LEGO allows fans to submit ideas for new sets, and boy are there some incredibly creative designs that are put together. Once 10,000 people support a project, the company puts it through a lengthy review phase along with other projects. Only a limited number of designs ever receive final approval to move ahead to the manufacturing stage. A few months back, a WALL-E set made it to the review phase – LEGO has now announced that it has been approved and it will be released in stores! [Read more…]
Preview Upcoming ‘Inside Out’ Toys
There are several Pixar franchises that have proven to be incredibly successful when it comes to the associated merchandise. Toy Story toys continue to see huge sales, and Cars characters can be found on everything from bed sheets to gummy snacks. The studio’s next film, Inside Out, features five characters that are practically perfect for the toy market. After the break, get a glimpse at some of the toys that will arrive alongside the film! [Read more…]
Help Make LEGO WALL-E A Reality
WALL-E is considered among the best of Pixar’s feature films. It also happens to feature one of the greatest characters to come out of the Emeryville-based studio. The titular character won the hearts of millions from the moment he started appearing in brief promos prior to the release of the film. He may not talk, but his penchant for making beeps and boops where you knew exactly what he was trying to say, along with the gorgeous visuals from Pixar that brought him to life, made him instantly relatable. With the film’s release a few years removed, new merchandise featuring the character is rare, but you can help make a new LEGO WALL-E set a reality. Find out how after the break!
New Pixar Villains Vinylmations Debut At Comic Con [Updated]
Pixar films have a great collection of villains, from Stinky Pete in Toy Story 2 to Hopper in A Bug’s Life to Lotso in Toy Story 3. The heroes, though, are usually the ones who get the most love (and merchandise), unsurprising because they are who the audience is meant to identify with. Still, it is nice to give the villains some love at times. Given that there is no Pixar feature film this year to release a Vinylmation line around, the Disney Store is taking advantage and releasing a series featuring Pixar villains. Get a first look at the figures after the break! (Updated with a look at the chaser.)
Preview: ‘Small Fry’ Buzz Lightyear D23 Expo Exclusive Figure
With each Toy Story feature film, we are introduced to new toys, many of which have gone on to become fan favorites. When the trilogy ended and the franchise moved on to short films called Toy Story Toons, the memorable debuts did not stop there. Great new characters graced the screen, as they creatively recalled toys we often encounter every day. Some of the best gags in the Toy Story films are seeing hilarious versions of toys we grew up with. In the Toy Story Toon entitled Small Fry, Buzz Lightyear gets switched out with a kid’s meal version and hilarity ensues. The plot’s parody/celebration of fast food toys had fans clamoring for the release of the toys seen in the short. At the D23 Expo next week, we get one step closer to that reality as Mattel is releasing an exclusive Small Fry Buzz Lightyear figure. Take a look and find out how much it will cost after the break!
Preview: ‘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!
Preview: ‘Monsters University’ Toys
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
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!
Comic-Con 2012: Exclusive Pixar Collectibles
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
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…]