Pixar Short Films Collection— Funko Minis Vinyl Figures REVIEW

Disney·Pixar Bao Little Golden Book Review

Just released on July 28th from Random House Publishing, here we have Pixar's latest Little Golden Book—Bao, based the 2018 theatrical short film! This is only the fifth time (after Presto. Mater and the Ghost Light, Your Friend the Rat and Jack-Jack Attack) that a Pixar short has gotten the Little Golden Book treatment. More please!

Synopsis: In Bao, an aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Mom excitedly welcomes this new bundle of joy into her life, but Dumpling starts growing up fast, and Mom comes to the bittersweet realization that nothing stays cute and small forever. This beautifully illustrated Little Golden Book retells the short film from Pixar Animation Studios and director Domee Shi, which explores the ups and downs of the parent-child relationship through the rich, colorful lens of the Chinese immigrant community in Canada.

This particular Little Golden Book was wonderfully Adapted by Aimee Murata, Illustrated by Sophie Li, Designed by Winnie Ho and based on the film's story directed/written by Domee Shi. It's hardcover, 25 pages long and retails for $4.99. 

What I really enjoyed while reading this for the first time is having words associated with what's happening in the story, since the film doesn't have any dialogue or exposition (not that the film needs that, it's perfect visual storytelling, but it was still interesting here). It also may help some younger kids understand things better if they were confused about certain aspects while watching the short. 

The illustrations are, once again, outstanding and really capture the classic and timeless Little Golden Book feel with a bit of that retro flair. Take an exclusive look inside below and see for yourself!

What are your thoughts? Anyone else out there as excited as I am about this release? Will you be adding this to your Disney/Pixar library? Shout it all out down in the comments and hopefully we can get a conversation going.

If you're interested, you can pick this up today at Barnes & Noble HERE or Amazon using the link below (available as a hard copy and as a digital book).

Disney·Pixar Bao Soundtrack Review (Music by Toby Chu)

You all know I love collecting Pixar merch and that extends to all the soundtracks as well! I've loved film scores since I was a kid (I vividly remember The Mask of Zorro being my first soundtrack CD I got and listened on repeat at eight years old—1998) and that passion is still with me today. I especially love and look forward to Pixar scores as they're consistently beautiful with tracks that are fun, tracks that are emotional and always feature memorable themes. Just like the films themselves, there's a certain charm that just can't be found anywhere else. I can honestly say out of 22 films and countless shorts, a Pixar score (regardless of the composer) has never disappointed me.

Until not too long ago, the music for short films was never available to purchase (which always kind of disappointed me). That all changed with the first ever digital release of a Pixar Short Film soundtrack in 2013—The Blue Umbrella! Since then we've gotten Toy Story of Terror in 2014, Lava in 2015 (featured on the Inside Out soundtrack), Piper in 2016, Lou in 2017 and then Bao in 2018 (the seemingly last Pixar theatrical short film; at least for the foreseeable future). For whatever the reason, Sanjay's Super Team and Toy Story That Time Forgot did not get soundtrack releases.

The music for Bao was composed by lesser known Chinese American composer Toby Chu (Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return, Covert Affairs, Unforgettable, Burn Notice, Henchmen). I had never heard any of Chu's work before, but found it very cool that a composer of Chinese descent was chosen to tackle this project as it gave the film and the score that much more authenticity. This single (6:33) was released on June 15th, 2018 on iTunes and Amazon music for $1.29. I meant to get review up then, but it got put on the back burner and honestly forgotten! When I remembered that I never posted on this recently, I got excited to finally be able to share my thoughts on it here.

Composer Toby Chu

It really is a beautiful track to a beautiful film (even if the short was a little controversial or misunderstood by some when it was first released). The elements of traditional sounding Chinese music and instruments are wonderfully incorporated. It has a gorgeous melody throughout (the film's main theme) that will stick with you and has all the heart I've come to expect from Pixar scores. My favorite moments are when the orchestra really swells—especially at the end. I highly, highly recommend downloading it (or at least listening to it on YouTube) if you're a fan of the short, Pixar and/or film scores in general. I've included the links to purchase below.

Let me know your thoughts down in the comments! Hopefully this post helped those who may not have known this track was out there and available to download.

Bao Vinyl Figure Review (Funko Shop Exclusive)

One of my most anticipated releases all summer, here we finally have the Funko Shop exclusive Bao Vinyl Figure! This adorable dumpling released last Wednesday the 22nd (which happened to also be our country's "National Bao Day"; yes, that's a thing now, in honor of the delicious Chinese steamed bun) exclusively on the Funko Shop website. "Pop Up Shop" Funko products are usually a surprise release every Wednesday, are limited in quantity and sell out VERY FAST (sometimes in just several minutes). This Bao figure sold out in about 12 minutes, which was a bit longer than usual.

