It is a Wall-E world we’ll soon be living in it … you might’ve heard of a company named Disney and a company named Pixar … apparently, they are releasing a film on June 27, 2008 and I suppose if you’re the kind of film-goer who likes plot, well written characters, humor, drama, pathos, dialogue, editing and dazzling animation … you might like this film. It’s probably no LAND BEFORE TIME XXXXVIII though (just kidding )

Then there are the toys.

A few of the basic toys have hit the shelves - they look pretty cute.

The most basic series is this one (called B1 Action Figures?) - with Wall-E about an inch tall with 11 figures sold separately.

This is the back of the card, Your choices include: Eve, Wall-E, M-O & The Captain - I’m guessing the others are in wave 2.

The detailing was decent but for some of the smaller figures, was a bit spendy at $5.99 each (WM might be less?) - maybe there will be a multi-pack coming that’s more reasonable.

The next size up are the “Movie Scenes” where Eve is about 2″ tall (she’s the white floating robot).

These were a better value - with three different choices, I grabbed the one with the lunch cooler. Nice sculpts and a better value at $6.99.

The next size up are the 6″ inches ones … while the card is kind of dull, they do feature a lot of interactivity, Eve’s eyes can change expressions, she can blast a boulder and store stuff - pretty cool.

There will be 7 different figures on cards for this size … as you can sort of see in the blue panel on the back of the cards - the U-Repair Wall-E seems cool as he comes disassembled for you to assemble, there is also a Dancing Wall-E, a Cube & Stack Wall-E … they were smart to short-pack the Captain (the fat dude) - otherwise, pegwarmer … (sorry dude). ;-(

There also seems to be a bunch of $24.99 Wall-E’s - this one interacts with Eve and if he “hears” a loud noise in your house, he reacts … There’s another one you can plug your iPod into called iDance Wall-E … There is also a Talking Eve.

The $189 fully programmable version looks something like this called the ULTIMATE WALL-E:

From the Disney/Pixar Press release:

“Based on the title character from this summer’s highly anticipated Disney*Pixar theatrical release, the Ultimate WALL·E is an advanced robot that truly brings the character to life. Designed and developed through a close collaboration between Disney, Pixar animators and Thinkway, the Ultimate WALL·E features 10 motors, giving it a high level of movement and animation. The remote control makes it easy for kids to program WALL·E’s movements. An innovative touch programming system lets kids direct WALL·E simply by making patterns on the remote’s touch pad. With voice activation and a follow-me mode, WALL·E can follow the sound of a human voice and detect someone entering a room. He also has several emotional states and an easy system for programming thousands of combinations of movements with the remote. Numerous sensors allow him to detect and respond to his environment, including infrared sensors that allow him to detect obstacles and steer around them, sonic ears that detect sound direction, and touch sensors. The Ultimate WALL·E is also MP3 compatible and features built-in speakers. USB cables and rechargeable batteries are included. The Ultimate WALL·E will debut this fall at ToysRUs and www.disneyshopping.com; SRP $189.99″

The teaser trailer, trailer & even a short sneak peak can be found at the Apple QT site:

The official Disney site is here.

Thinkway Toys who is working with Pixar/Disney on these (also on Nemo, Cars & Buzz LIghtyear) doesn’t really have any info up yet - probably so they don’t give away any spoilers and the fact the first wave just hit the stores.

About the only disappointing thing is that the short in front of WALL-E is nora CARS related one but, “Presto is a five-minute short about Alec, a magician’s rabbit who becomes increasingly disgruntled as a hat trick involving him makes his master famous. When the magician goes out to dinner one night, he leaves Alec locked in a cage, gazing longingly at a carrot just out of reach.”

Are you crying “UNCLE” or as they rain upon this Earth blocking out out the Sun, you just proclaim “I shall just buy them in the shade …”

Since these are not in the 1:55 line and not MINI’s, I won’t be buying them but you can start looking for them in a few weeks or a month from now …

An oversized Walkin’ Talkin’ Lightning McQueen with lights, talking feature and sounds … plus walking … “48 combinations of words and phrases,” (whatever that means) - around $49 retail.

First shown at Toyfair earlier this year - the packaging has changed slightly and they seem to using Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen rather than Lightning McQueen as shown at Toyfair. Boost & Chick Hicks are the other two in the first wave of release.

If I’m reading the press release info correctly, they each do DIFFERENT stunts - McQueen does a barrel roll, Chick does a forward flip and Boost does ‘drifting’ as an good Tuner car should. I believe the retail price is around $9.99 each.

