Astrology Vinylmation Explained

WDWNT on June 24, 2011

Hidden on the Sneak page of vinylmation.com is the concept artwork for the Astrology Series. Check them all out here. Some cool things to note, both Cancer and Scopio have claws as hands! Also Leo and Taurus look amazing! It also seems like they have connected stars on some to create the constellation that they represent. We will see more when we get the turn arounds. We also expect to see these are open boxes so you can pick the one you want.

Artist: Not known
Release Date: None
Set Size: 12 Open Boxed- assumed

Aries
March 21 – April 20

The ram is the symbol of Aries.

Taurus
April 21 – May 20

The bull symbolizes Taurus. Great detail on this piece. I enjoy the nose ring. And the color is amazing.

Gemini
May 21 – June 20

Twins are the symbol is Gemini. I have a feeling this piece is going to make more sense from a side view. (Does this mean we are going to have to get two, so we can display both sides?)

Cancer
June 21 – July 22

Cancer is represented by the crab. Check out it’s hands, they use the claws that we first saw with the lobster from the Sea Creatures series!
Leo
July 23 – August 23

This is the lion. I love it. If they get the colors to look like they do here, then it will rock!

Virgo
August 24 – September 22

Virgo is symbolized by “the maiden”. It’s also an Earth symbol.

Libra
September 23 – October 23

The scales are what represent Libra.

Scorpio
October 24 – November 21

It’s kinda obvious, but Scorpio is presented as a scorpion. This one also used the claws as hands just like Cancer.

Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21

Sagittarius is usually represented by an archer or a centaur. It looks like they went the centaur way here, but it should be more clear once we see the back. Will there be a quiver. Will there be another set of legs and a tail?

Capricorn
December 22 – January 19

I don’t know what a sea-goat is. But this kinda looks like one. Right?

Waves on the bottom. Horns, and a goatee.

Aquarius
January 20 – February 19

Water is associated with this sign. Especially water carried in a jar (which you see spilling on the right ear).

Pisces
February 20 – March 20

Always represented by a pair of fish, here is Pisces.

What do you think of these pieces? Will you get the set, or just your personal one?

DSO Update: Hippo and Sunburned Man

WDWNT on June 24, 2011

Update: Thanks for everyone who reminded me (MC) that vinylmation.com said the 9″ Park 6 would be delayed back on the 20th. Thank you!

Update: We just realized that both 9″ Park 6 figures that came out in D-Streets stores today were also supposed to show up online. (See above screen shot from July 7th). According to accounts from both coasts, it seems like less than 400 were at the stores, which means that there are about 500 or more waiting to be sold online, but it’s not up yet. Weird….


Just a quick DSO update today. As of right now, both the 9″ Holiday 2 Independence Day (Sunburned Man) and the 9″ Animation 1 Hippo are available to purchase on disneystore.com. Sunburned Man is $48.95 and the Hippo is $39.95. Pick them up before the sell out!

Set your pocket watches for July 8th. Steampark.

WDWNT on June 24, 2011

Disney let it slip on their events page that the Steam Park series we’ve all been waiting for since 2010 is finally coming out on July 8th. This will be at both D-Streets. From what we know of the set, it will be a 6 piece set that will be packaged like the Sushi.

One interesting question. On the Steam Park page on vinylmation.com they left out the Commandant. I wonder if that means anything. What do you think?

They’re Here… (almost)

WDWNT on June 23, 2011

On June 20, 1995 Aliens invaded the Magic Kingdom. For eight years, guests to ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter were treated to a scary adventure that attacked all the senses. When the X-S Tech employees make a mistake with the teleportation device, a huge alien appears before the audience. Much of the same effects you feel in your chairs today while sitting through Stitch’s Great Escape, were used to make the audience feel like an alien was wreaking havoc all around and right next to them. Vinylmation will pay tribute to this great attraction on June 24 when the 9″/3″ Alien Encounter combo ($74.95 LE 1000) is released. Designed by Maria Clapsis, collectors can pick up a 3″ Skippy with a 9″ Alien.

