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.

Simba 'Roar Into Spring' Event Retailer Listing

Simba is the Spring Premiere Event featured sculpture taking place worldwide April 17-20, 2009.

The sculpture is from the I Can't Wait To Be King song sequence from Disney's blockbuster, The Lion King. Simba asks his mother if he can go to the water-hole with his best friend, Nala. Their parents agree but only if Mufasa's majordomo, the hornbill Zazu, goes with them. Simba and Nala elude Zazu's supervision during I Just Can't Wait to Be King and go to the graveyard instead.

A Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,500, Simba was sculpted by Bruce Lau. The sculpture will bear a 15th Anniversary backstamp in honor of the film's release.

Please click image at right for a complete listing of Authorized Dealers participating in the event for North America, Canada and Europe. Collectors in Asia should contact their local retailer regarding participation in the event.

The Little House (1952)

A rainy day here in Western PA, so thought a good day to catch up on some recent DVD purchases. I popped in Disney Rarities: Celebrated Shorts, 1920's - 1960's (released in Dec. 2005).
One of my favorite shorts included on this DVD tin is The Little House (1952) based on the 1942 book of the same name, written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton.

The story centers on a house built at the top of a small hill, far out in the country. Her builder decrees that she "may never be sold for gold or silver" but is built sturdy enough to one day see his great-great-grandchildren's great-great-grandchildren living in her. The house watches the seasons pass, and wonders about the lights of the city, which grow ever closer.

Eventually a road is built in front of the house. This is followed by roadside stands, gas stations, and more little houses. Next, the small houses are replaced by tenements and apartments. Streetcars, an elevated railroad, and a subway appear to surround the house. Finally, two gigantic skyscrapers are built -- one on each side.

One day the great-great-granddaughter of the builder sees the house and remembers stories that her grandmother told about living in just such a house, albeit far out in the country. When the great-great-granddaughter discovers that it is the same house, she arranges to have her moved out of the city, to a hill in the country where she can once again watch the seasons pass.

As an added treat (for a rainy day), The Little House (courtesy of YouTube.com):

The Little House is ©Disney

Robin Hood Poll Results!

Our recent Other Character(s) You Would Like to See Added from Robin Hood Poll has ended. Of those choices polled, the results are as follows:

64% - Lady Cluck
57% - Friar Tuck
54% - Alan-a-Dale
35% - King Richard
28% - Mother Rabbit, Sis & Tagalong
21% - Grandma & Grandpa Owl
19% - Father Mouse & Mother Mouse
17% - Otto (Dog)

I will leave the results up for the Other Character(s) You Would Like to See Added from Robin Hood Poll for a few days for anyone who wants to see/compare the final results.

Thanks again to all who participated!

Grand Jester Studios Launches New Disney-Inspired Bust Collection!

Grand Jester Studios proudly announces the debut of a new line of dynamic busts 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.

The first seven offerings in the collection include the fairest of them all, Snow White, and the diabolical Witch who plots her demise; The Little Mermaid’s majestic King Triton and Ursula the scheming Sea Witch; puckish prankster Peter Pan and his nemesis, the maniacal Captain Hook; and the high-flying Rocketeer, who has earned the distinction of becoming Grand Jester Studios’ first sold out edition.

“My goal is for each character to practically leap off the shelf with their expression and vitality,” states Procopio, whose ability to infuse each bust with a dynamic line of action springs from his years of experience as both an animator and sculptor. Now the famed artist has directed his considerable skills to designing and art directing this amazing new collection of busts. As Procopio explains, “each figure’s pose and attitude is designed to highlight the unique physical mannerisms and personality traits that Disney fans worldwide have come to know and love about their favorite characters.”

Standing between 6 ½” (16.5 cm) to 10 ½” (26.7 cm) tall, these stunningly beautiful busts are remarkable not only for their dramatic poses, but also for the painstaking attention to detail evident in every subtle facial gesture and film-inspired base design. This dedication to character authenticity extends to the smallest costume detail, from the tiny rivets in the Rocketeer’s streamlined helmet to the flaring cut and dramatic folds of Captain Hook’s billowing jacket. Special care is also taken to match each film’s original color palette.