Unfortunately I had no idea this was dropping on the site that morning and missed it by just a couple minutes! By the time I saw the page was live, he was sold out. After waiting all summer and wondering when it would hit the site, you can see how I'd be super bummed (especially since resellers on eBay charge an arm and a leg for these types of releases). This story ends well though as that very same night I was contacted by a representative from Funko who had set a few aside and wanted to send me one! A HUGE thank you to that Funko rep for this amazing gift. I feel so lucky and grateful! This figure is everything I was hoping it'd be. 

First I need to talk about the collectible packaging, modeled directly after the bamboo steamer basket (the traditional way of cooking bao) seen in the short film! From the window in the front (totally cute to see him peeking out), to the printed basket textures, to the film's logo— everything with the box is just perfect. Funko certainly kept serious collectors in mind as they designed all this.

OK, lets open this guy up and take a look at him out of the "basket" and all his plastic protection.

And I have to note, even a graphic of a piece of lettuce can be found inside at the bottom of the box (again, just like in the film)! Lettuce is traditionally used at the bottom of the steamer basket when cooking bao to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Such a great detail.

Now that he's fully removed from the packaging, just look at how cute and realistic he is. It's literally like he jumped out of the screen and into my hand! Compare with THIS screenshot from Bao. I'm glad Funko realized that there was no need for additional stylization since his design was already this chub and adorable in the film. I cannot picture Funko (or any company) doing a better job. Both the sculpt and the paint job are exquisite. 

Even his back...look at that little baby dumpling bum. It just cracks me up (wink;) and melts my heart at the same time!

This figure measures just 3" tall x 2.5" wide and is very lightweight. The basket box is 5" tall with a 5" diameter. Original retail price was $15.

If you're a fan of this ambitious short film, I cannot recommend this figure enough if you're able to get your hands on it. Such a unique little treasure. If you weren't able to snag it on the Funko Shop website, be sure to check out THIS DIRECT LINK to current eBay listings. (it looks like they're selling between $60 and $70 right now).

Let me know all your thoughts down below! Were you able to pick one of these up for your collection? Looking forward to hearing your own review in the comments.

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Bao: Pixar Studio Store Exclusive Sticker & Note Card

Straight from the Pixar Studio Store once again, here we have another exclusive Bao inspired sticker AND note card! Funny story—these were actually sent to me months ago (a big thanks to PixarPost.com for the sticker and Jerrod Maruyama for the card), but they got stuck within the pages of some of the other items I was sent and I only recently discovered them! When I took out my Bit of Boundin' book to review earlier this month, that's when I found the sticker. As far as the card, it had worked its way into the inside back pouch of the Incredibles 2 journal, which I also took out recently to review! Such fun little surprises to stumble upon.

If you're a fan of the short film, you'll want to check out the other Bao stickers I was sent in my original post HERE (not to mention the wooden postcard I was gifted HERE). Which sticker is your fave? I love this one featuring a minimal illustration of the mother embracing her little dumpling. It really captures the heart and emotion of the film.

BAO STICKER

The note card is also amazing. The adorable art is actually the same as what was featured on the short film's poster! I wish I new the artist to give them credit here, so if you know who it is, be sure to let me know and I'll update this post.

The inside of the card is completely blank and Pixar's simple, unaltered logo can be found on the back.

BAO NOTECARD

Let me know your thoughts down below!

Disney·Pixar Bao Plush Review (+Bonus Bao Wooden Postcard)

Are you one of the millions whose heart was touched by Disney·Pixar's latest short film Bao? Then boy do I have something for you! I personally really connected with the short I couldn't wait to get my hands on this plush toy based on the film's star—the utterly adorable dumpling. A little while back, I had seen some images of this plush floating around the web, but without a release date or where it would be available. Then just over a week ago, it showed up seemingly out of nowhere as a BoxLunch Gifts/Hot Topic exclusive!

I purchased mine here on the BoxLunch website, but they sold out real quick (like within a day or two). I'm sure it can still be found in stores at many BoxLunch brick and mortar locations though. Call yours to find out! If you don't have a BoxLunch near you, no worries as Hot Topic's site just recently listed it too and it's still in stock (I believe you can find them at actual Hot Topic stores as well). Retail price is $14.90. Hurry before it's gone again!

This plush is by Just Play Toys, who really did one heck of a job bringing the dumpling to life in the cutest and cuddliest of ways. He's soft (100% polyester with embroidered features) and roughly 5 1/2" tall. Don't you just want to eat him up? ;)

As you know, any products released based on any of the Pixar shorts is a rare and welcomed treat—especially plush, though they're usually exclusive to the Pixar Studio Store (not opened to the public). It's so cool that this one got a wide release at a mainstream store!