The alien looks amazing. I hope it looks this good in person. Maria really captured the details of this scary creature. I can almost feel him breathing on my neck.

On the back, you can see the alien’s wings. The color scheme is perfect as well. A lot of little detail when into this 9″ figure.

The 3″ Skippy excited people when we saw him back on New Year’s Eve. His droopy expression is painted perfectly on the vinyl. I really like the eyes in Mickey’s ears, this character translates well to the mouse shaped vinyl.

Overall, it’s an intricately designed set that’s a great nod to a classic Magic Kingdom attraction. I’ll be picking up this set without hesitation.

Check out our earlier preview of the 9″ UP figure.

And now, a Political Message from our Censor

WDWNT on June 23, 2011

“You are all weirdos!”

It’s our highest honor to present, from The Muppet Show, Sam the Eagle, swooping into D-Street stores tomorrow.

From the pictures he looks really good. I love the little touches, like the talons on the feet and the single huge eye brow. The painting of the beak on the nose looks great from the front. It even seems hooked in front, which is an awesome optical job. Also don’t forget the most important part, Sam’s home country’s flag painted in the eagle’s ears. Sam is an American patriot and he wants everyone to know!

On the back the attention to detail continues. The talons show on claw in the back. The feathers around the head clearly point out that Sam is a BALD eagle. And check out that 3D tail. Very cool. I can’t wait to see Sam up close because I think he’s going to be fabulous.

History

Sam first appeared as part of the cast of the original Muppet Show pilot in 1975. He also appeared on a number of the Muppet Meetings Films. His role on the Muppet Show was that of show censor, worrying about phrases and acts that he found might be vulgar. Later he started giving speeches of the American way and other politically motivated topics. He often found out that he himself was in violation of the very thing he was fighting against (see the Naked speech).

Sam went on after the Muppet Show to get cameo parts in many of the Muppet films, as well as being the only Muppet character to be seen on the Jim Henson Animal Show.

Jim Henson designed Sam and he was built by Don Sahlin. He was mainly performed by Frank Oz.

Details

Sam will be released at both D-Streets on Friday the 24th. The design is by Monty Maldovan and will cost $44.95. There is a LE of 1500.

Pictures copyright Disney and The Muppets.
All historical info came from muppet.wikia.com

Up Is On The Way

WDWNT on June 23, 2011

What’s your favorite Pixar movie? Mine is Up. It not only is a great Disney movie, but one of the truly great films ever made. What is it missing? It has amazing characters. You are emotionally connected to Carl from scene one. Kevin and Dug are comedic genius. Up has a beautiful storyline. It is real. It is sad and not everything works out as planned. But it is also uplifting. Up also takes viewers on a great adventure. It has everything… except an official Disney Vinylmation. Until now. Friday, June 24 is the release date for the 9″ Maria Clapsis designed Park 6 Up (LE 1000 $44.95) at D-Street Orlando and California. So the movie has it all, but does the Vinylmation?

Take a peak. At first glance it looks like a beautiful piece. It has the house. It has the balloons. The design is well placed. But Up is a beautifully SQUIRREL!

Copyright Disney and Pixar

…drawn movie, and I would expect more beauty in this figure. Instead it just… gets by.

I would have liked to see more definition in the details. Like the clouds, the sky and the balloons. I really hope, when we see this figure in person, the balloons will not have poor, overlapping paint job that shows up in a few 9″ vinyls.

Flip it over and you see… the back side of a house and balloons. The big miss on the 9″ Up is the lack of characters. Up has some of the most beloved characters of any Pixar film, and they are not here. Carl peaking out the window. Russell on the front porch. Kevin on the roof. Something. Anything.

Copyright Disney and Pixar

This figure is kind of stuck in the middle to me. I’d take the lack of detail for some characters. I’d take the lack of characters for more detail. Let’s be honest, as an Up fan, I’ll probably pick it up unless I really don’t like it in person. What about you? Is Up a must add to your collection?