Available for order (while supplies last) through Sideshow Collectibles at www.SideshowCollectibles.com, Diamond Comic Distributors’ Previews, and Disney Shopping, Inc. at www.DisneyShopping.com, the initial wave of Disney busts will quickly expand to encompass iconic and eclectic characters from Disney’s live action and animated films and shorts and Disney-Pixar films, as well. Suggested Retail Prices range from US $60.00 to US $85.00.

Last Call!

A reminder that the following Walt Disney Collector Society offerings for 2008, their redemption period ends March 31st!:

• Donald's Nephew(s) - Instant Redemption Sculpture
• Belle - 'Of Dreams & Magic' Series (2008)
• Wendy and Peter with Mermaids - Commission Only Sculpture (Wendy); 'Of Dreams & Magic' Series (2007-Redemption period extended with the release of Wendy)
• Johnny Appleseed - American Folk Heroes Series
• Peg - Collectors Choice Series

To order these exclusives, contact your authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection retailer and give them your completed redemption certificate (or a copy of the certificate) along with your Walt Disney Collectors Society Membership Number.

Special Note: The WDCS will continue to honor orders for these pieces (along with the Queen of Hearts) after March 31st for eligible Walt Disney Collectors Society Members while supplies last! Production will stop at the end of the redemption period (no more will be made) but the Society will continue to honor WDCS Society Member orders as long as inventory is available.

A Great Time In Red Bank!

I just returned from the Signing Event with Kent Melton and Tony Cipriano at CEL-EBRATION! Gallery this past weekend in Red Bank, NJ. It was an awesome weekend to finally be able to visit the store, see old friends again and meet so many new ones!

Bob & Pam Martin hosted a signing event at their store on Saturday, March 21st that kicked off with a Panel Discussion held at the Count Basie Theatre. I was honored to be part of this panel discussion with two very talented sculptors.

Pam welcomed everyone who attended, introduced the panel and then introduced Kent's wife Martha who spoke about Rose O'Neill, the animator of the Kewpie who is celebrating it's 100th Anniversary this year!

Kent spoke of his recent work on Coraline plus the many films he's worked on over the years and his work for the Walt Disney Classics Collection. He had maquettes of the Cat, Scotty Dog and Coraline from the film. I haven't had the opportunity to see Coraline yet but after speaking with him and Pam about it this weekend, definitely want to check it out.

Tony Cipriano spoke of his work on Mulan, Tarzan and Brother Bear and his work for the Walt Disney Classics Collection. He brought maquettes of Kenai, one of the Moose (not sure if Rutt or Tuke) and Tatana from Brother Bear and Cri-Kee from Mulan. At the close of the Panel Discussion, the group moved from the Count Basie Theater to the store for collectors to meet with the sculptors and have their sculptures and/or certificates signed.

It was great to have our gang together again for another event -- Michelle, Greg, George, Jeff, Carl & John, Ms. V (Virginia) and Lanette. Allen, appreciate you coming in from Long Island, was great catching up again. Was nice to meet Janet (Carl's sister), Robert (Ms. V's husband) , Mindy & Nancy plus so many of Pam's customers who are some of the nicest people I've ever met!

I first met Kent Melton in 1998 at the Rosemont International Collectibles Exposition. This event was held each summer in Rosemont, IL and alternated between the East & West Coast either in the spring or fall. A friendshp has grown since our first meeting and always look forward to seeing Kent at signing events and having the chance to catch up. I had pre-ordered the Ariel with Prince Eric Statue (based on images), so was my first opportunity to see in person .. WOW!