They are mostly/all/substantially plastic.

Sailors understand the phrase, “liberty call.” It means you are finally touching land and you have a few hours, a few days to spend all your money on souvenirs, salads and antiquing … at least that’s what it says on the official Navy website.

The Grand Theft Auto IV game is completely different. You get to be the you you want to be if you had no inhibitions or deal with that stupid law & order thing they keeping talking about … Unfortunately, I am stuck in Club Penguin and wonder if the grass is indeed …um, the kind of greener grass you mow …

So, JackDaddy spent just a few hours/days playing the game to let us know. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to worry about alloting time to find CARS in any retail stores (inside joke) so he can devote all his time to properly being a gangsta gangster in Liberty City … take it away JackDaddy … (a perfect character name by the way).
LIBERTY CITY – HAVE YOU BEEN THERE YET?

For those who don’t know and for those who think they don’t/shouldn’t care, April 29th was a big, big day for home entertainment.

At 1 minute past zero in the morning, retailers and onlinepurchasing systems around the planet went into overdrive.

After 2 years of hype, advertising and some text bookmarketing stops and starts, Rockstar North realised a life time ambition.

(MET: I realized the UK still hates the letter Z … “realized.” )

I am of course referring to Grand Theft Auto 4 – Liberty City.

So what’s the big deal?

Grand Theft Auto 4 – Liberty City (GTA4) is estimated to have cost $100 million to produce, market and release, a fact alone worth taking notice of! Incredibly it is now officially the fastest and biggest selling home entertainment retail item of all time!

GTA4 sold approximately 3.6 million units on its opening day with a retail value of approximately $310 million globally.

It sold 6 million units globally with an estimated retail value of more than $500 million in the first week.

No VINYL, AUDIO CASSETTE, VIDEO CASSETTE, DVD, CD or GAME has ever sold anything like that before!

That’s the Beatles, Star Wars, Super Mario, and others, smashed off the charts!

The figures are still rising, with most retailers reporting that strong sales are continuing and some even running out of product!

Sony refuse to admit it, but retailers are also saying thatthey have sold more Playstation 3’s in this quarter than they did in the PS3 launch month quarter and if sales continue, possibly more than they did for Christmas! This would more than confirm the belief that most gamers have delayed their PS3purchase until the release of GTA4! Only Nintendo and Mario have sold a console like this before, but the figures were peanuts compared to this.

But that surely could just be a result of hype and clever advertising?

Is it really that special?

The simple answer is – ABSO ’BLOODY’ LUTELY!

I have essentially spent a whole week in Liberty City, so before I tell you all why, let me tell you what is wrong with it. I assure you all I will not give too much away.

Despite the release of Vice City stories on XBOX & PS2 afew years ago, GTA4 has essentially had to follow up what many describe as the greatest video game of all time, Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas. This was a revolutionary game and arguably was the main player game wise that helped to bridge the gap between geeks/teenagers and the adult market with free time at home. For those who played it, you will know what made it great. I have caned the life out of both GTA San Andreas and GTA4 in my spare time, but am somehow left fonder of GTA San Andreas in many ways.

(MET: I have no idea what the last sentence meant in American English but I believe he likes virtual macking, jacking and hoin’ … of course, hey, who doesn’t?)

It is hard to say why, but I suppose it is probably has to be a combination of factors. GTA San Andreas was so innovative and groundbreaking at the time, every turn had a new never before in a video game surprise. The sheer exploratory side of the game was incredible. The humour was at times genius and missions (overall) were a joy. Playing it was like eating a slice of deprived 90s urban America, and getting the runs as a result, with references to all our favourite black gangsta movies, rappers and personalities from recent times. It was naughty, nostalgic and a massive virtual playing field where you could just do whatever you wanted without consequence. Customisation of your character and Car also made your copy of the game unique.

(MET: In Club Penguin, I planted a tulip on my ice floe).

GTA San Andreas was warm, a friend even!

So GTA4 isn’t then?

It’s an entirely different game, part of a new era!

The down side of this? In GTA4, you can’t………………

1 - Fly a plane.

2 - Gang fight like in San Andreas

(You could literally fill up a van with your homeys and go round to you enemies and take them out.)

