May 20, 2013

Preview: ‘Monsters University’ Vinylmation

Monsters University Vinylmation

Over the years, Vinylmation figures have become very popular in the collectors market. While they were originally all shaped like Mickey Mouse, the lines have expanded to include other shapes and sizes, giving the designers and artists who work with them virtually unlimited possibilities. The Mickey-shaped figures continue to be the most widely released, which include the new Monsters University figures that are coming soon. Take a look at the monster figures after the break!

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Preview: ‘Monsters University’ Toys

Toy Fair 2013 - MU Press Event Image 25

The merchandising potential in Monsters University is high, given the creative and unique aspects of the monster world. It is no surprise that Mike and Sulley are clearly the most popular characters to appear in toy form, as they are essentially the faces of the franchise. However, the prequel film will be introducing a slew of new characters, friends and foes. Earlier today, Disney previewed a selection of the toys and merchandise that will be making their way into retail stores starting in May. Take a look at our collection of photos and videos of the toys, as well as some details, after the break! [Read more...]

‘Monsters University’ Toy Line To Be Unveiled At Toy Fair

Monsters University

There are some films within the Pixar catalog that were accompanied by a large amount of merchandise, including the Toy Story and Cars films and Brave. Other films from the studio, such as Up, were not as easily adaptable to toy lines (or at least not as marketable) – Toy Story and Cars practically begged for film-related toys, while toys for Up, which starred a senior citizen, required a bit more creativity to produce. Where will Monsters University fall? We shall know soon, as Disney laid out plans today to formally introduce a product line for the film. Find more details after the break!

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Comic-Con 2012: Exclusive Pixar Collectibles

SDCC 2012 Exclusive - Sulley and Boo

Every year, huge crowds flock to San Diego Comic Con to preview upcoming films, shows…and, oh yeah, comic books. Many collectors also venture out to the massive event to add exclusive new items to their collection. Seeing the potential, many toy companies have started to release a limited run of some fantastic collectibles at the show. This year, Funko and Mattel are unleashing exclusive figures, which you can take a closer look at after the break! [Read more...]

Disney Holiday Gift Preview 2012: Pixar Merchandise

Holiday Gift Preview 2012 - Finding Nemo Blu-ray

Yesterday, Disney provided me with an extensive tour of its upcoming merchandise for the next few months. Unsurprisingly, given their popularity, we will be seeing new toy lines from both the Toy Story and Cars franchises. With Monsters University still a year away, the big focus is on Brave merch at the moment, though, as bow and arrow sets continue to sell out across Disney Stores and other retailers. After the break, get a preview of some of the merchandise based on Pixar films you can expect to see at retailers soon. [Read more...]

Disney Holiday Gift Preview 2012: ‘Wreck-It-Ralph’ Toys Reveal 10 New Characters

Wreck-It Ralph -  Jubileena

Ever since the D23 Expo last summer, where Disney’s Wreck-It-Ralph was first previewed for the press and Disney fans, I have been eagerly anticipating the film. While it is not a Pixar film, it has many Pixar loyalists interested in its Toy Story-like storyline, which has various arcade and video game characters interacting when humans are not around. At today’s Disney Holiday Gifts Preview, many cool pieces of merchandise coming in the next few months were previewed. While we were shown some final designs, we were also provided with details and images for Wreck-It-Ralph merch, in which 10 new characters were revealed. Take a peek at the character designs after the break! [Read more...]

‘Brave’ Monopoly Rolls Onto Store Shelves

Brave Monopoly

Playing board games is a tradition in many families, bringing people of all ages together to play on level ground. Monopoly is easily one of the most popular examples, with the game spawning numerous editions throughout the world. To add to that, Disney/Pixar and USAopoly have collaborated to release Monopoly: Brave Collector’s Edition, inspired by the latest animated film from Pixar. After the break, check out the game board, the tokens, and more! [Read more...]

‘Brave’ Merchandise Begins To Arrive At Disney Stores

Brave Merch - Merida Doll

With Brave, there are definitely some toys and collectibles to be released that can take full advantage of the film’s characters and story. For one, Merida has a unique appearance to her, what with all that curly red hair flowing from her head. She is also quite a master at archery, having the precision to hit a target dead-on from far away. Can you say archery set? After the jump, take a look at a few pieces of Brave merchandise that have arrived and are coming soon to your local Disney Store. [Read more...]

New Toy Story Short Uses Real Toys, Features RC

Toy Story - RC

Mattel and Disney are at it again, with the release of a new Toymation video. Essentially, the series of videos are shorts made with real-life Toy Story toys. Similar to the first short, Buzz and Woody are teaming up to take down Emperor Zurg, but this time we have the addition of another toy – the trusted RC! Take a look at the video after the jump and find out more details on the featured toys. [Read more...]

