The Rescuers Fly into Vinylmation

WDWNT on February 9, 2012

Today vinylmationtraders.com found some pictures of a new limited edition set from Animation 2. Similar to the Park 7 Kitchen Kabaret and the Alice in Wonderland Cheshire set, this looks like a limited edition set of 3″ figures. Check out Bernard and Bianca from The Rescuers.
Both figures are by Casey Jones and is $26.95.

They are from the 1977 Disney animated film.

They also reported that the Fife and Drum set will be released at $44.95 on January 27th.

Also, the 9″ Park 7 ELP Dragon for $74.95.

That seems steep for a single 9″ and our look at the side of the 9″ Park 7 shows it isn’t accompanied by a 3″.

Great addition to the set, and I’m glad to see some 3″ Limited Editions. Although I wish Fife and Drum were 10 bucks cheaper. What are your thoughts on The Rescuers?

An Alternate Concept for the Animation 2 Chaser by Mike Boon

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Mike Boon’s Headless Horseman

Our friend Mike Boon (who you know from the cool Muppets 3 and 4 speculation art) has been working on a set of Sleeping Hallow custom Vinylmation. With the release of the Headless Horseman in the Animation 2 set, he felt it the appropriate to release his idea of what it should look like. What do you think? Do you like it more then the Disney version? Check out the whole thing, and his post about it at his site.

Episode 055 Elephant Bathing Pool

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Ep. 055 Elephant Bathing Pool


This week we talk about Furry Friends and Disney’s decision to pull the product from store shelves. Annemarie joins us once again to give her first hand input. We also review the newly released Animation 2 series. There are a ton of new releases dates to let you know about as well. And we interview special guest Mellisa French. A teach who used Vinylmation as the base of a series of class art projects.

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Collecting with Claudia: Animation 2 Artist Signing

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

It was an event filled day as Vinylmation Collectors gathered at D-Street in Florida for the release of Animation 2 on January 13, 2012.

As the doors opened at 10:30am, a line of 20 people were present on this chilly morning. Although not a large crowd was present, the eager few huddled around the Animation 2 display area to get their individual boxes and topper sets. The sealed cases were behind the registers ($12.95 each or $310.80 for a case).

While some folks made their purchases and went home, others opened their boxes/cases at the available tables next to Wexler’s Pretzel’s.

My personal favorite from this series is Jiminy Cricket (the topper). Although missing his umbrella, Jiminy is very well designed and his hat is spot-on…

Animation two has 2 confirmed variants: “shirtless John” and “dry Donald.” The two variants seen in these pictures belong to one lucky couple who allowed me to photograph them.

Although the release was at 10:30am, the Artist Signing was not until 5pm. A line began to form at 3:30pm, and by 4:55pm, 65 people waited for the signing even to begin.

It was approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind was picking-up, but this did not deter anyone… and Disney was prepared with 2 large heaters next to the artists’ tables.

I was so excited to meet with all the Disney Artists present: Thomas Scott, Eric Caszatt, Casey Jones, Michael Sullivan, Monty Maldovan, Adrianne Draude. They all signed my “#1 Disney Fan” Custom, and my 9inch Yellow Create-Your-Own (CYO), and I could not have been happier.

This is definitely a great way to start 2012!

Animation 2 Chaser; Great or Missing Something?

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

The Animation 2 chaser was revealed early this morning by Action Figure Times (AFTimes.com). They seem to get their hands on a release before release day from time to time. They posted a picture of the front and back of the chaser. Click the image below to see it and our commentary on it.

Animation 2 Vinylmation Explained

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Animation 2
Release Date: January 13
Where: D-Streets and Disney Stores
Price: TBA

Artist Signing
January 13, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
D-Street Orlando
The artists currently scheduled to attend include Mike Sullivan, Casey Jones, Monty Maldovan, Thomas Scott, Adrianne Druade and Eric Caszatt.

Update: 01/12/12 The variants have been revealed and they, with the chaser, have a common theme.

