A large flock of the Three Caballeros: Airborne Amigos have departed the warehouse and have taken flight today en route to retailers!
Latest News and Updates on the Walt Disney Archives Collection, Walt Disney Classics Collection, D23, Walt Disney Theme Parks and just about anything Disney!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Their Journey Continues!
A large flock of the Three Caballeros: Airborne Amigos have departed the warehouse and have taken flight today en route to retailers!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Three Caballeros: Charting Their Journey!
The three Happy Chappies have started to arrive at the warehouse!
The first of several shipments have started to arrive and need to be checked in but at least we know they've made their way here!
Over the next couple of weeks retailers should start to receive them as they take flight and land across the country. Next update will be the next leg of their journey when they begin to ship to retailers!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
1992 - 2012
Click Image for a Larger View |
Over the weekend, I took a few more pictures of the recently released Mickey Mouse and Field Mouse, honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Classics Collection with the first piece released in the collection, the Field Mouse from Bambi.
Another close-up of Mickey and the Field Mouse. Really like Mickey's facial expression as he studies the Field Mouse. This photo captures the great coloring in his cheeks. 'It All Started with a Field Mouse,' Limited to Production Year 2012 was sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.
Click Image for a Larger View |
Click Image for a Larger View |
The original Field Mouse
The Walt Disney Classics Collection premiered at the South Bend Collectible Show in July 1992. The Collection is the first time that the Disney Company has produced on their own a line of Disney figurines. The Disney team spent three years in research to study the old classics characters and decide the best pose and method to sculpt them. Disney carefully designed each figurine so that the final sculpture looks like the original character in the movie. |
The collection debuted with teaser ads for retailers in the Fall 1991 issue of their trade magazines. These ads featured a glimpse of the Field Mouse from 'Bambi.' The prototypes were unveiled over the Fall and the Collection premiered in the early Spring in California. Excitement mounted, until after months of painstaking work, the sculptures were shipped to dealers in October of 1992.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
A Royal Farewell
The Walt Disney Classics Collection honored Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin (1992) with retirement today.
'Captive Spirits,' sculpted by Kent Melton was released as an Open Edition release in November, 2004 as part of a scene release with her father, the Sultan (retired 12/09) and faithful bodyguard Rajah (retired 12/09). Jasmine is plussed with a glass gem in her crown and pewter slippers.
Enesco is sold out of this item from their inventory and the sculpture will not return to the active line in the future. No new orders will be accepted or processed.
Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Retailer for availability.
'Captive Spirits,' sculpted by Kent Melton was released as an Open Edition release in November, 2004 as part of a scene release with her father, the Sultan (retired 12/09) and faithful bodyguard Rajah (retired 12/09). Jasmine is plussed with a glass gem in her crown and pewter slippers.
Enesco is sold out of this item from their inventory and the sculpture will not return to the active line in the future. No new orders will be accepted or processed.
Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Retailer for availability.
Friday, March 23, 2012
'Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two' Coming This Fall!
“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.’"
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.
Check out the trailer for the new game, which will arrive in stores this fall!
Check out the trailer for the new game, which will arrive in stores this fall!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Review: 'It All Started With a Field Mouse'
Click Image for a Larger View |
On Monday, retailers began to receive the latest sculpture from the Walt Disney Classics Collection.
The first Walt Disney Classics Collection release in 1992, this award-winning piece reflected the breathtaking artistry of Walt Disney’s Bambi.
A highly sought-after collectors item, the Field Mouse has come to symbolize the exacting animation principles and beautiful artistry of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.
Click Image for a Larger View |
When announced, heard this piece had been knocked by some and honestly don't understand why? Its the 20th Anniversary! What would be more fitting? This piece is for the true collector of the line...a nice homage to how it all started with a Mouse both Disney (Mickey Mouse) and the WDCC (Field Mouse).
An amazing job was done by Patrick. This wasn't your typical miniature, this was a full blown sculpture within a sculpture. The base is done in the teal green coloring of the WDCC green boxes and both the underside of the base and the Certificate of Authenticity bear the 20th Anniversary backstamp.
'It All Started With a Field Mouse' sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons is plussed with pewter leaves and a delicately detailed bronze miniature Field Mouse is Limited to Production Year 2012.
