Fiendish Fans and a Terrifying Tyke!

Here come more comically creepy creatures, busily scaring up somescreams. The Vampire Quartet really knows how to sink their teeth into a tomb-ful song. Hovering nearby is the fantastical Bat Kid, always ready to fly in the face of holiday fun.

The latest offerings from Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas come from the Fountain Scene. The Vampire Quartet, a Numbered Limited Edition of 750 and the Bat Kid, Limited to Production Year 2009 were both sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

Patrick sculpted the first scene release from the Fountain Scene, released in August 2007 which consisted of Jack Skellington, the Corpse Child, Fountain (all Open Edition releases) and the Werewolf (Limited to Production Year 2007). They were joined in July 2008 by the Mummy Boy and Witches (both Limited to Production Year 2008).

The Corpse Child was retired in August 2008 and the Fountain was suspended in May 2009. The Vampire Quartet and Bat Kid are scheduled for a September 2009 release.

Allillanchu from Peru!

The “happiest cruise that ever sailed” is now a little happier with this little charmer from Peru. Wearing the traditional brightly colored and multi-layered petticoats known as polleras, this festively outfitted youngster is a SouthAmerican must-have.

Accompanied by a lovable llama, this winsome Peruvian miss is all set to join the Small World pageant of international harmony and joyful song-and-dance.

The latest release in the Disney's It's a Small Series is the Peruvian Girl and her Llama. Scheduled for release in September 2009, it will retail for $99.00 for the set.

As Matthew pointed out, this is a great value given the Llama accessory is a 3D sculpture and not flat like the traditional accessory item that comes with the doll-like child.

WDW Update: Haunted Mansion Organist

Hard to believe it's already been 2.5 weeks since we've returned from WDW. What an amazing trip! Didn't get a chance to blog while there, we were on the go constantly and it's been nonstop busy/craziness since getting home.

Over the next week hope to recap from the trip .. DVC updates, Vinylmation and Restaurant Reviews. First up, we were very fortunate to see prototypes of the upcoming Haunted Mansion Organist. Photos truly don't do this sculpture justice. What caught my eye (and those in our group) was the attention to detail in the way the dust was depicted on the organ and base. Below are some close-up photos of the Organist and Organ:

In honor of the Haunted Mansion's upcoming 40th Anniversary, the Disneyland® Resort will be hosting a Haunted Mansion Event on 09-09-09.

The event will include the Walt Disney Classics Collection two-piece sculpture set of the Organ Player and Organ (click on image at left), presented in a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of only 500 pieces. Faithfully recreating this spirited musician and instrument from the famed ghost-bound abode attraction, Disney artists have referenced original attraction models and designs to bring to life the Organ Player and Organ sculpted by Dusty Horner.

Of the 5oo edition size, only 300 pieces will be on hand at the Disneyland® Resort, the remaining quantity will be released at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort to be announced at a later date.

Additional information on the upcoming event, merchandise offerings, package and itinerary offerings can be found at Disneygallery.com.

Special Thanks to our photographer, Bob Fortino .. Thanks Bobbi :)

Scrooge Doesn't Look To Happy About This Retirement??

Honored today (06-17-09) as a dry retirement is Scrooge McDuck from Mickey's Christmas Carol. Scrooge McDuck ("Mirthless Miser"), was released in July 2008 as an Open Edition release from the classic Counting House Scene that also included Donald Duck as nephew Fred and Mickey Mouse as timid clerk, Bob Cratchit. The complete scene was sculpted by Ruben Procopio.

To coincide with the retirement, please be watching later this week for more new releases from this terrific short to be announced!

Mickey's Christmas Carol is an adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, featuring Scrooge McDuck as his namesake and inspiration Ebenezer Scrooge and Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit. This film was based on a 1972 audio musical entitled Disney's A Christmas Carol. Mickey's Christmas Carol was the first new Mickey Mouse cartoon made in 30 years after The Simple Things.

Please check with your authorized dealer for availability.

Third Quarter Teaser ]:)

As we near the end of June, it's getting closer to the announcement of Third Quarter releases from the Walt Disney Classics Collection.

Third Quarter marks the return of the Leading Ladies Series (5th in the Series). Any guesses on who that might be??