This was the first time I had the opportunity to meet Tony Cipriano. Both a great guy and very talented sculptor. From the Festival of Fools Scene, had only done Quasimodo and Esmerelda, so took this opportunity to finish out the grouping sculpted between Kent (Esmerelda) and Tony (Quasimodo and Clopin) and pick up Clopin. Truly hope to see more of Tony's work in future WDCC releases, as he's a very talented guy!

The evening ended with Michelle, Greg and myself seeing Idina Menzel in concert at the Count Basie Theatre. Many are familiar with Idina from her performances as Maureen in Rent and Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway and as Nancy in Disney's Enchanted. Idina put on a fantastic show to a packed house singing songs from her latest CD, I Stand plus songs from her previously released CD's and Wicked. I highly recommend if you have a chance to see her perform, to do so as she is not only a fantastic singer but incredible entertainer and performer.

No trip recap would be complete without some recommendations :) If in the Red Bank area, be sure to stay at the Molly Pitcher Inn. The Molly Pitcher Inn offers first-class amenities with the sophistication of an elegant 19th century small luxury hotel and is among the most scenic luxury hotels in Central New Jersey.

For dinner that evening, we ate at the Dublin House Pub Restaurant located adjacent to CEL-EBRATION! Great atmosphere and great food. Highly recommend their burgers and reuben sandwich.

For great entertainment, check out the Count Basie Theatre. A beautiful restoration was done in 2008.

On Saturday, prior to the Panel Discussion, we had lunch at the Broadway Diner. A charming place with incredible food. The food was so good, we had breakfast there on Sunday before heading out. Highly recommend the cranberry and pecan pancakes .. YUM!

I would like to thank Bob, Pam and Nancy for being such awesome hosts and making it possible for collectors to have the opportunity to get together and spend time with the sculptors behind a collection that is very special to many of us.

I look forward to their next event and the opportunity to return to Red Bank!

The 100th Anniversary of the Kewpie Doll!

During the Signing Event with Kent Melton and Tony Cipriano this past weekend, Pam Martin intrduced Kent's wife Martha who spoke about Rose O'Neill, the animator of the Kewpie who is celebrating it's 100th Anniversary this year.

Kewpie dolls and figurines are based on comic strip-like illustrations by Rose O'Neill that appeared in Ladies Home Journal in 1909. The small dolls were extremely popular in the early 1900s. They were first produced in Ohrdruf, a small town in Germany, then famous for its toy-manufacturers. They were made out of bisque and then celluloid. In 1949, Effanbee created the first hard plastic versions.

Their name, often shortened to "Kewpies", is derived from 'Cupid,' the Roman god of beauty and non-platonic love. The time capsule at the 1939 New York World's Fair contained a Kewpie doll. The term "Kewpie doll" is sometimes mistakenly applied to the troll doll.

Many other articles were made using their images, for example, coloring and poem books, cups, plates, curios, etc. The incredible success of these characters made their creator rich and famous. It's a rare example of a woman becoming successful in the media business at such an early date. Kewpies should not be confused with the baby-like Billiken figures that debuted in 1908.

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Kewpie Doll. For more information on the history of the Kewpie Doll and Rose O'Neill please visit The Official Site of Rose O'Neill and Bonniebrook Museum.

Robin Hood Poll

As we've discussed in emails, blog and message board entries, the upcoming Wedding Scene from Robin Hood (Robin Hood & Maid Marian, Toby and Skippy), has us wondering (in some cases, hoping) of the possibility of the addition of more characters being added.

The poll includes the following characters, all present in this closing scene, from one of the least portrayed weddings in Disney animation:

• Alan-a-Dale (Wondering Minstrel-Rooster)
• Father Mouse & Mother Mouse (Church Mouse and Wife-Mice)
• Friar Tuck (Friar and one of Robin's Merry Men-Badger)
• Grandma & Grandpa Owl
• King Richard (King of England-Lion)
• Lady Cluck (Lady-in-Waiting for Maid Marian-Hen)
• Mother Rabbit, Sis and Tagalong (Skippy's Family-Rabbits)
• Otto (Blacksmith's Dog)

In this poll, you are able to choose more than one character. Please choose only those characters you would truly like to see done. Thanks in Advance!