They are all missing something! Noah’s Ark Donald doesn’t have rain in the ears or drops on the head. In my opinion, that makes this figure supremely inferior to it’s regular version. The Noah’s Ark Donald with rain drops is one of my favorites. Taking the rain away, even for a variant, takes away the sense of this figure. It is also interesting to note that this Donald’s 2nd variant (Park 6 Wet Paint Donald). Here is the second variant…

John is showing off for the ladies as he goes shirtless in the variant. It makes sense, but like many variants, not one I’ll go out and search for. What are your thoughts on these variants?

Original Article: Please leave your thoughts below… here’s mine. Character selection is phenomenal! Love the mix of classic and computer animation with some shorts and TV tossed into the mix. It’s also a nice 50/50 mix of main to supporting characters. Overall, after seeing some recent releases, I expected a tiny bit more in the detail. I think most of these are great designs, but I’m not sure they stand up to the sets we saw released in late 2011 and will see in early 2012. That being said, most are spot on capturing the film character. The artist star of this set is Casey Jones. He designed 5 of the 12 known figures and 3 of my personal favorites… Donald, Sebastian and Jose Carioca. He also used the ears better than any artist in this set. The inclusion of Kim Possible, a TV character, makes me excited about future set lists. Disney talks about 2 variants… what do you think they will be?

 Flower
Bambi (1942)
Artist: Casey Jones
The skunk is drawn well and true to the character. I could use more, but the green ears well represent the forest backdrop. (more than white)
Baloo
Jungle Book (1967)
Artist: Adrianne Draude
Although I like the Disney Afternoon version better, Adrianne really captured Baloo’s happy go lucky face.
Chicken Little
Chicken Little (2005)
Artist: Monty Maldovan
We have now seen new mold sets with lots of detail and shading, so I feel I want more and this is an example that falls a little flat for me. I would expect some show of feathers on the head. But I love, love, love the falling sky reference in the ears!
Dopey
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Artist: Monty Maldovan
Perfect. If your not going to go stylistic, I like when artists try to capture the character in the style they were originally done. This seems to capture the simple yet beautiful art of this classic Disney film.
John Henry
John Henry (2000)
Artist: Mike Sullivan
The most obscure choice in the set. This character is based on a 10 minute Disney short. Really like the hammer and the expression on the face.
Kim Possible
Kim Possible (2002-2007)
Artist: Thomas Scott
I applaud the awesome character choice. I like the way the face is drawn and I can see design wise why the pants had to come up so high, but go look at the Light Up set Rapunzel for how the hair can frame the face to slim it down. But i’m very happy she was included.
Jose Carioca
Three Caballeros (1944)
Artist: Casey Jones
Yay! So glad he is recognized here. Great face. Fantastic hat. The stars in the ears finish this one off very well.
Sebastian
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Artist: Casey Jones
What a perfect use of different vinyl features! The claws are welcome here. The blue clear ears and feet to give the water and bubble effect!
Tigger
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Artist: Mike Sullivan
Not only did they do a tail, but the did it right.
Tinker Bell
Peter Pan (1957)
Artist: Casey Jones
No offence, but don’t get another Tink here. I understand there are a ton of back stage designing, production and scheduling that we don’t know the timeline of, but this is just a lesser but almost identical version of the Park 7 Tink:
Donald Duck
Fantasia 2000 (2000)
Artist: Casey Jones
Best Donald face yet by a Disney Artist! Great choice for a character and I love the use of rain in the ears and drops of water all around the head. This Donald is from the Noah’s Ark scene in the Fantasia update.
Mystery ChaserClick Image to Reveal Chaser
Combo Topper
Jiminy Cricket
Pinocchio (1940)
Artist: Bob Holden
This is Bob’s first Vinylmation and a great job. Jiminy fits the mold well and the artist did a great job with proportions. The hat is magnificent. I hate to do this… but umbrella seems to be a no brainer. We will see.