The Leading Ladies Series made its debut in March, 2004 with the release of Jessica Rabbit (2004 Spring Event Sculpture, a NLE of 5,000) from Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Jessica was followed in May, 2005 by Megara (Hercules), Limited to Production Year 2005, in April, 2006 by Pocahontas (Pocahontas), Limited to Production Year 2006 and in March, 2007 by Esmerelda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Limited to Production Year 2007.

We will find out by the end of this week the next release in this series but in the meantime, let the guessing begin!!

On Alert!

The Vultures from The Jungle Book ("Things Are Right Dead All Over"), a Members Only Numbered Limited Edition of 1,000 for 2009 has been put on alert! It is recommended for any WDCS member who hasn't secured theirs yet to contact their retailers!
The Vultures are part of the 2009 members only assortment that included two releases from Disney's 1967 classic (and last film under Walt), The Jungle Book:

• Members Only Limited Edition-Vultures
• Villains Series-Shere Khan
  

The Vultures, rarely portrayed in any other medium mark not only their WDCC debut but the return of the Members Only Limited Edition. This Numbered Limited Edition (NLE), in an edition size of 1,000, was sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

"Things Are Right Dead All Over" is plussed with pewter plant stalks and branches as well as well as the feathers on Flaps, Buzzie, Ziggy and Dizzy.

Updated Info on Jessica Rabbit Bust Series Release!

Sideshow Collectibles had posted on their website a preview of Jessica Rabbit, an upcoming release in the Disney Bust Series by Grand Jester Studios as reported in a previous blog entry. Images and information is now available!

From Disney's Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), she's not bad - she's just sculpted that way! The star attraction at the Ink and Paint Club, Jessica Rabbit has a talent for turning heads and stealing hearts. Now the sultry torch singer has been captured in all her curvaceous splendor in this character authentic, polystone mini-bust designed and sculpted by Disney animator Ruben Procopio.

There will be two (2) versions of Jessica Rabbit, a NLE of 1,500 and a Sideshow Exclusive Version. The NLE version of 1,500 (pictured at right) stands at 8-3/4" tall and depicts Jessica in her red dress. For additional angles, please check out Sideshow Collectibles Gallery.

The Sideshow Exclusive (pictured at left), a Limited Edition of 250, includes a unique feature available nowhere else: 'Ink and Paint Club' Version.

This exclusive Jessica Rabbit bust variant (standing 8-3/4" tall) features a pink dress designed to dazzle the eye with a unique application of sparkling glitter and paint. Worn only on-stage in the landmark 1988 feature film (the very same stage which inspired her stunning art deco base).

These dynamic busts are designed to capture all the grandeur and power of The Walt Disney Studios’ noblest heroes, loveliest heroines, and vilest villains. Brought to life by Disney and Grand Jester Studios under the creative direction of animator and sculptor Rubén Procopio, these limited edition polystone busts offer collectors and Disney fans alike the opportunity to bring home and display their favorite animated and live-action characters in this detailed collectible format.

For additional angles, please check out Sideshow Collectibles Gallery. According to Sideshow Collectibles website, this Sideshow exclusive is already on wait list status.

Two Retirements & the Suspension of Cogsworth Announced!

The Walt Disney Classics Collection has announced two retirements today (06-11-09):

Lucifer ("Catnap Interrupted") from Cinderella (1950). Lucifer was released in February, 2005 as part of an Open Edition scene release which also included Cinderella, Mice in Basket and the Dress Mannequin. The following year, in February 2006, Gus and Jaq with Ribbon was released as an add-on to the 2005 scene release.

The Mice in Basket were retired in August, 2007 and the Dress Mannequin was retired in March, 2009. Lucifer was sculpted by Chris Peterson.

Also retired was Buzz Lightyear ("Space Ranger") from Toy Story 2 (1999). Buzz Lightyear was released in May 2006 along with the Alien.

The Alien was retired in August, 2008. Buzz Lightyear was sculpted by Tony Cipriano.

In addition to the two (2) retirements, there is also a suspension, Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast (1991). Cogsworth was released in March, 1997 as part of an Open Edition scene release that included the Opening Title, Dancing Belle and Beast, Lumiere and Mrs. Potts & Chip.

Cogsworth joins Lumiere who was suspended in February, 2009. Cogsworth was sculpted by Valerie Edwards.

Please check with your authorized dealer for availability.

We're Off!

