They said it would be different. This set would “break the mold” so to speak. It would also push new boundaries and do things no Vinylmation set has done yet. The new Park Starz set, released today, has given us 12 vinyl figures without a single Mickey mold. This set also has a 2 for 1. And some obscure Disney references.
The entire series is packaged in blind boxes, or rather blind tins for the price of $18.95. That puts Park Starz $6 more than any other blind box set. So each individual collector has to make the call if there is enough value added into each character created. If you get the chance, make sure to stop by and say hi to Disney artists Thomas Scott and Casey Jones at D-Street Orlando today. They will be signing from 5p-7p.
Park Starz are different in that each figure is molded into a characterture of the Disney Park character they represent. They all have some great little details and unique accessories like the Horizon Butler’s duster and Jose’s perch.
Park Starz measure up at about the same height as your 3″ Vinylmation. My favorite out of the initial 12 is Big Al from the Country Bears Jamboree.
His large, exagerated figure looks amazing in person. As does his little guitar. Park Starz was a team effort between Thomas Scott, Casey Jones and Lin Shih. Love them, like them or dislike them, you can tell a lot of thought, and Disney Parks passion, went into each and every figure.
Abe Lincoln stands tall and stout with the Gettysburg Address firm in hand. His tuft of hair and beard are molded out from the rest of his head. It’s a great representation of an important piece of Disney Park history.
The you have the Blizzard Beach Ice Gator. A more contemporary park mascot. He has a very cartoonish look. He is very playful and colorful. Very appealing to a certain audience. That’s the beauty of this set. It can be enjoyed by a wide range of fans. But at it’s core, Park Starz serves the core parks fan. It’s chaser is a character only die-hards would recognize.
Click to see Park Starz Mystery Chaser
Another of my favorites is the Haunted Mansion Bride. This ghostly spirit borders that edge between a beautiful collectible and just spooky enough looking that it fits into that old creepy house. The veil and ax in hand are magnificent touches.
The 2 for 1 I mentioned is from It’s A Small World. Both the boy and the goat are both packaged in one tin. These look really special and are artistically designed, while still holding true to the great Mary Blair’s concept.
Overall, Park Starz makes a welcome addition to the Vinylmation scene. They are both designed and produced very well and will no doubt feature us Disney Geek’s favorite characters in every set. While Mickey-mold Vinylmation stand up as great mini works of art, Park Starz should serve a market for affordably priced Disney Park collectibles.
