Pixar Animation Studios Sunglasses (D23 Expo 2017 Exclusive)

Thanks to my friend and longtime follower of mine, "The Girl with the Pixar Tattoo" herself, Ashlee G. (who's birthday happens to be today— Happy Birthday! 🎉 :), I was sent this awesome pair of Pixar Animation Studios sunglasses straight from the 2017 D23 Expo! These were handed out for free spontaneously to select guests within the Pixar pavilion on the main show floor. Ashlee was lucky enough to get a couple pairs and was nice enough to think of me! I know how crazy it gets there during that weekend, so this really means a lot.

I honestly had no idea about these until Ashlee let me know about them. It was such a fun surprise! Though they're just a basic pair of plastic promo sunglasses (they were free after all), the simplistic "Pixar Animation Studios" logo and the Luxo ball graphic make them beyond cool in my book. You can literally add those two things to anything and it'll instantly be a must have for me. I love them! In fact, I'm heading to the pool today and you can guess what I'll be wearing. ;)

Take a closer look below!

I also wanted to give a huge shout out to Ashlee's art skills. She's really an incredible artist and is well on her way to becoming part of the Pixar team one day. Check it out—she even decorated the envelope she sent with Luxo Jr. and every Pixar fan's favorite ball!! I mean, come on. That's just SO cool. This is an envelope that'll I'll be saving and adding to my Pixar art collection.

And she didn't stop there. Even her little thoughtful note inside was tied with a fantastic Pixar ribbon. And can I say that's some of the best handwriting I've ever seen?

Ashlee has even been featured by Disney Style (from Dapper Day) and Pixar's Instagram (from the D23 Expo) because of her now semi-famous Luxo ball dress. It's been a huge hit and for good reason! Definitely go ahead and give Ashlee a follow on Instagram HERE for more of her Pixar adventures.

If you're looking to snag a pair of these sunglasses for yourself, check out THIS DIRECT LINK for current eBay listings. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! How was your D23 Expo experience this year?  

Pixar Studios Short Films Tsum Tsum Set (D23 Expo 2017 Exclusive)

A few months back, I got word from a couple sources that an exclusive Tsum Tsum set based on some of Pixar's short films was to be released at this year's D23 Expo. I didn't know if it was true (I honestly maybe even doubted it a little bit), but boy did I hope it was.

Well, you all know the ending to this story...the reports ended up being true and I couldn't be more excited! This has got to be up there with some of my favorite Pixar merch ever. Not only am I an avid Tsum Tsum collector, but I'm also obsessed with anything released related to the Pixar shorts (especially limited editions). Combine the two and you have a real winning combination for me. This was a must have.

This Pixar Short Films Tsum Tsum set was only available within the Disney Store at the 2017 D23 Expo during the weekend of July 14-16. Only 1000 units were produced. The set includes eight fantastic characters (of various sizes) from four Pixar short films: Two birds (one mini and one micro Tsum) from For the Birds, the magician (mini Tsum) and Alec the rabbit (micro Tsum) from Presto, the sheep and jackalope (both mini Tsums) from Boundin' and Piper's mom (mini Tsum) and Piper (micro Tsum) from Piper.

First of all, the packaging is just so awesome. I absolutely love how the Tsums are displayed in the box with their faces peeking out (each duo with a background and 3D cardboard logo to match their film). The simple white box, the metallic lettering and the silver ribbon handle gives off a fantastic impression. You know you have something special here from just the look of the box. Very classy.

Original retail price was $54.95.

Note: You may have notice my box is not in the best condition. Unfortunately the eBay seller did not pack it very well and it got a bit crumpled in the mail.

Let's take a closer look at these guys loose!

PRESTO

I have to note that the Presto set even comes with a removable magician's hat, which is such a fun added touch. You can display Alec in it peeking out or have the magician himself wear it. I love the embroidered carrot detail on Alec's side as well.

 

PIPER

BOUNDIN'

FOR THE BIRDS

Even though I wasn't lucky enough to go to the D23 Expo this year, I'm so happy to have gotten a steal of a deal for this through eBay. A big thanks to all my friends who attempted to help me get this while they were there at the convention! It's the thought and effort that counts. :)

If you're interested in adding this amazing set to your collection, check out this direct link to current eBay listings. These short films are rarely represented through merchandise, so I would jump at the chance to get this set if you're a big fan of Pixar Animation Studios. You won't be disappointed!