It's time for our annual trip to WDW! After a grueling week at work, glad to get away for a few days of fun and relaxation with family and friends at one of our favorite destinations.

Amanda's roommate Rachel from college will be joining us and we'll be meeting up with resident Floridian Terry and our BFF's from NY, Bob & Toni. Should be a week of good times and a LOT of laughs!

Bags are packed, car is loaded and we're out the door! Hopefully we will bring some of the nice, warm weather we've been having to the very wet Orlando area!

Looking forward to Characters in Flight, located in Downtown Disney, checking out the new DVC resorts at Kadani Village, Bay Lake Towers and the Treehouse Villas plus trying some new restaurants!

Hope everyone has a Safe & Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

Retirement Announcement Plus Suspensions & Product Update!

Honored today (05-22-09) as a dry retirement is Scotland from Disney's It's a Small World Series. The Highland Laddie and his Castle accessory item made their WDCC debut in May, 2007 as an Open Edition release.

In addition to today's retirement, the following sculptures have sold out and/or have been suspended.

Sold Out Numbered Limited Editions

Beast: Fury Unleashed (from Beauty and the Beast)
Blossom Fairy: Incandescent Magic (from Fantasia)
Elliot: A Boy's Best Friend (from Pete's Dragon)
Pirates Jail Scene: "Here Give Us the Keys, ya Scrawny Beast!" (from Pirates of the Caribbean Theme Park Attraction)
Sleeping Beauty Jeweled Box: Clandestine Conclave (Gold Circle Exclusive from Sleeping Beauty)

Sold Out Walt Disney Collectors Society Ltd Edition

Peg: Dog Pound Diva (from Lady and the Tramp)

Recently Suspended (Sold Out Open Edition Sculptures with No Immediate Plans to Re-Order)

Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser (Quintessentially Disney from Alice in Wonderland)
Cheshire Cat: Surreal Smile (Quintessentially Disney from Alice in Wonderland)
Fantasia Opening Title (from Fantasia)
Fountain (from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas)
Doc: "Where a Million Diamonds Shine" (from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Opening Title (from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)

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.

Jessica Rabbit to Join the Disney Bust Series!

Sideshow Collectibles has posted on their website a preview of Jessica Rabbit, an upcoming release in the Disney Bust Series by Grand Jester Studios.

Their website says that pre-orders will begin with the newsletter launch on May 28, 2009, with a Sideshow Exclusive Version available only at SideshowCollectibles.com.

These dynamic busts are designed to capture all the grandeur and power of The Walt Disney Studios’ noblest heroes, loveliest heroines, and vilest villains. Brought to life by Disney and Grand Jester Studios under the creative direction of animator and sculptor Rubén Procopio, these limited edition polystone busts offer collectors and Disney fans alike the opportunity to bring home and display their favorite animated and live-action characters in this detailed collectible format.

Thanks William for this breaking news!

Tinker Bell & Stitch in Next Wave of Polystone Busts from Grand Jester Studios!

Sideshow Collectibles has updated their website with two more releases in the Disney Bust Series from Grand Jester Studios and the creators of the Walt Disney Classics Collection for Third Quarter 2009 .. Tinker Bell and Stitch!

Tinker Bell (Peter Pan) and Stitch (Lilo and Stitch) join previously released polystone busts -- King Triton and Ursula from The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Captain Hook from Peter Pan, Snow White and Hag from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the Rocketeer from The Rocketeer.

These outstanding collectible busts are high-quality, detailed representations of some of the world's most beloved Disney characters, perfect for any fan to display.

Whether she's plotting against arch-rival Wendy for Peter's affections or spying on the dastardly Captain Hook, one look says it all: Don't mess with Tinker Bell! Portraying the peeved pixie in a particularly petulant pose, this character authentic, porcelain mini-bust of Never Land's favorite scene-stealer is designed and sculpted by veteran Disney animator Ruben Procopio. Standing 7 inches tall, Tinker Bell comes painted and ready to display alone or with the Captain Hook Bust and Peter Pan Bust (offered separately).

Special Note: Sideshow Collectibles has both Peter Pan and Tinker Bell listed as porcelain busts vs. polystone busts, though the detail for each refers to them as polystone.

Update 05-08-09: It has been confirmed. Both Peter Pan and Tinker Bell are both polystone, not porcelain as incorrectly described on the Sideshow Collectible website. FYI.