Click Image for a Larger View |
Creating My Own Greenbox
When the sculpture was announced, it was suggested to display a WDCC miniature box with the sculpture as if Mickey removed the Field Mouse from its box. I really liked this suggestion and took it one step further :)
I had an extra box from a 2nd purchase of the Cogsworth miniature from Beauty and the Beast. First step, remove the label. I was on my way!
I then located my Field Mouse box, took a photo of the label and then resized in Photoshop. The back side of the box had the paw print production mark. This wasn't going to do, so after some surfing on the net, I was lucky to find a steamboat wheel production mark image online (white with a teal background), resized and placed over the paw print mark. It was kinda cool creating my own green box (see photo above). Next step, make a miniature Certificate of Authenticity? I'd like to thank Traci for this suggestion .. Thanks Traci!
Below are Some Additional Images. Click on Each Image for a Larger View
TCM & D23 Present Two Extraordinary Disney Classics on the Big Screen
TCM Classic Film Festival and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club
to Present Two Groundbreaking Disney Classics
Events Include 75th Anniversary Screening of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) And Live Appearance by Kirk Douglas Introducing a New Restoration of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Click Image for Larger View |
In 1997, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was named one of the 100 Greatest Films of All Time by the American Film Institute (AFI). The following year, the AFI named it the greatest American animated film of all time.
Click Image for Larger View |
Walt Disney had originally planned to turn Jules Verne's tale of Captain Nemo's battle to wipe out warfare into an animated feature. But when he saw designer Harper Goff's preliminary sketches, he decided to make the switch to live action. To film the massive production – the studio's first in CinemaScope – Disney added a water tank and a third soundstage to his studio, rented additional space from 20th Century-Fox and Universal, and sent cast and crew to the Caribbean for underwater shooting. His technicians also had to develop new equipment for the film's many underwater scenes and create a giant, two-ton squid for the film's most impressive sequence.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea went on to earn two Oscars®, one for the eye-popping visual
effects and one for John Meehan and Emile Kuri's art direction and set decoration. The film
earned a third nomination for Elmo Williams' editing.
Operation Undersea, an episode of the Disneyland TV series highlighting the creation of the
film, won Emmys® for Best Individual Program of the Year (1955) and Best Television Film
Editing.
Monday, March 19, 2012
'20th Anniversary Sculpture' Arriving at Retailers & Latest Release in 'Classic Comics Series'
Click Image for Product Detail and Additional Angle |
In honor of its 20th anniversary, the Walt Disney Classics Collection presents this specially designed sculpture featuring Mickey Mouse cheerfully contemplating a replica of the famed Field Mouse sculpture.
The first Walt Disney Classics Collection release in 1992, this award-winning piece reflected the breathtaking artistry of Walt Disney’s Bambi.
A highly sought-after collectors item, the Field Mouse has come to symbolize the exacting animation principles and beautiful artistry of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.
'It All Started With a Field Mouse' sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons is plussed with pewter leaves and a delicately detailed bronze miniature Field Mouse is Limited to Production Year 2012.
Click Image for Product Detail and Additional Angle |
The second of the two releases arriving at retailers is 'Laundry Day' (2-piece set) sculpted by Bruce Lau featuring Scrooge McDuck.
This is the fifth release in the Classic Comics Series and Limited to Production Year 2012.
Scrooge is plussed with pewter money and eyeglass frames and inspired by a classic comic book cover.
Friday, March 16, 2012
WDCC Announces 'Sold Out' Status for Lady Tremaine!
Click on Image for More Detail & Additional Angle |
"Manipulative Matriarch" sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 500 and the Villains Series release for 2012.
Lady Tremaine was part of the Winter 2012 Announcement and began arriving at retailers the first week of February.
Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Happy 75th Anniversary to Disney's 'Hawaiian Holiday'
Theatrical Movie Poster |
The cartoon stars an ensemble cast of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Goofy while vacationing in Hawaii.
Minnie dances in a grass skirt while Mickey plays a slide guitar and Donald plays a ukulele. Meanwhile, Goofy tries to go surfing, but continually misjudges the waves and lands on the beach instead of on the water.