It's so hard to pick favorites, but Alec (with that hat, those floppy ears and that carrot) might be the winner for me (with Piper being a close second). Honestly though, I love them all and appreciate all the details on each one. Which are your favorites? What are your overall thoughts on this set? Let me know in the comments below!

Ratatouille: Remy & Emile Figurine Coin Bank (Disney Store)

Bon Appétit! This adorable Ratatouille inspired coin bank (featuring brothers Remy and Emile sharing some tasty cheese) was available exclusively at the Disney Store in 2007—right around the time the film hit theaters (wow, I still can't believe it was 10 years ago). The sculpted material is some sort of PVC plastic (non-fragile) and measures about 7 1/2" tall x 6" wide. Original retail back in the day was $12.50.

On the back of Emile's head is the slot to insert your coins. On the bottom, a removable plastic stopper is included. I love the the stylized designs of these characters which, from what I remember, found their way onto other merch as well.

Note: Thanks to the Pixar Planet forums, I found an old picture of this on Disney Store shelves from way back when. Check it out HERE.

Whether for your kitchen, kid's room or for your office bookshelf or desk, this is a perfect display piece for fans of the film such as myself. There isn't very much out there in terms of Ratatouille merchandise (even to this day—I totally wish it would get more love), so this is a real standout.

You can find this bank on eBay if you're interested in adding it to your collection. There are a few listings on there right now (click HERE to check them out), but be sure to find one that is the least scuffed up (many of them have all sorts of marks). I ended up winning the one I have here for $17 and I'd say it's pretty pristine.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Monsters University: Mousepad (Disney Store—Customizable)

I recently picked up this Monsters University themed mousepad from the DisneyStore.com for my new home office desk! My desk is of course all covered with Pixar collectibles, so I knew I needed to add a Pixar mousepad for that final touch. Narrowing down which Pixar film I wanted represented on the pad was the hardest part, but I ultimately decided on MU once I saw this one.

I like the simple, non-busy design here and the idea of a mousepad being "Property of MU" just seemed to fit with the whole computer desk aspect. I almost went for other designs from Up and Wall·E, but this one just made the most sense theming-wise. It's almost like it was taken right out of one of the computer labs at Monsters U. Love it!

You can pick this up (and countless other customizable designs from many of Pixar's films) on the DisneyStore.com (powered by Zazzle) HERE. From the background color of the pad to the position of the graphics/art to even adding text and additional images...there are literally endless design possibilities! I chose one of their pre-made designs, but you can really go all out and have some fun with it if you want.

All the mousepads are a standard size of 9.25" L x 7.75" W and retail for $12.95. The print definitely looks to be high quality, not to mention it's described as durable and dust and stain resistant. Highly recommended! Which design might you go for (or have gotten already)? Let me know in the comments below.

Cars: Cozy Cone Alarm Clock (D23 Expo 2017 Exclusive) by Mattel

A few days ago I posted my quick video review of this amazing new Cars Cozy Cone Alarm clock replica featuring my initial unboxing and reaction. Today I wanted to go even more in depth with my additional thoughts on this awesome product. Let's get right to it!

I love it when full scale props based on items from Pixar films get made in real life for collectors like myself to purchase (examples: Carl's grape soda badge, the Pison Cup trophy, Mike's MU hat, the blue umbrella, etc.). For years, I actually hoped that a Cozy Cone style alarm clock from Cars would be made in this vain, especially after they teased us with it at Cars Land (seen in my pic HERE; this is looking through the back window of the Cozy Cone Motel). Well, a couple weeks ago I got my wish as the Cozy Cone alarm replica I hoped for was finally released— a D23 Expo 2017 exclusive!

This was released by Mattel (at their official booth on the expo show floor) during the weekend of July 14-16. Limited quantities were produced (LE of 3000) and retail was $50. It should be noted right off the bat that, though this does have lights, sounds and other electronic features, this is NOT an actual working alarm clock or AM radio. This doesn't bother me in the slightest, but I know many people were disappointed by that aspect.