From Disney's Lilo & Stitch, there's a reason Experiment 626 (a.k.a. Stitch) tops the galaxy's Most Wanted list. Wielding four sizzling ray-guns and a gleefully maniacal smile, this trigger-happy alien is genetically designed to wreak as much havoc and destruction as inhumanly possible. Stitch's incorrigible attitude and bad-boy charm are on full display in this character authentic, polystone mini-bust designed and sculpted by Disney animator Ruben Procopio. Standing 7" tall, Stitch comes painted and ready to display.

Available for order (while supplies last) through Sideshow Collectibles at http://www.sideshowcollectibles.com/, Diamond Comic Distributors’ Previews, and Disney Shopping, Inc. at http://www.disneyshopping.com/.

Special Thanks to Geoffrey for posting this information in another blog entry!

First '2009 Production Mark' Sighting!

The 2009 Production Mark has been sighted! The Paw Print production mark was sighted on Simba ("Little King, Big Roar"), the 2009 Spring Event Sculpture which made it's debut April 17-20, 2009.

This year's production mark honors Walt Disney's animated classic One Hundred and One Dalmatians and the symbol is a paw print (pictured at left).

The only sculptures that do not include the Production Mark are the yearly Walt Disney Collectors Society Membership Gift Sculptures. The Production Mark was discontinued on the Membership Gift sculptures years ago to discourage Society Members from purposely disrupting their memberships as they let their memberships lapse and then try to renew them a year or so later in the hopes of receiving the following year's Production Mark (when we would produce fewer with that mark).

Thanks Carl/Gurgi for this breaking news! Very appropriate the first sculpt to bear this year's production mark would be Simba :)

Reviews: Ariel w/Prince Eric Statue & Clopin

My most recent purchases were this year's latest release from The Little Mermaid, Ariel with Prince Eric Statue (sculpted by Kent Melton) and Clopin from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (released in 2007, sculpted by Tony Cipriano).

In honor of it's 20th Anniversary comes the release of Ariel with Statue of Prince Eric, a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,000. I liked this piece instantly from the images made available and just as pleased when I saw in person. This is probably my favorite Ariel released to date.

Ariel (like Belle, Cinderella and Snow White) is not an easy character to translate into 3D. Ariel facially is perfect/ dead on and I like the sense of movement in both her hair and fin. My only criticism, her hair seems dark, not the vibrant red you think of when you think of Ariel, that in Seahorse Surprise. Knowing this sculpture is from the sequence in the grotto, her hair would be effected by the shadows within the grotto, hence why they went with a darker shade?

The statue of Eric is done in resin to capture all the detail of the statue that couldn't have been accomplished if in porcelain. My only wish now, is if they would do a companion piece of King Triton as he approaches the grotto ... trident in hand, with an angry expression on his face as he overhears Ariel. I decided to display this sculpture outside a curio (pictured at right), placed next to a table fountain that is the same coloring/texture as Prince Eric. Very tranquil when the fountain is running.

My other purchase was Clopin, the harlequin host and narrator from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Clopin was released in 2007 with Quasimodo and Esmerelda from The Festival of Fools Scene.

Hunchback is one of my favorite films of the newer releases, so was very disappointed with the Tribute Series release of him and Esmerelda ("Not A Single Monster Line) and began to lose faith we would see anything else from this film until 2007 :) I couldn't have been more pleased with all three characters but at the time of their release, only purchased Esmerelda and Quasimodo with plans to purchase Clopin constantly pushed to the back burner.

Clopin has finally joined my collection and the 3 characters together make an amazing scene with all the vibrant colors used, sense of movement in each character and the gold plussing. Clopin is an Open Edition release, sculpted by Tony Cipriano.

Once again, would like to thank Bob, Pam and Nancy at CEL-EBRATION! Gallery for reserving these for me and a wonderful weekend in Red Bank, NJ at their recent signing event with Kent & Tony and can't wait to return to Red Bank!

Updated Facts & Firsts for 2009!

An updated edition of Facts & Firsts for 2009 has just been finalized and available for download (click on image at right).

This update includes all releases through Second Quarter 2009 plus the recent retirements and suspensions.

Should you catch any errors, please email me at wdccduckman@aol.com so we can be sure to get those corrected in the next update.