3 – Parachute jump

4 – Jet pack around

5 – Play as many in game games like the casino/with characters/danceoffs

6 – Make money as easily

7 – Get a hair cut/tattoo

8 – Buy as many clothes

9 – Customise your Car

10 – Buy property

11 – Go into a nightclub

(even though one of the radio DJs is house music legend François K)

Due to the above, its ground breaking innovation and the fact that GTA San Andreas has such a brilliant story and setting, I will always be very fond of it, maybe more so than GTA4. GTA San Andreas had many, many flaws/glitches and bad points, having me throwing my controller across the room! Remember the ‘learn to fly Carl’ missions anyone? Oh my god!

Fondness is fondness, I am fond of ex girlfriends, but they are not better than others!

GTA4 is a darker, grittier experience. You can tell that the franchise has grown up a lot, and is taking its self much more seriously as mainstream medium. The silliness is gone, the next gen engines have been explored and it reeks of real life. It’s a virtual realm, but a believable one!

Rockstar are clearly saying - “hello adults, don’t watch that DVD, play this!”

So is GTA4 over rated then? NO!

If anything, recent reviews and exposure leave it looking somewhat under rated. This is probably deliberate; maybe because Rockstar know what they have got and are letting their consumers do the talking for them (look what I am doing?)

I have now completed it twice as a story and have nearly went through all the mini missions within the game. For those who do not know, that’s a hell of a lot of game play, basically everyday for long periods of time during the last two weeks

In total, the games main story mode contains 87 missions, some very brief, a few very long with most others around the 5 – 10 minutemark. In addition, the game also contains –

9 x Assassin missions

10 x drug run missions

40 x car steal missions

9 x races

50 x police car missions

36 x other random missions involving characters

200 pigeons to shoot (replacing the ridiculous clams from San Andreas)*

50 stunt jumps to perform.

(MET: *Yes, clams is correct - not a typo).

Its retail price? £44.99 or $29.99!

(MET: If you were paid in £’s and then flew to the US but here in the US, it’s $59.99 … and of course, ours is the NTSC version).

This is undoubtedly the bargain of gaming history. GTA4 contains the equivalent of at least 4 – 6 games if you consider the length andcontent of games already released and available for PS3 and XBOX360.

IT’S MASSIVE!

In fact, in my opinion, you would be getting value for money if you bought a PS3 and a copy of GTA4, just to be able to play GTA4. You would get a blue ray DVD player for free and an online compatible gaming console too?!

The game is just wild!

Rockstar have made the playing field more condensed, but San Andreas did have huge waste lands of space with nothing to do.

Liberty City doesn’t.

For those who don’t know, it’s based on New York.

You play an illegal immigrant and experience his struggles as he arrives off the boat from Eastern Europe and moves in with his cousin in Brooker.

(MET: Location: Liberty City, broken up into five areas: Brooklyn is Broker; Manhattan is Algonquin; Queens is Dukes; The Bronx is Bohan & New Jersey is Alderney)

The story mode prompts you from there and 87 missions later reaches conclusion.

There is an alternative ending scenario, but is not much different.

The graphics, architecture and physics are exciting, dazzling and true media innovation.

Detail has obviously figured to be paramount in planning and it is staggering just how much there is.

Simply driving around is breath taking, with every Car having different handling, acceleration, braking and cornering features. All the vehicles are beautiful, with well over 400 to drive/ride/fly/steer.

When Rockstar released the less popular but mildly superior videogame version of the 1970s classic gangland movie ‘The Warriors’ not long after GTA San Andreas a few years ago, it left players begging the question, “why can’t GTA be like this?” Rockstar seemed to have learnt from that and have almost injected the GTA franchise with the Warriors strengths, most noticeable when your character is running, jumping, fighting and climbing.

One of the focal points of GTA4 is its new cover and targeting system, this is essentially up there with the best of games now, where as San Andreas had terrible targeting and weapons accuracy, it was a poor part of the game and looked as though they had to do it rather than wanted to. GTA4 pulls this off perfectly, with all objects in game becoming usable ascover which you can duck up and down from or blind fire from while avoiding incoming bullets. The weapons are slightly limited, but are all awesome. Enemies are much more intelligent, they too will duck and cover and try to kill you more assertively, whereas in previous GTA instalments, they stood still and were easily avoided.

There is just so much you can do in this game, with shootouts, chases, races, and missions to make your eyes pop out in astonishment.

(MET: Penguins?)

My favourite level in story mode was the Bank Robbery. Without giving too much away, this is very much like the bank robbery scene from the film Heat with De Niro and Pacino. It took me 40 minutes to get through this level.