Mattel always does an amazing job with their packaging, especially for their expo/convention exclusive "adult collector" items. Before we unbox this thing, I wanted to give you a detailed look at this fantastic retro inspired box from all angles. The packaging alone is a collector's item in itself! I will not be throwing this away.

Once opened up, you'll notice that the Cozy Cone Alarm itself is housed in yet another cute minimal style box within the main box. This is pretty standard for Mattel, since they often do packaging within packaging when it comes to their collector's items.

The yellow cone shaped box slips right off and—that's right. More packaging! You then have to detach two simple key locks on the underside of the cone in order to remove the bottom orange cardboard piece seen below.

Now that it's finally out and free of all that cardboard, you're ready to see this Cozy Cone Alarm in action! What's nice is that the batteries are included and already installed, so you don't have to worry about that (for future reference though, four AA batteries are required for the alarm and three LR44 button cell batteries are needed for the car inside). Make sure the ON/OFF switch (found underneath the alarm) is turned to the normal mode and then press the activation button on the side of the base to start the fun.

The little alarm car will pop out and in several times while beeping (with the same sound effects it has in the film and even adds working headlights); then the "AM radio" will start automatically "tuning" to different "stations" while country rock music plays and the upper areas glow (three brief music tracks are heard per press and are not always the same or in the same order).

Note: The actual alarm clock dimensions are 8 1/4" tall x 6" wide (at base).

On the back of the alarm you can see the speaker, the main battery compartment and an AC adapter port (for if you'd like to keep it plugged in and not use the batteries—AC adapter not included). Plugging it in is especially useful if you want to take advantage of the light sensor setting. When switched to light sensor mode, the sensor (found on the top of the cone) will trigger a continuous night light when it senses a certain level of darkness.

By the way, something I didn't mention in my video review is that the alarm car is removable. Just hold down the main activation button for a few moments and the car/tray will pop out and remain out for a solid 45 seconds or so. To take the car out, you'll first need to remove another little key lock under the car's tray. After that's disposed of, just give the car a good tug [straight out] to remove it from within the cone.

The car is actually diecast metal with rubber tires and rolling wheels, which are some quality touches. Press the button on its top for lights and beeping sounds (press and hold the button for a longer show). Putting the car back in is easy—just slide him back into the tray the same way you took him out. It'll snap right back into place.

If you want to display the alarm with the car sticking out at all times (like I do—as seen on my shelf below), hold the activation button down for those few seconds (as mentioned above), but this time turn the battery power off after the tray comes out. It looks so great displayed this way!

Though I covered just about everything you need to know about this above, here are the instructions if you ever need to refer to them on here. 

I'd say that this is absolutely a must have for any serious Disney·Pixar Cars fan/ collector. I LOVE it!  A huge thanks to my friend Paulina who helped me get this since I wasn't able to attend the D23 Expo this year. I can't thank her enough!

For those of you interested in purchasing this, eBay is your best bet at this point (and don't worry—prices are surprisingly still pretty reasonable). Be sure to visit this direct link to current listings HERE.

If you missed it, check out the alarm in action in my YouTube video below! You won't wanna miss it. As usual, feel free to like, subscribe and share!

Cars 2: Body Shop Union Jack Ramone

Today I'm taking a brief look at yet another Mattel 1:55 scale Cars 2 diecast from earlier this year (Case B—again, right before the transition into Cars 3)...Body Shop Union Jack Ramone! This one is part of the 2017 "London Chase" sub-series (#2/11).

Union Jack Ramone was originally released in 2012 as an exclusive pack-in to the "London Rescue" 12-Pack and then again in the 2013 Target exclusive "London Race" 7-pack. This is his first release as a single, although he's not exactly the same as the ones included in those multi-packs. This one adds his body shop paint gun to his tire and a slightly more determined expression.

Ramone is seen in this London flag (Union Jack) paint job in Cars 2 during all of his scenes in London near the end of the film. This diecast is specifically from the moment shown in the screenshot above when Ramone spray paints Tubbs Pacer during the street skirmish with the lemons. Going along with this scene, Tubbs Pacer with the paint streak that Ramone paints on him was also released in 2013.