In February 2009, the Walt Disney Classics Collection released a 4-piece scene which featured Mickey Mouse (’Hawaiian Harmony’), Minnie Mouse (’Swaying Sweetheart’), Goofy (’Swell Surfer’) and Donald Duck (’Tropical Tempo’).
The complete scene (pictured below), sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales was retired in March, 2011.
Click Image for Product Detail and Additional Angles |
Back on the beach, Donald takes his turn dancing in a grass skirt, but accidentally catches it on fire. After extinguishing the blaze in a shallow pool, Donald pulls up a star fish whom is chased by Pluto.
Click Image for More Detail |
Two years after the initial scene release, in February 2012, the Walt Disney Classics Collection released 'Wiki Wiki Waterfowl' (Donald Duck), a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.
Donald is plussed with pewter legs. Special Note: This new sculpture of Donald is in scale to the previously retired Hawaiian Holiday Scene.
Courtesy of YouTube.com, here is the 1937 animated short, Hawaiian Holiday for your viewing pleasure:
Monday, March 12, 2012
'Miss Daisy' Honored with Retirement Today!
Click Image for Product Detail & Additional Angle |
The Walt Disney Classics Collection honored Daisy Duck with retirement today.
'What a Gal,' sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons was released as an Open Edition release in January, 2009.
Daisy was a Dry Retirement. For those not familiar with the term, a 'Dry Retirement' means Enesco is already sold out of the item from their inventory and the sculpture will not return to the active line in the future. (No new orders will be accepted or processed).
Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
D23 Expo 2013 to Take Place August 9-11, 2013!
D23 EXPO—THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT—RETURNS TO ANAHEIM,
ONCE AGAIN BRINGING ALL THE MAGICAL WORLDS OF DISNEY UNDER ONE ROOF FROM AUGUST
9–11, 2013
Advance Tickets On Sale August 9, 2012, for the
Most All-Encompassing Disney Fan Event in the World
BURBANK, Calif. – March 9, 2012 – All
the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney
entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan
Club presents an all-new D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention
Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013.
“The D23 Expo has become a
phenomenal way for Disney fans to see everything they love about Disney all in
one place — from Disney’s biggest stars and latest innovations to unforgettable
performances live on stage,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official
Disney Fan Club, which produces the bi-annual D23 EXPO. “Our third Expo
is sure to create even more magical new experiences and memories for our
biggest fans attending from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.”
“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the
D23
EXPO will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president,
Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This
exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from
around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this
quality show and positive impacts it brings.”
More than 40,000 Disney fans
attended D23 EXPO 2011, which
brought together the entire world of Disney under one roof for three
star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by superstars
like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Regis Philbin and Billy Crystal;
enjoyed performances by Dick Van Dyke, The Muppets and Disney princess voice
talent Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose; previewed
concept art and attractions coming from Disney Parks and Walt Disney
Imagineering; glimpsed back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary
panels, presentations and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment,
technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.
Among
the highlights of D23 EXPO 2013 will be expanded capacities at some
of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the
talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney
legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney
Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from
the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy,
sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive
show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for
Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney
stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers.
Advance tickets for the D23
EXPO 2013 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 9, 2012. D23
Members receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the
event, which is also open to the general public.
D23 Members receive early admission
to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23
Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member
Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase a special Sorcerer
Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.
D23 EXPO 2013 marks the third D23 Expo held in Anaheim — the first Expo
was held in 2009 followed by a second in 2011. Each event played host to
thousands of Disney fans from every corner of the globe. Starting today, guests
can visit D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the
first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club
celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name
from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 unlocks
the magic of Disney with a host of exclusive benefits, including a quarterly
publication, Disney twenty-three; a
rich website at www.D23.com; a weekly e-mail newsletter;
an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; as
well as exclusive events created especially for its members.
Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by
visiting www.D23.com, or at select shops at
the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow
“DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
WDCC Announces the 'Sold Out' Status of Two Recently Announced New Releases!
Click Image for Product Detail & Additional Angles |
'Braided Beauty,' from Disney's Tangled is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 and was sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales and plussed with pewter legs.
Ever conscious of the principles of authenticity and character, right down to the tiniest details, the Disney animators considered not only Rapunzel’s hair, but also how it would be lit; even how the textures on the fabrics would appear in relation to her skin.
