Additional Angles Added Plus View the Animated Short That Inspired It!

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In 1949, Walt Disney moved his family to 355 N. Carolwood Drive. Inspired by his animators Ward Kimball and Ollie Johnston, who had backyard railroads, Walt launched construction of a 1/8 scale live steam locomotive, rolling stock such as gondolas and a caboose, track and a small barn modeled in miniature for the one in Marceline, Missouri from his youth to keep them in.

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The locomotive was patterned after the Central Pacific #173, a wood burning engine brought aboard ship from the east 'around the horn' and assembled in California to begin construction of the transcontinental railroad east through the Rocky Mountains. To keep the initials identical on the CP #173 he named his railroad the Carolwood Pacific in reference to the residence location on Carolwood Drive.

2,615 feet (797 m) of railway track circled the house, looped and crossed, with turnouts, gradients, a trestle 46-foot (14 m) long, overpasses with an elevated dirt berm. Lillian Disney was supportive of her dear husband Walt's train hobby, although she vetoed a track through her flower beds—so Walt instead built a 90 ft (27 m) 'S' curved tunnel beneath them.

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In an episode of his television show, Walt Disney shared that not only he but also several of his key animators were model train enthusiasts.

“With so many of us interested in model trains,”said Walt, “it wasn’t too much of a surprise when our story department came up with a cartoon idea about this hobby,” and Out of Scale (released November 02, 1951) was the charming result.

Now this intricately detailed sculpture commemorates this unforgettable cartoon short, Disney favorite Donald Duck and also Walt Disney’s love of trains.

'Backyard Whistle Stop' is Limited to Production Year 2012.

Courtesy of YouTube.com, for viewing pleasure is the 1951 animated short, Out of Scale.

Summer Releases Starting to Ship!

The Summer 2012 Releases have started to arrive at retailers and have begun to ship!


Four of the five releases announced last Monday are reported to be enroute to collectors:

• Donald on Train ("Backyard Whistle Stop") - Limited to Production Year 2012.
• Lilo & Stitch ("Storefront Spaceship") - Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.
• Maleficent ("Sinister Sorceress") - Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.
• Dug ("Proud Pooch)" - Limited to Production Year 2012.

Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection dealer for availability.

Blast Off With Two New Angles of Storefront Spaceship!

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Two additional angles (above and below)have been made available of Lilo and Stitch taking you on their space adventure in this storefront spaceship!

These two additional angles give you a good idea of the detail of this piece plus the vibrant color palette used. The piece is not only a fun piece but has a really cool retro feel to it.

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In celebration of the unconventionally classic animated feature’s 10th Anniversary, this colorful sculpture rockets Lilo and her out-ofthis-world friend to new heights of lovability.

'Storefront Spaceship' sculpted by Bruce Lau is a Numbered Limited Edition of 750.

More Additional Angles Added!

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Two additional angles (side view pictured at left and back view) have been made available for Dug, from Disney/Pixar's Up!

This new angle really captures Dug's personality!

Joining the previously released sculpture of Carl and Russell this heartwarming Up sculpture depicts Dug’s exuberant eagerness right down to the tip of his tail.

'Proud Pooch' sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales is Limited to Production Year 2012.

'What's Your Favorite of the Summer 2012 Releases?' Poll

The Walt Disney Classics Collection announced their Summer 2012 Releases this past Monday.  

As with the last announcement, most are already at the warehouse, ready to ship and should be arriving at retailers shortly!  

Lilo and Stitch are wondering ... 'What is your favorite release of the 2012 Summer Announcement?'

The poll (at your left) will run through next Saturday night (June 2nd).

Additional Angles Made Available for Tinker Bell & Maleficent Releases!

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On Monday, the Summer 2012 releases from the Walt Disney Classics Collection were announced! 

Additional back view angles have been made available for Tinker Bell from the Tinker Bell Seasons Series and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty.

'Enchanting Encounter' (Tinker Bell) sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales is the showpiece of the 2012 Enchanting Encounter Premiere Event to be held September 07-09, 2012. 

'Summer Tinker Bell' a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,500 is the fourth (and final) release in the Tinker Bell Seasons Series and seventh release in the Disney Artist Series.

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'Sinister Sorceress' (Maleficent with Diablo) sculpted by Ruben Procopio is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.

 The Disney animators designed this wicked fairy to resemble a vampire bat, and so it is fearfully fitting that her magnificently malevolent throne has a macabre bat-wing motif. 

This elaborate sculpture is plussed with bronze hands on Maleficent and bronze legs on Diablo and shows Maleficent at her most sinister!

All Aboard for a 'Backyard Whistle Stop'!

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Chugging straight out of the classic cartoon, Out of Scale, engineer Donald takes pride in his scale-model choo-choo, even though his hobby becomes a train-wreck when he moves Chip and Dale’s full-size tree because it doesn’t fit in with the size of his miniature locomotive. 