Spoodles to Close To Make Way for New Restaurant

Followers of my blog, know that in addition to discussing the Walt Disney Classics Collection, another facet is visiting Walt Disney World with family and friends and sharing our experiences at both the theme parks and restaurants (located throughout the theme parks and resorts).

A favorite of ours was Spoodles (pictured at right), conveniently close to Epcot®Theme Park, at Disney's Boardwalk Inn. We just recently discovered this restaurant through our good friend Michelle, after she ate there in September 2007. We ate there for the first time in May 2008, had an awesome experience (was it the food, the company we were with or both :)??), so ate there again this past November and once again, we were not disappointed (great food, great friends, good times!). Very sorry to hear that it will be closing. Spoodles closing is making way for Kouzzina by Cat Cora, slated to open Fall, 2009.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 17, 2009) - Chef Cat Cora and Disney are joining together to open an exciting new family dining restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Kouzzina by Cat Cora will feature a menu of Mediterranean-style cuisine that pays tribute to the chef’s Greek roots. The restaurant, to be owned and operated by Disney, is scheduled to open by fall 2009 in the space currently occupied by Spoodles.

“I am pleased to welcome Cat Cora and her engaging new concept for Kouzzina to the Walt Disney World Resort,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This collaboration between Cat and Disney represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to offer unique culinary experiences and choices for our guests.”

As a Mississippi native born to a family of Greek restaurateurs, Cora grew up immersed in two different and flavorful cultures , and has taken from that unique background the kitchen “know-how” handed down through generations. The cuisine at Kouzzina (Greek for “kitchen” and pronounced “koo-zee-nah”) will showcase Mediterranean cuisine and Chef Cora’s philosophy to create simple yet sensational meals.

Cora said that the new restaurant will feature “time-honored recipes passed down from my ancestors, as well as my favorite Greek and Mediterranean dishes that my family loves.”

She began working with Disney in 2008 by creating a Disney Video on Demand series to showcase ways to help families develop more healthy eating habits. “I’m extremely excited about this latest extension of my relationship with Disney,” she said. “Together, we’re going to develop a truly amazing contemporary Mediterranean restaurant.”

The first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's hit show “Iron Chef America,” Cora is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She also is Executive Chef for Bon Appétit magazine. In addition to hosting the instructional cooking demonstrations for Disney Video on Demand, Cora has been a featured chef at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and at Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort.

Look Dawson, We're Making Our WDCC Debut!

The Great Mouse Detective, based on the children's book series Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus, draws heavily on the tradition of Sherlock Holmes with a heroic mouse who consciously emulates the detective; Titus named the main character after actor Basil Rathbone, who is best remembered for playing Holmes in film. Interestingly, Sherlock Holmes also mentions "Basil" as one of his aliases in the Conan Doyle story The Adventure of Black Peter.

The main characters are all mice and rats living in Victorian London. The layouts were done on computers, and the use of video cameras made a digital version of pencil testing possible. The movie is also notable for its early use of computer generated imagery (CGI) for a chase scene that takes place in the interior of Big Ben. The movements of the clock's gears were produced as wire-frame graphics on a computer, printed out and traced onto animation cells where colors and the characters were added. The Great Mouse Detective is sometimes cited as the first animated film from Walt Disney Pictures to use CGI; in reality, 1985's The Black Cauldron has this distinction.

The Walt Disney Classics Collections is proud to announce the long-awaited WDCC Debut of Basil and Dr. Dawson. This boxed set Open Edition release was sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.

Special Update: Ruben has recently updated his blog, Masked Avenger Studios with concept sketches of Basil and Dr. Dawson (click on image at right).

You're Invited to a Wedding!

From one of the least portrayed weddings in all of Disney animation, with a bespectacled Toby Turtle and an hero-worshiping Skippy Rabbit as admiring attendants, dashing Robin Hood and lovely Maid Marian walk arm-in-arm after having tied the knot.