This charming sculpture embodies the carefree spirit of Rapunzel, the young lady with the 70 feet of golden hair and an unending yearning for adventure.
Click Image for Product Detail & Additional Angles |
The sixth in the Disney Artist Series (third release in the Tinker Bell Seasons Series), this fresh-as-a-daisy sculpture is delightfully plussed with pewter grass, water drops, and hair ribbon, and a bronze daisy stem.
Specially designed by Disney Master Artist David Pacheco, Tinker Bell is the centerpiece of the Walt Disney Classic Collection’s 2012 Spring Premiere Event.
Tinker Bell will be available through all participating Walt Disney Classics Collection Retailers, May 4-6, 2012 (in U.S. and Canada, other International Events Weekends may vary).
Monday, March 5, 2012
Update on Whiteware Cinderella
Click Image for More Detail |
Checked with a couple retailers and the whiteware version started to arrive at retailers the last weekend of February.
"Isn't it lovely? Do you like it?" sculpted by Dusty Horner is plussed with pewter legs. A whiteware version, done in a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) size of 200 is the Gold Circle Exclusive for 2012.
The creation of whiteware is part of the painstaking process in which each Walt Disney Classics Collection piece is crafted.
Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
D23's First-Ever "Fanniversary" Celebration Announced!
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF MAGICAL MEMORIES TRAVELS
TO SIX CITIES AROUND THE U.S. THIS SPRING IN
D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
TO SIX CITIES AROUND THE U.S. THIS SPRING IN
D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Never-Before-Seen and Rarely Shown Film Clips, Photos
and Art Combine with Cherished Disney Creations in First-Ever FANNIVERSARY Show
BURBANK, Calif. – March 1, 2012 –
From EPCOT Center to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Pete’s
Dragon, more than 40 unforgettable Disney creations come together as never
before when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings D23’s DISNEY FANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
to six cities across the U.S. in April, May and June.
FANNIVERSARY is a fun-filled showcase of magical milestones celebrating Disney
anniversaries in 2012. Produced and
hosted by D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, the nearly two-hour show is an
engaging blend of video, archival footage and never-before-seen artwork for
Disney fans of all ages.
The kick-off of the
FANNIVERSARY celebration will be at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank , California , on
April 27, then travel to San Francisco , Boston , New York City, Orlando and Chicago .
All FANNIVERSARY events are
open to the public. Tickets are $18 for members of D23 and will be available
Friday, March 16, at D23’s website – Disney.com/D23. Remaining tickets will be available to the
general public for $25 beginning Friday, March 30.
The touring schedule is as follows:
·
April
27 – The Walt Disney Studios, Burbank
·
April
28 – Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco
·
May
20 – Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
·
May
22 – Cherry Lane Theatre, New York City
·
June
23 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort
·
June
24 – Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
“Fanniversary is a incredible
opportunity to celebrate more than 40 beloved Disney anniversaries with our
fans across the country. From the fairest of them all—Snow White—to Star
Tours, which continues to take guests to a galaxy far, far away,” said Steven Clark, head of D23:
The Official Disney Fan Club.
D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION explores
unforgettable movies, cartoons, theme-park attractions and other Disney
creations that celebrate anniversaries in 2012, including:
More details about the full program for the D23 FANNIVERSARY celebrations can be found online at www.disney.com/D23.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney’s first-ever, full-length animated film which premiered in 1937
- The 1997 launch of Star Tours
- EPCOT Center’s grand opening on October 1, 1982
- The opening of Pirates of the Caribbean in 1967
- Memorable Mickey Mouse cartoons released in 1937, including “Clock Cleaners,” “Hawaiian Holiday,” “Lonesome Ghosts” and “Magician Mickey”
- The 1927 debut of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who Walt Disney created before Mickey Mouse
- Goofy’s first-ever on-screen appearance, in 1932’s “Mickey’s Revue”
- The seminal science-fiction film TRON, released in 1982
- Unforgettable movies like Aladdin (1992), Pete’s Dragon (1977), The Jungle Book (1967) and Bambi (1942)
- The 1972 premiere of the Main Street Electrical Parade and 1992 debut of Disneyland’s Fantasmic!