Make sure you check back on Thursday for our Alien Encounter preview. Also, if this Up doesn’t float your house, check out these previously featured customs.

Carl and Russell Customs

Kevin Custom

SHAG’s 40th Anniversary Collection Debuts at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on June 21, 2011

Dana Trujillo of the Disney Parks Blog shares a look at the retro-tastic line of merchandise SHAG has drawn up for Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary:

Back in January, I gave you a sneak peek at the newest artwork created by SHAG for Walt Disney World Resort’s 40th Anniversary. While we were only able to give you a one-day sneak peek then, I’m happy to tell you that the wait for SHAG’s 40th Anniversary collection is finally over!

On Friday, June 24, Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park will host SHAG for the official debut of his latest 40th Anniversary collection. This will be the first time that guests will be able to find SHAG’s retro collection of Walt Disney World-inspired collectibles, home goods and apparel that pay homage to our magical kingdom.

SHAG’s signature art style is instantly recognizable on the newly developed collection that will only be available at the Walt Disney World Resort. He re-imagines original Disney icons and transforms them into colorful, bold and retro creations unlike anything seen before at Walt Disney World Resort.

His artwork will highlight a line of new keepsakes and must-haves that will appeal to any Disney fan, including new charm bracelets (with more than 30 charms), apparel for men and women and a postcard set, as well as home goods such as double old-fashion tumblers, a pillow sham and a coaster collection. There are so many amazing products to share that we couldn’t show them all in one Disney Parks Blog post, so be sure to check out www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

If you want to be among the first to get your hands on SHAG’s 40th Anniversary Collection and meet him in person, head out to Walt Disney World this weekend for this very special artist signing and product premiere. SHAG will appear Friday, June 24, at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturday, June 25, at Art of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace from 4-6 p.m.

What do you think of SHAG’s new 40th Anniversary product collection?

Here is a look at the entire merchandise line, including pricing:

Original Artwork
Retail: $20,000

Limited Edition Canvas Giclee
Edition Size: 95
Retail: $425

Deluxe Print:
Retail: $35

Double Old Fashion Glassware
Retail: $8.00 per glass

40th Anniversary Map Coaster Set
Set contains 5 Coasters in a collectible tin box
Retail: $14.95

Postcard Set with Tin Keepsake Box
Set contains 2 each of 5 postcard designs
Dimensions: 5″ H x 7″ W
Retail: $18.95

SHAG Pillow Sham
Pillow Sham features detail embroidery
Dimensions: 20″ H x 20″ W
Retail: $62.95

SHAG 40th Anniversary Charm Bracelet
SHAG bracelet features 33 individual charms
Bracelet Length: 7″
Retail: $124.95

Men’s Island Shirt
Sizes: Small – XXLarge
Retail: $74.00

Women’s Charm Tee Shirt
Sizes: Small – XX Large
Retail: $29.95

Spotlight On: Vinylmation Custom Artist Keith Lapinig

WDWNT on June 21, 2011

“Quick” Editorial: We don’t want to take the spotlight off Keith’s customs below, but must mention a word about yesterday’s post with custom artist Justin Marshall. Justin sent us pictures of a custom Vinylmation Claw Machine he made, but it quickly came to our attention there was another claw machine out there, done by Keith Lapinig. This “original” Claw Machine” was made back in 2009. Now although original idea can be debated in many ways, credit must be given where it is due. Our first inclination was not to pull the post, but after talking with both Justin and Keith yesterday and getting the full story, we mutually decided it best for everyone to pull that post. There was, a now deleted, great comment on yesterday’s post. It basically said that a man named Walt took classic Fairytales and enhanced them for our entertainment. It also pointed out of course that even Keith’s Claw Machine is based upon someone at Pixar’s idea. And that was based upon an idea that’s in every arcade. It goes on and on, but that’s a subject for a different time. It all came down to a lack of acknowledgement. One other quick note, with these Spotlight On articles, we are not endorsing any custom figure, custom artist or choosing one over another, it is only a platform to share artist’s work. We don’t have a weeding out process. Anyone who contacts us eventually gets an article. We may feature other customs by Justin in the future, but today is Keith’s spotlight.
Keith Lapinig is a custom artist born and raised in Queens, New York. He has created many fantastic custom Vinylmation that we would like to share with you today.
Destination Vinylmation: As an artist, what mediums have you worked with before Vinylmation?
Keith Lapinig: I’ve actually never painted before Vinylmation. I’m a computer graphics person, so I deal more with video editing, animation, and graphic design. I think my background in vector art actually came in handy since I became obsessed with mathematically-accurate smooth curves in my paint jobs. Sorry, that sounds really nerdy of me.