The second scene release from Robin Hood (1973) features Robin Hood and Maid Marian and making their WDCC Debut, Toby Turtle and Skippy Rabbit. The complete scene was sculpted by Bruce Lau. Robin Hood and Maid Marian are an Open Edition release and Toby Turtle and Skippy Rabbit are Limited to Production Year 2009.

For your viewing pleasure (courtesy of YouTube.com) is the ending sequence from Robin Hood (1973):


Robin Hood ©Disney

Meet the Sheriff of Bullet Valley!

Sheriff of Bullet Valley is a Donald Duck comic story from October 1948, written and illustrated by Carl Barks.

This comic is probably the longest western story that Carl Barks ever wrote. Donald quotes classical western movies throughout
the story, as being his source of knowledge to guide his actions.

In this story Donald applies for a job as the Sheriff of Bullet Valley and his nephews plan on helping him despite how dangerous he tells them it is. They investigate the mysterious cattle theft from the Diamond Brand Ranch and find out that the thief is none other than Blacksnake McSquirt. It's a fight to the finish when Donald finally defeats Blacksnake.

In "Sheriff of Bullet Valley", Barks caricatured himself on a wanted
poster. In an interview by Michael Barrier from May 30, 1971, Barks said: "That caricature originated in the old Disney studio days in the gag sheets that us guys used to draw of each other
and circulate around. Some of the guys took to drawing me with
this tremendous big schnoz, so I just copied that old caricature."

Sheriff of Bullet Valley, sculpted by Bruce Lau is the second release in the Classic Comics Series and Limited to Production Year 2009. Sheriff of Bullet Valley joins previously released Pirate Gold the first release in the Classic Comics Series featuring Donald Duck and Yellow Beak. Sculpted by Bruce Lau, Pirate Gold was Limited to Production Year 2008.

Third Quarter Sneak Peek: Runaway Brain

Mickey’s in a monstrous mess, thanks to the manic meddling of a mad scientist named Dr. Frankenollie.

While looking to earn money for a trip to Hawaii, Mickey takes a few hours of mindless work,’ never expecting to have his brain switched into the body of a destructive monster name Julius and vice versa.

How will Mickey escape this nightmare??? Mickey Mouse (as you’re not used to seeing him and) Dr. Frankenollie make their WDCC debut from Runaway Brain (1995).

Runaway Brain is an Academy Award nominated seven-minute short-subject animated primarily by Walt Disney Feature Animation Paris that was released on August 11, 1995 attached to the live-action feature A Kid in King Arthur's Court. It was the first time that Mickey Mouse was seen on the big theatrical screen since the 1990 featurette The Prince and the Pauper released five years earlier. The idea for creating a new Mickey Mouse short was to have it ready for Mickey's 65th birthday in 1992 but, obviously, that deadline came and went.

Several story ideas were being considered when animator Andreas Deja remembered that, "Someone at a meeting, and almost out of boredom, drew Mickey Mouse as a monster. Someone else saw it and said, 'That's hysterical!' All of a sudden, the idea came up to do a satire of Frankenstein."

There are multiple layers though out the entire film. While the cartoon does satirize the film version of Frankenstein, the mad doctor is named "Dr. Frankenollie," a tribute to the names of two of Disney's legendary animators, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. The design of the character is a spitting image of Professor Ecks, a mad scientist monkey Mickey tangled with in one of his classic 1930s comic strip adventures drawn by Floyd Gottfredson. Dr. Frankenollie's laboratory is located at 1313 Lobotomy Lane. Disneyland's street address is 1313 Harbor Boulevard.

Mickey Mouse, sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons is an Open Edition release. Dr. Frankenollie, sculpted by Dusty Horner is a Numbered Limited Edition of 750.

For your viewing pleasure (courtesy of YouTube.com) is the animated short Runaway Brain (1995):

Runaway Brain ©Disney