Toy Fair 2012: ‘Brave’ Merchandise

Toy Fair 2012 - Brave Image 3

Walking around the Toy Fair show floor at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, it was difficult to spot Brave merchandise among the hundreds of booths. The reason is obvious, at least when you look at it in the context of the last few years – Brave is an original property starring brand new characters. The last two years, merchandise for Pixar films was impossible to miss, with the Toy Story and Cars franchises being the company’s two biggest properties. There were some Brave sightings at the Toy Fair, though, which you can take a look at after the jump. Don’t worry – no spoilers! [Read more...]

Awesome: Toy Story Short Made Using Real-Life Toys

Toy Story Space Mission

Mattel and Disney have teamed up to create a new Toy Story short, but not the kind we are used to seeing from Disney/Pixar. This short was created using the “Toy Story: Space Mission” toys that were recently released. One of the greatest things the “toymation video short” has going for it is that a child does all the voices for the characters, including that of Buzz, Woody, and Zurg. Similar to Andy in the Toy Story feature films, this takes us inside the mind of a child and exposes us to his imagination. Take a look at the video here and learn some cool facts on how the video was made! [Read more...]

D23 2011: 100+ Images Of The Merchandise

D23 2011 - Merchandise 05

Walking around the show floor of the D23 Expo, I noticed that one of the things that attendees were most excited about was the merchandise. Never have you been able to attain so many different types of Disney merchandise from one place (other than maybe the first D23). The reasoning for this was the official Disney Store and the Disney Dream Store, which both had exclusive D23 merchandise or toys that would not debut across the rest of the country for months. From “Lion King” and “It’s A Small World” Vinylmations to the cute Disney POP! Funko Figures (including Boo from Monsters, Inc.), there was enough to satisfy everybody’s appetite. There was also a preview of upcoming merchandise that will be available in the coming months. Read on to take a look at 110 images of the merchandise seen at D23! [Read more...]

Toys”R”Us Revs Up For Cars 2 With Exclusives and Storefront Boutiques

Ridemakerz

One look at children today and it is not hard to notice that the Cars franchise is immensely popular. Clothes, toys, lunchboxes, walkie-talkies, kites, and hundreds of other various types of merchandise have been developed since the release of the original Cars and you better believe that there is a ton more on the way with the sequel approaching its June 24 release date. Toys”R”Us has issued a press release describing its exclusive products and also noted that all of its stores will be outfitted with boutiques featuring their wide variety of Cars toys. Read on to view the entire press release, along with images of their exclusives! [Read more...]

First Look At Zero-Gravity Finn McMissile

Zero Gravity Finn McMissile

The Cars franchise has produced some real gems in the merchandise department. This week at Toy Fair, Spin Master gave the media a first look at what is destined to be a sought after toy, the Zero-Gravity Finn McMissile radio control vehicle. Remote-controlled-cars have always been a blast to play with, but driving them on walls just takes them to a whole new level! Read on for more details. [Read more...]

First Look At Lightning McQueen Alive Car

Lightning McQueen Alive

Following the Cars 2 panel that was held on Monday, members of the press and D23 members were invited to take a look at several of the upcoming Cars 2-related merchandise we can expect to see in the coming months. As Disney stated, more than 300 unique products that tie-in with the film will hit retail. One of those will be the Lightning McQueen Alive Car, which Mattel describes as a true breakthrough in technology for a toy – a car that can move its mouth, eyes, drive around all on its own, and still fit in the palm of your hand.

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Cars 2 Toy Fair Event Press Release

Disney Reveals Innovative Cars 2 Toy Line & New Film Characters At 2011 American International Toy Fair

With Special Appearances by Cars 2 Stars: Michael Caine And Emily Mortimer

NEW YORK, NY — Feb. 14, 2011 — Disney revved its engines and kicked off American International Toy Fair today as it unveiled the all new Disney·Pixar Cars 2 toy line of more than 300 toys before a capacity crowd of toy industry insiders and members of D23, Disney’s official fan community. Academy Award®-winning actor Michael Caine, voice of the charming and eloquent new Cars 2 British agent Finn McMissile and actress Emily Mortimer, voice of his spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell, were on hand for a panel discussion and were presented with custom-built toys celebrating their Cars 2 characters. [Read more...]

Alien Desk Light From Kellogg’s

Alien Desk Light

Remember when you were younger and you dug through cereal boxes to find that cool toy that was displayed on the package or mailed in enough codes to receive a free figurine? Well, those were the old days. Now, to receive free items in the mail, you can enter codes on promotional websites. Sometimes, though, there is a less advertised method to get the cereal toys. It’s easier, but it isn’t free. Enter: Alien Desk Light. [Read more...]

A Look At The Toy Story Collection

Toy Story Collection Woody The Sheriff

Toy Story Collection from Thinkway Toys

I often get asked the question, “What are the best Toy Story toys?”. Ever since the original Toy Story was released in 1995, there have been a staggering amount of toys based on the characters that have been sold. While the answer is one of personal preference, the Toy Story Collection line by Thinkway Toys is easily made up of the most well-made, high quality Toy Story toys that you can buy.   [Read more...]