DV: Don’t worry, at Disney, Nerds Rock! So, what turned you on to working with Vinylmation?
Keith: I first heard about Vinylmation when I was a Cast Member at the World of Disney NYC. In a gallery meeting, only the name of it was brought up since it was still in development, but I immediately knew what to expect since my friend had been obsessed with the KidRobot vinyl toys. He actually tried to get me into collecting those, but I told him I will only collect vinyls if Disney starts making their own since I have to keep to the theme of my bedroom. Sure enough… it happened, and I have been collecting and creating since the first day of Vinylmation in 2008.

DV: Describe the features of your Claw Machine Custom?
Keith: The body is pretty much just a solid paint job, but the head consists of a custom plastic window, alien toys, and a claw model I made myself using PVC, clay, and aluminum. The final result isn’t actually how I originally planned it. I had planned on making the PRIZE chute to be a working door with another alien toy inside. I also wanted the back hatch to be another working door where a mini-Woody and Buzz could be found. I have grown a lot as an artist since then and actually implemented those techniques in some of my customs over time.
One example is the Snow White custom in my Fairytale Females series, so I just may get around to a second refurb of the custom if I ever have the time!
DV: Are those real toy aliens?
Keith: Yes! However, those are the only pieces of the custom that I did not create myself. I thank the Disney Theme Parks for making and selling the Bucket of Aliens!
DV: You have many great designs on your website, but my eye, as a gamer, was drawn to the Kingdom Hearts custom.
Keith: My Kingdom Hearts Vinylmation is definitely one of my favorite customs I have made. It came out exactly how I imagined it, and that is very rare for me. This was another big “first” experiment for me since I decided to use oil paints for the planets. I didn’t know what to expect nor did I really know what I was doing. I also decided to add a caved space to the Vinylmation with the keyhole in the back.
DV: You have a lot of designs under your belt now, what have you learned while creating custom Vinylmation?
Keith: Practice is essential. I actually have a couple of early customs that I no longer have up on my site because they’re just embarrassing. Ha. I definitely don’t think I’m the best artist out there and I continue working on my craft because I love learning new techniques and aspire for that artistic growth. Although I am now embarrassed of some of my early work, I know I wouldn’t be the artist that I am today without taking those beginning steps.

DV: What is the biggest challenge in creating a custom Vinylmation?
Keith: I think the biggest challenge for me is solidifying an idea. I don’t like wasting my time with customs that other people might make. For example, a character Vinylmation. I will always try to come up with a unique approach at translating a fresh design to the Vinylmation platform. While I have made many character Vinylmations in the past due to commissions, I prefer making fun designs that one wouldn’t normally think of when looking at a Vinylmation.

DV: Do you have any advice for custom artists?
Keith: The internet can be your best friend. For every single one of my designs that break the mold in a unique way, I thought of the idea first. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew I wanted to do it. Once I had my extremely far fetched idea, I Googled various ways I could accomplish exactly what I wanted. Sure enough, I found a technique that allowed me to do so without breaking the bank (completely)! Just like Walt said – If you can dream it, you can do it!

