2010 Calendar Update

As this year's releases were announced, they were categorized as Spring, Summer and Fall releases.

For those who like to track when the pieces were actually released, as each product hits retailers, I will update the 2010 Calendar accordingly.

To date, all the releases that were part of the Spring, 2010 releases have arrived at retailers except for Yzma. The Pegasus Family has been sighted at Walt Disney World and overseas but haven't heard of any US retailers receiving as of yet.

Received a newsletter today from Gallery of the Lakes and they mention the upcoming Tinker Bell and Inkwell to start arriving the 1st week of July. She is the 1st of the Summer 2010 releases to start to hit retailers.

'Beauty & the Beast' Special Offer

The Walt Disney Classics Collection notified Authorized Dealers on Thursday, June 24th of the 2007 Signature Series release from Beauty and the Beast ("The Curse is Broken") will no longer be offered. Instead, in response to repeated retailer and collector requests, they announced a special opportunity offering the remaining quantity of character sculptures to be sold individually.

I contacted Ray from Gallery of the Lakes this morning to inquire and ask a few questions. At the time of it's release, this Signature Series has quite a few breakage issues with the base and some breakage with Lumiere & Cogsworth (breaking at the necks) and Babette (the feather duster she's holding, breaking off). He commented no breakage with Mrs. Potts and only one breakage with Belle and Prince (breakage at the Prince's ankles).

Rather than destroy these pieces, they're being offered to authorized dealers to be sold separately. There are no bases available and and each sculpture will come with a revised Certificate of Authenticity.

Please Note: Retailers and collectors who purchased the original Beauty and the Beast Set will be the only customers to have Matched Numbered Limited Edition pieces with the elaborate base, numbered Certificate of Authenticity and hand-signed Signature Card from the sculptor Dusty Horner that originally shipped in two over-sized cartons.

With this new special offer, dealers will not be able to honor requests for matching limited edition numbers even if a retailer orders all four individual sku's at once.

Special Pricing is shown below.

• Belle and Prince $350.00 SRP
• Babette $125.00 SRP
• Mrs. Potts & Chip $150.00 SRP
• Cogsworth & Lumiere $199.00 SRP

Additional Angles Added!

Last week, the Walt Disney Classics Collection announced the Fall, 2010 releases.

This morning, I updated the website with additional angles of the following:

• Dumbo
• Devil
• Undersea Gal
  

Dumbo, sculpted by Bruce Lau is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.

The Devil and Undersea Gal, from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas were sculpted by Patrick Romandy Simmons and Limited to Production Year 2010.

Latest Additions to the Mickey's Christmas Carol Series

Ebenezer Scrooge (portrayed of course by Scrooge McDuck) is discovering the Christmas spirit the hard way—revisiting his past by gazing through the window of Fezzywig’s Tea Shop.

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.

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

Scrooge and Daisy ("Reflections of Christmas Past"), sold as a two-piece set and Huey, Dewey & Louie with the Christmas Tree ("Holiday Helpers"), sculpted by Ruben Procopio are Limited to Production Year 2010.

Magic Feather Surprise!

“Right from the beginning Dumbo was a happy picture,” said Walt Disney, and the little star of that classic film sports a suitably happy smile in this all-new sculpture.

Perched high atop a burning-building set in the Big Top before a big city audience, the precious baby pachyderm, wonderfully winsome in full clown makeup, is thrilled because he’s about to make the leap into a flight of faith leading him to fame, showbiz success and best of all, a joyful reunion with his mother.

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.

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

More From Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

Deviltry, singing skeletons, and undersea mayhem make things merrily macabre as the demented denizens of Halloweentown welcome their Pumpkin King in their own wonderfully warped way.

While sweet rag doll Sally looks on amidst the eerily animated bony band of the vocalizing Skeleton Tree, the delighted Devil and the charmingly repellent Undersea Gal give Jack the highest compliment possible: he made flesh crawl!

Sally ("Otherwordly Ovation") is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 and the Devil ("Debonair Demon") and Undersea Gal ("Briny Beauty") are Limited to Production Year 2010.

All three (3) sculptures (Sally, Devil and Undersea Gal) were sculpted by Patrick Romany-Simmons.

The Devil and Undersea Gal join the Previously Released Jack Skellington (”Accolades All Around”), an Open Edition, released in August 2007 as part of the Fountain Scene.

Joan Cusack Signs Jessie Doll at Chicago Disney Store

On June 16, 2010, Disney Store unveiled the Limited Edition Jessie Doll at the Disney Store on Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Only 2,010 Limited Edition Jessie Dolls were created in celebration of the release of Toy Story 3 on June 18.

Hundreds of eager fans lined up at the Disney Store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago yesterday to be among the first to purchase the limited-edition Jessie doll, and the occasion was made even more special by the appearance of actress Joan Cusack, who provides the voice of Jessie in the upcoming Toy Story 3.

Members of D23, Disney’s official fan club, had an added benefit: They were the first in line when the store opened earlier today (June 16) and were able to be the first to meet Joan Cusack as she signed the dolls and greeted excited guests. You’ll find photos from the event here:

http://dcp.smugmug.com/Events/The-Disney-Store/Joan-Cusack-Signing-at-Disney/12586005_RGFLr#903799502_WLkCW

WDCS Collector Appreciation Celebration!

Walt Disney Classics Collection has announced a special Collector Appreciation Celebration opportunity for eligible WDCS Members-Only pieces taking place at participating authorized WDCC retailers. An email blast will be sent to all active members whose email address was on file with the Walt Disney Collectors Society.