The other Pixar short film plushies I've acquired so far are: Stu from Lifted, Gopher from Boundin', Alec the bunny from Presto, Bambino from La Luna, Bird from For the Birds, Sanjay from Sanjay's Super Team and the Jackalope/lamb 2-pack from Boundin'. I guess you can also count the two Toy Story holiday special plush that were also released by Just Play Toys—Angel Kitty from That Time Forgot and Mr. Jones from Toy Story of Terror. Some I haven't been able to get my hands are the Knick Knack plush and the Piper plush, which are both elusive and near impossible to track down. I haven't given up all hope quite yet though!

BAO WOODEN POSTCARD

As a bonus item today, I also wanted to share with you all this amazing Bao 5x7 wooden postcard which is an exclusive to the Pixar Studio Store! This was sent to me recently by my good friend and generous supporter Jerrod Maruyama.What an awesome surprise!

The postcard features, what seems to be, concept sketches from the film of the dumpling and his mother doing some relaxing tai chi. If you by chance know who the artist is who did this, please let me know (unfortunately no one is credited on the card).

Off to the side are some Chinese characters, which translate into mother (母) son (子) same (同) heart (心). Super touching right? <3

On the back you'll find the film's logo and "Pixar Animation Studios · Emeryville, California". Minimal and tasteful.

Let me know your thoughts on both the plush and the postcard! What did you think of the short? Looking forward to the conversation down below.

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Disney·Pixar Bao Apple iOS Sticker Pack NOW AVAILABLE!

Ever feel the need to express yourself by means of an adorable illustrated dumpling child? Well now you can, thanks to the Disney·Pixar Bao Sticker Pack available in the Apple App Store for IOS users! These became available last week and, like the previously released Pixar stickers, these have some pretty cute motion/animation to them. These little stickers are meant to be dragged and dropped into your texts to add some Disney magic to your conversations. With 24 stickers to choose from, there's one for just about any emotion or scenario!

• Hi                              • Hearts                               • What
• OK                            • Don't Wanna Move         • Huh?
• Thank you               • Hot                                    • Don't Wanna Explain
• Hungry                    • No Comment                   • Angry
• Happy                      • Shrug                               • Poke
• Hearts                     • Pull                                    • Is That So?
• Laugh                      • Bye                          
• Steamy                    • Scared                      
• Crying                     • Life is So Tough        

Remember, you can even resize and rotate the stickers (using two fingers in the classic touch screen manner), stack them and place them on photos/iMessages within the thread.

I'm not sure who the artist behind these stickers is, so please let me know if you're aware! I always like to give credit when I can when it comes to art like this. You may have even noticed that these images have also been used on some Bao apparel at the Disney Store (see THIS shirt and THIS one). It's crazy to see how much love Bao is getting in the consumer product department! Much more than usual for a Pixar short. I love it.

Retail for this pack is $1.99. If you love Pixar's latest short film Bao as I do, then downloading these to your iPhone is a no-brainer! You'll have fun. I know I'll be getting some good use out of these (especially when texting my wife). Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Bao: Pixar Studio Store Exclusive Stickers

If you've seen Incredibles 2, chances are you were also able to catch Pixar's latest theatrical short film Bao! Directed by Domee Shi, Bao tells the heartfelt story of a dumpling who comes to life and a Chinese/American mother who gets a second chance at parenthood. The film is super cute, albeit dark at times, but real and universal all the same. In just seven minutes, you'll discover a story that's rich, layered and funny with a touch of that classic Pixar bittersweetness. It certainly has people talking (and crying) and will continue to do so for years to come. I won't deny, it's certainly different, but that is not a bad thing here. I quite liked it and look forward to seeing it again soon.

I really enjoy when creators at Pixar dive into other cultures as they do it so tastefully and with so much respect. I always learn a thing a two as well and I always leave inspired to go research more about the actual culture and traditions. What did you think of Bao? Do you have any interpretations of it that you'd like to share? Let's start a conservation down below!

Anyway, what I'm really here for is to share with you these two Bao inspired stickers—available right now exclusively at the Pixar Studio Store! The design of the Bao character in the film is so incredibly adorable and these stickers capitalize on that. I wonder who did the art here? I'm assuming it was one of the designers from the film's production team? It could also possibly be concept art. If you know more, please let me know and I'll update the post. I like to give credit where credit is due.

A BIG thanks to my friends over at PixarPost.com for sending these over! It was such a fun surprise to get them a few months back (I wanted to wait until the short was released to post them on here). They know as much as anyone that it's always a rare treat to get any merch from any of the Pixar short films, so these were a must have. And speaking of that, look for two more Bao inspired products coming later this year—a plush from Just Play Toys and a vinyl figure from Funko. Can't wait for those. Stay tuned!