Vinylmation Speculation: DL Paris

WDWNT on June 13, 2011

Twitter follower @lindols has received some interesting rumors.


She says that someone she knows from Paris says they will be getting the Cars 2 set in August. She also says they will be getting the Alice in Wonderland set (including a 9″ and 9″ combo) in September.

Her source also said that on a more “rumor”y side of things, that the Animation 2 set will be coming by the end of the year and the there might be a whole Pinocchio set coming out (similar to Alice in Wonderland).

What do you think? I hope the 9” combo is all Alice. Imagine a 9″/3″/Jr set with all three sizes of Alice! I’m also excited for Animation 2. What would you like to see as part of that?

Animation 2 Released

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Animation 2
Release Date: January 13

 Flower
Bambi (1942)
Artist: Casey Jones
The skunk is drawn well and true to the character. I could use more, but the green ears well represent the forest backdrop. (more than white)
Baloo
Jungle Book (1967)
Artist: Adrianne Draude
Although I like the Disney Afternoon version better, Adrianne really captured Baloo’s happy go lucky face.
Chicken Little
Chicken Little (2005)
Artist: Monty Maldovan
We have now seen new mold sets with lots of detail and shading, so I feel I want more and this is an example that falls a little flat for me. I would expect some show of feathers on the head. But I love, love, love the falling sky reference in the ears!
Dopey
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Artist: Monty Maldovan
Perfect. If your not going to go stylistic, I like when artists try to capture the character in the style they were originally done. This seems to capture the simple yet beautiful art of this classic Disney film.
John Henry
John Henry (2000)
Artist: Mike Sullivan
The most obscure choice in the set. This character is based on a 10 minute Disney short. Really like the hammer and the expression on the face.

VARIANT
Kim Possible
Kim Possible (2002-2007)
Artist: Thomas Scott
I applaud the awesome character choice. I like the way the face is drawn and I can see design wise why the pants had to come up so high, but go look at the Light Up set Rapunzel for how the hair can frame the face to slim it down. But i’m very happy she was included.
Jose Carioca
Three Caballeros (1944)
Artist: Casey Jones
Yay! So glad he is recognized here. Great face. Fantastic hat. The stars in the ears finish this one off very well.
Sebastian
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Artist: Casey Jones
What a perfect use of different vinyl features! The claws are welcome here. The blue clear ears and feet to give the water and bubble effect!
Tigger
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Artist: Mike Sullivan
Not only did they do a tail, but the did it right.
Tinker Bell
Peter Pan (1957)
Artist: Casey Jones
No offence, but don’t get another Tink here. I understand there are a ton of back stage designing, production and scheduling that we don’t know the timeline of, but this is just a lesser but almost identical version of the Park 7 Tink:
Donald Duck
Fantasia 2000 (2000)
Artist: Casey Jones
Best Donald face yet by a Disney Artist! Great choice for a character and I love the use of rain in the ears and drops of water all around the head. This Donald is from the Noah’s Ark scene in the Fantasia update.

VARIANT
Mystery Chaser

Your thoughts?
Combo Topper
Jiminy Cricket
Pinocchio (1940)
Artist: Bob Holden
This is Bob’s first Vinylmation and a great job. Jiminy fits the mold well and the artist did a great job with proportions. The hat is magnificent. I hate to do this… but umbrella seems to be a no brainer. We will see.
Three Little Pigs
& Big Bad Wolf
Three Little Pigs (1933)
Artist: Monty Maldovan
Release Date: TBA
LE: TBA
Price: TBA

A beautifully detailed 3″ + 3 Juniors set.
Roger Rabbit
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Artist: TBA
Release Date: TBA
LE: TBA
Price: TBA

Roger looks great on this large canvas.
Rhino
Bolt
Artist: TBA
Release Date: TBA
LE: TBA
Price: TBA

A great expression on this hamster’s face and wow! It comes inside his own ball. Brilliant!
Bernard and Bianca
The Rescuers
Artist: TBA
Release Date: 1/21/12
LE: 1200
Price: $26.95