This special promotion begins today, Wednesday, June 16th and includes the following Members Only releases:

Thumper ("Did the Young Prince Fall Down?) - 2004 Instant Redemption Sculpture $20.00US

Sheep ("Curious Companion") - 2005 Instant Redemption Sculpture $20.00US

Tinker Bell in Lantern ("Pixie in Peril") - 2005 Open Edition Sculpture $199.00US

Ariel ("Seaside Serenade) - 2006 Membership Renewal Gift $50.00US

Scuttle ("Muddled Mentor") - 2006 Instant Redemption Sculpture $20.00US

Blue Fairy & Pinocchio ("The Gift of Life is Thine") - 2006 'Of Dreams & Magic' Sculpture $110.00US

Nemo & Gurgle (I"m From the Ocean") - 2006 Figurine Sculpture $65.00US

Cinderella ("Wistful Dreamer") - 2007 Membership Renewal Gift $50.00US

Bruno ("Canine Confidante") - 2007 Instant Redemption Sculpture $20.00US

Peter Pan and the Mermaids ("Spinning a Spellbinding Story") - 2007 'Of Dreams & Magic' Sculpture $199.00US

Ursula at Vanity ("Devilish Diva") - 2007 Villains Series Sculpture $140.00US

Horace & Jasper ("Bumbling Baduns") - 2007 Commission Only Sculpture $160.00US

Donald Duck ("Happy Camper") - 2008 Membership Renewal Gift $45.00US

Nephew Duck ("A Real Trooper") - 2008 Instant Redemption Sculpture $20.00US

Belle with Enchanted Rose ("Forbidden Discovery") - 2008 'Of Dreams & Magic' Sculpture $130.00US

Wendy ("Peter! Oh, Peter!") - 2008 Commission Only Sculpture $70.00US

Johnny Appleseed ("Johnny Appleseed") - 2008 American Folk Heroes Sculpture $85.00US

Contact an Authorized Dealer for Availability!

Pegasus Family Sighted!

The Pegasus Family has been sighted at the Art of Disney (Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney) at Walt Disney World! Thanks Matthew for the heads up! Talked with my BFF's Bob & Toni via Twitter who are at Walt Disney World right now and they saw it last night. They said it was 'Great!' and "Big!' Hopefully they'll be able to check in and give us more details.

The Pegasus Family ("Mythic Menagerie"), sculpted by Kent Melton is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 500. Sculpture is scheduled for a Spring, 2010 release.

The Walt Disney Archives Celebrates 40th Anniversary!

Bob Iger, Leonard Maltin and Special Guests to Honor Archives Founder Dave Smith in a One-of-a-Kind Event! Open to Members of D23, Disney’s Official Fan Club.

BURBANK, Calif. – June 4, 2010 – For four decades, The Walt Disney Archives has been home to the most treasured items from Disney’s fabled history, and on Friday, June 25, the Archives will mark its 40th anniversary with a special celebration at the Walt Disney Studios.

During the event, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger, noted film historian Leonard Maltin and other surprise guests will honor Dave Smith, the founder of The Walt Disney Archives and Disney’s chief archivist, for his achievements in preserving the Disney legacy.

The special celebration is open exclusively to members of D23, Disney’s official fan club, and tickets to the once-in-a-lifetime Walt Disney Archives 40th Anniversary Celebration go on sale at 10 a.m. Pacific time today exclusively at http://www.disney.com/D23.

“The Walt Disney Archives is an incredible collection, and that’s due to the dedication and passion Dave has brought to the development of the Archives since Roy O. Disney hired him 40 years ago,” said Steven Clark, head of D23, who also oversees The Walt Disney Archives. “We’re excited to honor Dave and the Archives, and to give our members a close-up look at some rarely seen ‘jewels in the crown’ of Disney history.”

As part of the Archives’ 40th Anniversary celebration, a number of new pieces from recent Disney projects will be officially added to the Archives’ collection; their identities will be revealed during the event.

The Walt Disney Archives 40th Anniversary Celebration will also feature a champagne-and-dessert reception on the Walt Disney Studios lot, and the premiere of Archiving the Archives: Forty Years of Preserving the Disney Magic, an all-new film created for this special anniversary, which will be screened in the Studio Theatre. Additionally, D23 Members who attend will receive a special gift created for the occasion.

Only a limited number of tickets, at $50 per person, will be available to this once-in-a-lifetime event, which pays tribute to the past, present and future of The Walt Disney Archives.

Every day of the year, D23 Membership brings exciting Disney discoveries, special savings, and a host of benefits. Gold-level D23 Memberships are $74.99 and include a one-year subscription to the exquisite Disney twenty-three magazine. Silver-level memberships, which offer all benefits except the magazine subcription, are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

Disney fans can become members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans at www.disney.com/D23, select shops at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts, and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 85-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

At a Disney Park not so far away…Jedi Knight Mickey Mouse!

The creative “Forces” at Disney Parks, Lucasfilm, and Walt Disney Classics Collection proudly present this new collectible sculpture.

Using the same principles applied to classic Disney animation and hand-crafted of kiln-fired porcelain with accents of metallic paint on the lightsaber handle, this impressive sculpture stands 6 ¼” tall and includes a Disney Certificate of Authenticity.

Hop on your landspeeders without delay setting course to the Disney Parks and/or ArtOfDisneyParks.com for more information on how to make this very first Walt Disney Classics Collection Star Wars sculpture part of your collection.

Jedi Knight Mickey Mouse retails for $125 plus tax. Available to pre-order from Walt Disney Event Services at (407) 827-7600 while supplies last with initial deliveries starting in August and September 2010.