In an episode of his television show, Walt Disney shared that not only he but also several of his key animators were model train enthusiasts.“With so many of us interested in model trains,”said Walt, “it wasn’t too much of a surprise when our story department came up with a cartoon idea about this hobby,” and Out of Scale was the charming result. 

Now this intricately detailed sculpture commemorates this unforgettable cartoon, Disney favorite Donald Duck and also Walt Disney’s love of trains.

'Backyard Whistle Stop' is Limited to Production Year 2012.

One of Disney's Most Powerful Villains in a New WDCC Release!

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Celebrating the triumph of evil, Maleficent gazes upon the ghastly scene with her devious pet raven Diablo, serenely confident in her complete domination as the Mistress of All Evil.

One of Walt Disney’s most powerful villains, Maleficent is the dark force in Sleeping Beauty whose nefarious spell subjects the beautiful princess to endless slumber. 

The Disney animators designed this wicked fairy to resemble a vampire bat, and so it is fearfully fitting that her magnificently malevolent throne has a macabre bat-wing motif. 

'Sinister Sorceress' sculpted by Ruben Procopio is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750. This elaborate sculpture is plussed with bronze hands on Maleficent and bronze legs on Diablo and shows Maleficent at her most sinister!

Go On a 'Space Adventure' with Lilo & Stitch!

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For Lilo, it’s always about ‘ohana, the Hawaiian word and concept for family where no one gets left behind or forgotten. So when this lonely child adopts a little dog (in reality, a destructive alien from another galaxy known as Experiment 626), she shows this strange creature (who she names Stitch) all the family-type fun her small world has to offer including a ride on a coin-operated supermarket rocket ship. 

Drawing inspiration from the Disney classics Dumbo and Bambi, the creators of Lilo & Stitch focused on the simplicity and warmth of the character relationships, especially that of the offbeat little girl and the hyperactive alien. 

In celebration of the unconventionally classic animated feature’s 10th Anniversary, this colorful sculpture rockets Lilo and her out-ofthis-world friend to new heights of lovability.

'Storefront Spaceship' sculpted by Bruce Lau is a Numbered Limited Edition of 750.

An 'Enchanting Encounter' is Planned for the 2012 Fall Premiere Event!

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Celebrating summer while sitting pretty on a blossom in full bloom, Tinker Bell shows all the sunniness and sass that has made her so irresistible ever since she first flitted onto the scene in Walt Disney’s Peter Pan. 

Pretty as a posy, this twinkling pixie lights up with a pert smile for a ladybug who lights on her shoulder. The piece is plussed with pewter leaves, hair ribbon and ladybug, and specially designed by Disney Master Artist David Pacheco. 

'Enchanting Encounter' sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales is the fourth and final release of the Tinker Bell Seasons Series (and the seventh release in the Disney Artist Series) is the showpiece of the 2012 Enchanting Encounter Premiere Event to be held September 07-09, 2012.

This 'Proud Pooch' Joins UP with Carl & Russell!

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Loyal Dug eagerly serves the wealthy explorer Charles F. Muntz, and wants to show he belongs with the pack. Though Dug is not muscular and sharp-witted like the other dogs, he is sweet and devoted. 

In order to portray Dug as an authentically pet-like pooch, the filmmakers purposely infused him with enthusiastic emotion and lovable appeal, including a furry, rotund body, a wide mouth that always looks like he is grinning and an audible stream of enthusiastic consciousness (thanks to his high-tech collar). 

It’s only after Dug joins up with determined Carl and loving Russell that he realizes he’s been part of the wrong pack.

Joining the previously released sculpture of Carl and Russell this heartwarming Up sculpture depicts Dug’s exuberant eagerness right down to the tip of his tail.

'Proud Pooch' sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales is Limited to Production Year 2012.

Robin & Maid Marion Honored with Retirement!

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Today the Walt Disney Classics Collection honored Robin and Maid Marian with retirement! From one of the least portrayed weddings in all of Disney animation, a dashing Robin Hood and the lovely Maid Marian walk arm-in-arm after having tied the knot.

'Merry Matrimony' an open edition release sculpted by Bruce Lau was released in May, 2009 with Toby Turtle and Skippy Rabbit (both Limited to Production Year 2009).  They were later joined by Friar Tuck (sculpted by Bruce Lau) and Allan-A-Dale (sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales) released in Spring 2011, both Limited to Production Year 2011.

Friar Tuck, Allan-A-Dale and the Opening Title are all On Alert. Please contact your authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection dealer for availability before they all head back to Sherwood Forest and will be gone forever!

Review: Carousel Sweethearts

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How many have passed on a release to end up going back later and add to your collection?  Over the past couple years have found myself doing that.  