The Assassin missions were another joy. Merely answering the phone and then going to take people out was almost like a game all to itself.** There are hundreds of similar things to do like this, like vigilante mode or most wanted mode in a cop car. You can also just go for a drive and cause mayhem with whomever you choose. My Brother particularly finds joy in causing endless road blocks which he then explodes. I had fun while on top of abuilding merely phoning the cops and shooting them.

**(MET: remind me never to call JackDaddy )

YES, YOU CAN PHONE PEOPLE!

The biggest change from San Andreas is the Multimedia capability in GTA4.

You can use the in-game internet and your mobile phone, which becomes part of your progress success. You can also access the Police computers from any police vehicle and use their information to your gain.

While online, you can read blogs, email certain people, arrange dates and even send a job application! Virtual reality with a sick sense of humour!

Your phone is equipped with a camera; you can send/receive text messages and can phone certain characters. You can also phone random numbers dotted around the game, some of which are very amusing!

You can go out with friends/dates an do a variety of activities, like bowling, pool, darts, food etc.

The Music is excellent, with loads of different radio stations to listen to, some hosted by very some very famous people indeed.

The humour is there but it’s not as slapstick as San Andreas, which is a little sad, and there are lots of liberal agenda antiestablishment skits and references. GTA4 gives you a panoramic look at the not so different world of our own in your living room. It’s ironic, sarcastic, brutally honest and always down right vicious!

(MET: Welcome to Brooklyn!)

All in all it is an incredible gaming experience, and is the ultimate time killer.

There isn’t a two player option which is a little disappointing, but there is a 16 player online mode you can play via the network. My Brother and I happily exchanged the controller throughout missions and mini games though.

In closing, I would say that the franchise is gearing up for Expansion packs, maybe like the Sims, where every 6 – 12 months they release something new to accompany the game. This would be welcomed in Liberty City, where many of the buildings look empty and dormant, almost demanding to become involved. More clothing and activity outlets/venues would have been better; you can’t really customise your character that well or do a lot with in game characters. My Brother and I are salivating at the prospect of playing GTA San Andreas revisited!

Who knows?

One thing we all know or will know is that Rockstar Games have changed history as we know it with Grand Theft Auto 4 Liberty City.

If you haven’t already - BUY IT!

(PS3 & Xbox360)

Need a PS3 or XBox360?

BTW, there are five non-violent things you can do in GTA4

Mattel definitely seems to have put Speed Racer on the back burner and turned their full attention back to CARS … as we CARS collectors might say, ‘about damn time!’

Though they must’ve burned a giant carbon footprint (21st century version of ‘the midnight oil’) thinkin’ up those short-card Lane Mates …

As we had speculated and confirmed through the trade show displays and through the partial listings on several retailers/re-sellers, it does seem Mattel is making the Gift 3-Packs the packaging of choice of most things Piston Cup … which is both good and bad - while we are losing some of the original CARS (Crew Chiefs mostly) as singles and “forced” to buy them as part of a 3-pack with - in many cases with Piston Cup Racers we already have, it’s probably better for the CARS series in the long run to have the most visible and fun CARS as singles for the casual buyers (Jay Limo, Elvis RV, Chuki) and the “duller” Crew Chiefs for us serious collectors … it does however look that since the Pitty’s are both “fun” and price effective metal-wise, Mattel is continuing with those as singles as well as repeating them as 3-packs … so if you’re a completist, it’s wallet-time … but for those who shop carefully, you can skip a few Pitty’s … THOUGH based on the photo below from Toy Fair, do the 3-pack Pitty’s NOT include the tool chest & tires … if so, call the Gift 3-pack Pitty’s the extra crew Pitty’s for your diorama …

In any case, here is the REVISED lineup of Gift 3-Packs quasi-confirmed by Mattel through October 2008.

BOX C (not canceled - shipping next week).

Box D (MAY)

Gold Mia Tia & Bling Bling McQueen (2)
Al Oft Blimp, Tom Race Official & Tow Truck (2)
Leak Less, Leak Less Crew Chief & Leak Less Pitty (2)

Box E (JULY)

Al Oft Blimp, Tom Race Official & Tow Truck (2)
Leak Less, Leak Less Crew Chief & Leak Less Pitty (2)
No Stall, No Stall Crew Chief & No Stall Pitty (2)

No Stall (#123) - Todd "The Shockster" Marcus

Shiny Wax (#82) - Darren Leadfoot

Box F (AUGUST)

Leak Less, Leak Less Crew Chief & Leak Less Pitty (2)
No Stall, No Stall Crew Chief & No Stall Pitty (2)
Shiny Wax, Shiny Wax Crew Chief, & Shiny Wax Pitty (2)