DV: Where can people go to view and purchase your work?
Keith: My official website is www.mametchi.com. I’m actually going to have a Facebook page soon. Keep an eye out for that! As far as customs for purchase, I do have a waiting list going on right now, but I am open for commissions.

It’s Easy to Find the Perfect Souvenir at the 2011 D23 Expo!

WDWNT on June 20, 2011

DREAM STORE AND LIVE AUCTION RETURN TO THE D23 EXPO
WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND ITEMS AND UNIQUE COLLECTIBLES

Special logo apparel, product debuts, artist signings, and a new silent auction
will highlight the Ultimate Disney Event for Fans and Families August 19-21

BURBANK and ANAHEIM, Calif. – June 20, 2011 – Bursting with D23-themed merchandise and other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise, the Dream Store returns to D23 Expo 2011 with something magical for Disney fans of all ages. From Disney-inspired art and collectibles to classic character collections featuring such beloved characters as Mickey Mouse and Dumbo among others, the D23 Expo Dream Store is a Disney enthusiast’s dream come true. Highlights include:

D23 Expo Logo Merchandise will allow D23 fans to take home a piece of the magic from this year’s D23 Expo, with an assortment of merchandise including apparel, headwear, pins, and Vinylmation™. The heart of this collection is the official logo of the D23 Expo 2011.

Remember… it all started with a Mouse is a tribute to Walt’s legacy and visionary imagination. As part of this year’s D23 Expo, Disney Consumer Products commissioned local artist Noah to create an iconic graphic celebrating this year’s themes.

In exquisite detail, Noah has captured the joy and laughter that come from Walt Disney’s ever-familiar and contagious smile. By carefully selecting a beautiful palette of colors, he cleverly reveals this year’s celebrated Disney film anniversaries, which include One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo and Beauty and the Beast.

For the past decade, Noah has continued to magically interpret Disney characters through his unique style, which has become a favorite among Disney collectors worldwide. For more information on Noah, visit www.noahfineart.com.

Disney Theme Park Merchandise debuts some of its newest releases, including the Disneyland Vintage Collection, which pays tribute to attractions from yesteryear, as well as the release of the much-anticipated, limited-edition TRON Monorail and the Disneyland Monorail play set.

In addition, the latest releases from Disney licensees and artists, including Precious Moments, Robert Olszewski, Jim Shore, and more will be unveiled.

D23 Expo Anniversary Collection pays tribute to this year’s historical anniversaries of the beloved Disney classic films One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Alice in Wonderland, and Dumbo. Each day of the Expo, the Dream Store will release limited quantities of commemorative merchandise from each of these celebrated films.

Disney Dream Collection and D23-Exclusive Jewelry will captivate and dazzle audiences with new pieces of fine jewelry featuring classic Disney icons and characters, such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Tinker Bell, among others.

Acme Archives Limited invites guests to make the magic come alive in your home with the latest releases from Disney•Pixar, Disney Studio Art, Disney Limited and Disney Underground.

Dream Store Autograph Sessions will give D23 fans the opportunity to meet and greet some of their favorite authors, artists, Disney Legends and other notable celebrities. Autograph sessions will be posted daily at the D23 Expo Autograph exhibition area.

Dream Store Showcase and Trading Area invites fans to find out more about what is “in store” from the world of Disney Theme Park Merchandise, including Disney Pins, Vinylmation™, Duffy the Disney Bear, limited-edition ear hats, and more. This special area is the place to trade, collect, and swap stories with fellow Disney fans.

D23 Expo 2011 Live and Silent Auction offers Disney enthusiasts the rare opportunity to bid on unique experiences, tours, artwork, props, and more—specially designed for Disney fans. The D23 Expo 2011 Live and Silent Auction takes place Saturday, August 20, 2011. Tickets for the Live and Silent Auction go on sale June 20, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. Separate D23 Expo admission is required.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 are available at a discounted price through June 30, 2011. All D23 Members—both Gold level and Silver level—can take advantage of additional exclusive admission savings at www.D23Expo.com.