In 2010, I added pieces from Fantasia I had initially passed on when released (the Three Mushrooms, Pink & Blue Centaurette and Cupids on Column).  In 2011 I finally had Hercules represented in my collection (added bronze Gallery Edition Hercules & Pegasus and Tribute Series Hercules). This year, "Carousel Sweethearts" from The Brave Little Tailor.

"Carousel Sweethearts" features Mickey and Minnie from the 1938 animated short.  The Numbered Limited Edition set of 1,000, sculpted by Bruce was the 2006 Gold Circle Exclusive released in April, 2006. 

The Walt Disney Classics Collection has done a great job on other horses from the various films (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Melody Time, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Hercules and Mulan) capturing the features and attributes of a real horse from 2D animation into 3D.  

I'm a fan also of when a sculpture captures that sense of movement.  When you compare the two horses, Mickey's horse captures the mood and spirit of Mickey.  You can picture Mickey rocking back and forth on the horse as we've all done, trying to beat the other horses in your row on a carousel by the time the ride ends.  Whereas Minnie's horse (sitting side saddle as any princess would), captures her demeanor and is going at a nice and slow, steady pace.

Like the vibrancy of the set and the flexibility in displaying them. The scale is smaller compared to the Animator Choice versions of Tailor Mickey and Princess Minnie released previously.  

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Pre-Signed Busts by Bruce Lau at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort!

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The Art of Disney Parks announced this week some new offerings for Star Wars™ Weekend , including the Walt Disney Classics Collection Darth Maul Donald Duck and Grand Jester Studios Stitch as Yoda Bust.

For those purchasing theirs at  WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando, the website did not mention but Bruce Lau pre-signed the busts that will be available there.

This character-authentic, polystone mini-bust designed and art directed by Disney veteran animator Ruben Procopio and sculpted by Bruce Lau stands 8 ¼” high x 3 ¾” wide x 4” deep and is hand-painted and ready to display.  The base design takes inspiration from architectural elements and color palette from the Grand Convocation Chamber of the Senate Building where Jedi Grand Master Yoda duels the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious.

Stitch as Yoda Polystone Bust will be released during Star Wars™ Weekends.  Stitch is a Maximum Limited Edition of 3,000 with a SRP of $ 65.00 US.

NOTE:   A limited number of Stitch as Yoda polystone busts will be made available at Disneyland® Resort following the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort premiere, subject to availability.

New Behind The Scenes Trailer For "Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power Of Two"

“DISNEY EPIC MICKEY 2: THE POWER OF TWO”

RELEASING ON MULTIPLE VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS

THIS FALL

Warren Spector Pays Further Tribute to Disney History with Sequel

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Debut in a Co-Starring Role and Make His First Ever Appearance as a Playable Video Game Character

BURBANK, Calif. – (March 23, 2012) – Disney Interactive Media Group today announced the development of “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, the sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Disney Epic Mickey” video game.  In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery. Created by video game industry luminary Warren Spector and Disney Interactive’s Junction Point game development studio, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns the franchise to the Wii™ system from Nintendo, and expands it to new HD consoles including the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

“As a life-long Disney fan, working with Mickey Mouse in the original ‘Disney Epic Mickey’ was a truly humbling experience,” said Warren Spector, creative director and vice president, Junction Point. “Millions of fans fell in love with Mickey as a video game hero and I know they'll experience similar emotions when they get to interact with and actually play as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.’"

“Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions.  But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners - Mickey with his magical paint brush that allows him to wield paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.   This new co-op play further enhances the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players dynamically tackle different challenges in order to explore all possibilities and storylines, but with consequences for their chosen actions.

Staying true to Disney’s rich musical heritage, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is the first video game that can be described as a “musical.” At many points throughout the adventure, characters will advance the plot by expressing themselves in song, with all-original music and lyrics.  In addition to this distinctive musical approach to storytelling, players will hear tunes and instrumentation that change based on their personal choices, ultimately allowing each player to “conduct” their own unique soundtrack.  Disney Interactive has enlisted the help of Emmy award-winning composer James Dooley and noted lyricist Mike Himelstein to create these musical gameplay elements.

The magic of Disney will not only resonate through the game’s musical numbers, but also through the introduction of authentic Disney Character Voices talent who provide player direction through genuine character dialogue.  In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” all characters—most notably Oswald The Lucky Rabbit whose voice will be heard for the first time—will communicate by speaking to the player.

 

“In the first ‘Disney Epic Mickey title,’ fans embraced Mickey as a true video game hero and welcomed Oswald back into the Disney family with open arms,” said John Pleasants, co-president, Disney Interactive Media Group. “Now, as the vision for the “Disney Epic Mickey’ franchise advances, fans and gamers across all platforms will experience completely new ways to embrace the immeasurable vault of Disney characters and attractions.”

Development for “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is being led by Disney Interactive’s Junction Point.   Supporting the latest technology, the game will also feature full support for the PlayStation Move.  The game currently is unrated by the ESRB.   For more information, go to www.disney.com/disneyepicmickey.