Box G (SEPTEMBER)

No Stall, No Stall Crew Chief & No Stall Pitty (2)
Shiny Wax, Shiny Wax Crew Chief, & Shiny Wax Pitty (2)
Spare-Tire-Mint, Spare-Tire-Mint Crew Chief, and Spare-Tire-Mint Pitty (2)*

(Spare-Tire-Mint (#93) - Ernie Gearson)

(Is it Spare Mint or Spare-o-Mint … if you look closely, there seems to be an O (or a tire as the letter “o”) Why would it be there unless it’s part of the name … the Blu Ray finder is inconclusive as it doesn’t list his sponsor name in the blurb so if you have conclusive evidence, let me know. All that we know that is holy - rides on this )

*MORE ER, FUEL FOR THE DISCUSSION

In the comments below, tuatara1 brings up a good point, “It’s called “spearmint,” yes? Not “spearomint.” It makes sense for the other racer to be “Tach-O-Mint,” since it’s a tachometer, but “Spare-O-Mint” doesn’t make sense syllabically!”

You do bring up an interesting thing though - all the sponsors do seem to be car pun-themed so you’re right because spear-o-mint or spearmint is not very much related to cars so now I think perhaps it’s Spare-Tire-Mint … with the tire like the heart of I (heart) New York … and a CAR, I would certainly prefer a “spare-tire-mint” versus some flavor from plant (ugh, who would want that?)

We’re like anthropologists piecing together info from some unknown world

Let the controversy rage … well, at least for 2.5 weeks until we actually get the box in hand

The page is up and the exhibit is open at the LA Petersen Auto Museum, “The Art of CARS.

If anyone visits before we do, let us know what you think - write it and take some pictures!

Don’t forget to stop at Pink’s for a dog

The museum web page doesn’t contain much info than the press release they sent us and our original post.

The museum doesn’t even tell you to stop and visit the Mattel stores - only 40 minutes away (with no traffic … er, good luck with that). The El Segundo store is right by Mattel’s HQ. The link to the Mattel stores also offers a 10% off coupon. (If you land at l.AX, it’s right there so you can go there first).

If you’re planning on visiting all the Mattel stores - before you get to the City of Industry store, swing by Langer’s for the best pastrami in LA (call in your order, not much parking by MacArthur Park). The other stores in Pomona and San Bernandino are only reachable in the sense that Alaska & Australia both are on the Pacific Ocean=

UPDATE:

© Copyright Disney/Pixar

(PRESS RELEASE)

On Wednesday May 13, at 7:30pm, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will present a gallery talk by Pixar’s artists behind the movie, CARS with Art Director Tia Kratter, Sketch Artist Jay Shuster, and Character Team Manager Jay Ward were some of the creative minds and hands behind Disney/Pixar’s 2006 animated feature film, Cars. Hear the insider stories about the making of the film from three artists on this special evening.

This public program is offered in conjunction with the Museum’s latest exhibit, “The Art of Cars” on view in the Hollywood Gallery.

Free with Museum general admission ($10 adults; $5 seniors & students; $3 children ages-5-12; free under 5). Reservations are recommended. Call 323-964-6347 or email to yray@petersen.org for more info or reservations.

Now, keep in mind, Mattel could change their mind but since it’s most likely been packed and on its way from overseas, it’s likely to be correct.

The other good news is Mattel seems to have actually taken a look at the inventory on the shelves and realized, hey, maybe if we pack more new ones in cases, the stores are happier when consumers strip the shelves bare AND of course, they sell more sealed cases - saving them a lot of time.

So, here is it, P Case - the first time some new CARS will come THREE to a case:

Bug Mouth McQueen
Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Fillmore
Kathy Copter (3)
Mario Andretti
Petrol Pulaski (RPM #64 Pitty) (3)
Race Official Tom
Radiator Springs McQueen
Ramone-Yellow
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Tar Lighting McQueen (3)
Van

No official photo of Tar Lightning McQueen.

And while not a perfect scenario, better than before and certainly better than the shipments of most of 2008.

For those keeping score at home, this was the original announced CASE P:

And back tracking - here is what is reported to be in the next shipment CASE K:

Bug Face McQueen (2)
Chuki
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Darrell Cartrip
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Pitty (2)
Dudley Spare
Ferrari F430
Lightning Ramone
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Pit Crew Member Guido
Race Official Tom
Ramone
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Van (2)

CASE L is listed as NOT AVAILABLE - going to Wal-Mart? Or simply an administrative change as Mattel shifts CASE M & CASE N also to the new “three” of each NEW in each case? Especially since the original CASE L was really a catch up box of CARS that would have been released in CASES E-K but since many didn’t get released, it was really just repeats from 2006 & 2007.