Check him out of the package! Such a cool diecast. I had hoped for a single release of this one for a long time, so I'm super glad one finally arrived.

This one was hard for me to come by in my area, so I had to finally resort to the second hand market recently. At this point it's very unlikely you'll find this Ramone in stores, so I'd check eBay using this direct link to current listings (that's what I did) or Amazon using the link below. Luckily this Ramone isn't in very high demand, even though he's rare, so the prices for him are pretty reasonable (right round $8-$9).

Have fun and happy hunting! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Were you able to find this Ramone in stores? Which one is your all time favorite Ramone diecast from Mattel?

Cars 2: Fighting Face Mater

Just when you thought there weren't anymore Mater variations possible, today I'm taking a look at the Mattel Cars 2 1:55 scale diecast of Fighting Face Mater! He was released a few months back (right before the transition into Cars 3) and is part of 2017 "London Chase" sub-series (#1/11). This is essentially the "You the Bomb Mater", but with a brand new, never before released facial expression.

As shown in the screenshot above, Mater appears this way at the end of Cars 2 during the street fight in London against the lemons. Mater uses his "Carate" skills to take out the thugs!

Though I wasn't clamoring for another version of Mater (since I have a galzillion of them), I do think variations like this are kind of fun to get for scene/diorama building. I'm also very impressed with how spot on they got his expression—especially since it's based on a look that's on screen for literally a tiny fraction of second.

This one was hard for me to come by in my area, so I had to resort to the second hand market recently. At this point it's very unlikely you'll find this Mater in stores, so I'd check eBay using this direct link to current listings (that's what I did) or Amazon using the link below. Since this Mater isn't in high demand, even though he's rare, his prices are pretty reasonable (right round $8).

Have fun and happy hunting! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Were you able to find this Mater in stores? Which one is your all time favorite Mater diecast from Mattel?

Piper: Pixar Studio Store Exclusive Greeting Card (Art by Jason Deamer)

When Pixar's short film Piper arrived in theaters last year with Finding Dory, it almost instantly became one of my all time favorite Pixar shorts. To this day, it still takes my breath away and continues to charm me with each viewing. I don't think anyone could see Piper and dislike it—it's just that good.

I was thrilled when my friend [Disney freelance Artist] Jerrod Maruyama sent me this in a recent care package—another something I didn't even know existed! Here we have this beautiful Pixar Studio Store (not open to the public) exclusive Piper greeting card. This is one of the most elegantly illustrated Pixar art pieces I've seen. From the soft, "beachy" colors to the overall classy design, layout and fonts; it really captures the tenderness of the film, not to mention it feels so different from any other Pixar art I own. Plus there's Piper right there front and center—one of the cutest Pixar characters ever created. You can't go wrong here.

I love how it says "Drawn from Nature by J. Deamer" down in the bottom left. Obviously the "from nature" part is humorous (subtle, yet funny if you think about it), but the "by J. Deamer" is of course absolutely true. Jason Deamer works at Pixar in the animation department (art director and character designer) and was the production designer on Piper.

The text "Hungrius Littlus Birdis" is obviously some sort of play on words for Hungry Little Bird. The year the film was released (2016) can be seen in the upper left hand corner (along with some sort of numero sign for some reason?) and "Printed & Colored in Emeryville, CA" is straightforward. The only thing I don't quite get is why it says "PLATE XVIII." in the upper right hand corner. I understand that those are roman numerals for 18, but I don't get what it's trying to say overall. If you know what the heck that means, definitely let me know.

The back of the card is simple and straightforward with only the Pixar Animation Studios logo. The inside of the card is 100% blank.

Other than the just released D23 Expo exclusive Piper Tsum Tsum set (which I'll be reviewing here soon), this card, a pin and a plush (all Pixar Studio Store exclusives) are really the only pieces of Piper merch out there (and interestingly, none of which is available to the general public). One of my goals in life is to get that Piper plush, but that's going to be near impossible.

What are your thoughts on Piper and what do you think of this gorgeous card? Let me know in the comment selection below.

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