his groundbreaking Fantasia, construction crews were breaking ground on his brand new studios in Burbank.
· D SOCIETY: Alan Menken, Leonard Maltin and some very popular D23 Members (even a duo direct from Tokyo!) are all in the spotlight.
· PHOTOfiles: Disney twenty-three’s ninth installment of rare pictures from the Disney Photo Library takes readers from a 1941 photo shoot with Walt to visits back home to Marceline and to the set of Mary Poppins.
· GOOD MOUSEKEEPING: This issue of Disney twenty-three debuts a new column featuring classic Disney comics originally published in the 1930s and early 1940s in Good Housekeeping magazine. Once a staple in the pages of the magazine, these charming and nostalgic illustrations now come alive in the pages of Disney twenty-three where fans can appreciate them anew.

And there’s even more for Disney fans to explore! As with every issue of Disney twenty-three, D23 Members receive an added bonus. This issue comes with an exclusive D23 Expo 2011 luggage tag featuring the beloved chipmunks Chip and Dale that will be shipped to members exclusively. To become a D23 Member and learn more about membership and the spring issue of Disney twenty-three, visit www.disney.com/D23.

Beginning February 1, Disney twenty-three is available at select retail locations for $15.95.

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

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

This week check out the following:

-Exciting changes at the Disney Parks including the new “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” show coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, additions to Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure and Marie Osmond visiting Disneyland

- “Off the Map” premiers on ABC, and Wilson Cruz guest stars on “Grey’s Anatomy”

- Disney Home Entertainment is set to release a slew of movies in the 3D format including “TRON: Legacy,” “Tangled” and “Bolt” as well as classics like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King”

- “The Lion King” on Broadway hits a major milestone. Plus Disney’s Broadway talents come together with Sir Tim Rice for a magical night of music

- New details about D23’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” event—the voices of Captain Hook and Mr. Smee join the party!

- D23’s 2011 Discounts cover members coast to coast—from “Mary Poppins” on Broadway to the Mandara Spas across the country

- Disney and Dreamworks—a preview of what’s to come

- Viewer questions… And more!

Episode Twenty-Three can be viewed here!

The 2011 Production Mark Honors 'Mary Poppins'

The Walt Disney Classics Collection features a yearly Production Mark that is incised or imprinted on the bottom of sculptures produced during the calendar year. This mark indicates the calendar year in which the piece was produced.

For 2010, the Production Mark was the Sword and Anvil from Walt Disney's The Sword in the Stone (1963). The 2011 Production Mark (pictured at left) will be the Umbrella from Walt Disney's Mary Poppins (1964).

Mary Poppins based on the Mary Poppins book series by P.L. Travers starred Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins) and Dick Van Dyke (Bert).

More WDCC Arriving at Retailers!

It appears the long drought of no new WDCC at retailers is coming to an end! Mid-December we saw the following releases arriving at retailers in time for Christmas!:

• Brer Rabbit & Brer Fox from The Song of the South
• Scrooge and Daisy (as Isabelle) from Mickey's Christmas Carol
• Scrooge from the Classic Comics Series
• Sally with Skeleton Tree from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

January got off to an awesome start with the arrival at retailers of Yzma (from The Emperor's New Groove) and talking with a fellow collector friend, his friend received the much anticipated Cinderella and Prince Charming!

Arrayed in her miraculous, luminous gown, Cinderella never looked so radiant as the aptly named Prince Charming kisses the hand of the surprised scullery maid in disguise. Walt Disney had originally intended to spotlight the Prince in a lighthearted introductory sequence, but still this royal romancer shines in the Ball sequence as the guest of honor charmingly sweeps the mystery guest off her feet.

This exquisite sculpture is plussed with metallic and opalescent paint and real pearl earrings on Cinderella. "Royal Introduction" sculpted by Kent Melton is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.

Yzma Has Arrived!!

The wait is finally over! Yzma has arrived at authorized WDCC dealers and shipping as of today!!

Making her WDCC debut, from The Emperor's New Groove, Yzma ("Calculating Conspirator") is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 500.

One of Disney’s most hilariously heinous baddies, Yzma (sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons) is plussed with pewter, resin and a magnet to hold the elaborate headpiece (featuring real feathers) in place.

Spoke with Ray at Gallery of the Lakes and this was his initial reaction:

"She’s here and she is VERY VERY VERY good. Didn’t realize how long her trailing cape was, makes her quite a striking figure and much more three-dimensional than we thought. For this reason, she came in a large protected bumpered box. Feathers(magnetized base) are very cool design(feathers are tigtly cropped & dense…more Egyptian than flamenco) and jet black. Outstanding piece!"

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

Episode Twenty-One (1st episode of 2011!) of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

This week, we have a very special Disney Geek where Disney’s biggest newsmakers of 2010 reveal their favorite Disney moments of the past year with appearances by Mandy Moore, John Lasseter, Alan Menken, Dave Smith, John Tartaglia, Zachary Levi, Steven Davison, Phineas and Ferb co-creators Dan Povenmire & Jeff “Swampy” Marsh and more!

Episode Twenty-One can be viewed here!