There is no case O normally as it might be confusing with O, the letter and 0 the number.

Some places already have reported receiving case M

Al Oft the Lightyear Blimp (2)
Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Charlie Checker
Chick Hicks
Cruisin’ Ramone
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Doc Hudson
Hydraulic Ramone
Lightning McQueen
Pit Crew Member Guido
Radiator Springs McQueen
Sheriff
Stacy (Leakless Pitty) (2)
Wingo
Yeti

So, that leaves us these MISSING CARS from the original announcement after K and between P (Original, L, M, N & P) …

Barney’ Stormin’
Jay Limo
Kori Turbowitz
Mini
Richard Kensington (SUV)
Ron Hover

Pit Crew Member Sarge*
Sarge*

Chick Hicks Crew Chief**
Octane Gain Crew Chief**

Not included above is Lightning Storm McQueen officially scheduled to be released as a “special” exclusive at SD Comic Con (July 23, 200 so he is definitely out of the running to be released in the next three shipments or in the next 5-8 weeks. A “normal” carded version will probably be in a CASE by autumn or the holidays 2008.

*Sarge(s) … let me tell you about a time, boys and girls when there was a CAR named Sarge … he was green and while slightly too large in scale, but he was actually on the store shelves … we could also buy gas for around $2 a gallon … I know you don’t believe me but if I’m lying, may I only buy CARS from the Disney Stores.

Will Sarge return in a blaze of glory as a WM exclusive? Along with Richard Kensington, Pit Crew Member Sarge & Jay Limo?

** The Crew Chiefs been shown in a Gift Pack (3-pack) and while we are waiting final confirmation on the Gift 3-Packs, they do seem to be going the direction we speculated on in March.

So even without a WM exclusive pallet, hopefully we will see the the missing Barney Stormin’, Jay Limo, Kori Turbowitz, Mini, Richard Kensington (SUV & Ron Hover) in the next shipments and be caught up with what we were promised … and of course, wave buh-bye to Speed Racer in the rear view mirror … hey buddy, when you get some eyes***, then we’ll talk

*** all plastic with crappy plastic wheels? You’re not even good enough to hang with TJ. The Jada ones, you’re alright as you’re metal but still, no eyes, I drink your motor oil shakes at Flo’s …

Opening May 22, 2008, the long awaited return of Indiana Jones. Hard to believe it’s almost 20 years since the last one … at least they haven’t tried to simply pawn off the Indy character as just a few years after the LAST CRUSADE but that it’s “real time.” THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL is set in 1957, @19 years after the 1938 setting of THE LAST CRUSADE.

And unlike the first go-around, they are loaded for bear with toys this time.

For some odd reason, perhaps because the first release of action figures for Indiana Jones around 1982 did not sell that well, the two sequels never featured much of anything in the way of action figures. Presumably, also that the TEMPLE OF DOOM was not exactly kid friendly or all that compelling action figure-wise (hey look, it’s the variant box set of the Indian slave kids!) and of course, the LAST CRUSADE was Nazi’s and biblical - one controversial and one polarizing.

One reason the first figures didn’t particularly sell well was that they were not sculpted all that well …

Though conversely, because they were not that popular, if you have a complete set mint-on-card, it’s worth thousands … especially the mail-away Belloq …

There was a release not long ago that was available at the Disney Resorts that again did not look very much like Indy & also not very complete in regards to the number of figures:

Um, does anyone know what Harrison Ford actually looks like?

So, for the new release, Hasbro is making up for lost time & sales …

I’m sure there will be over 1,000 products tied into the release but we’ll just concentrate on the actual action figures. There are three main groupings.

The Hasbro 3/4″ line
The Hasbro 12″ line
& the others from Sideshow, Medicom and Takara.

Also note, some descriptions of characters & accessories might be SPOILERS so if you’re the type who can’t forget anything … you might not want to know … though the statute of limitations has run on some spoilers (Sean Connery is his father ).

The basic line is the 3 3/4″ line

(@6.99 retail)

You get your choice of 5 Indy’s …

In order: Indy & Idol, Indy in Cairo Square, Indy from Castle Grunwald & from the new film - Indy & Rocket launcher (not from Raiders) and Indy & Crystal Skull.

Each sold separately, of course.

Some look like Harrison, some look his stunt double … but it’s a nice price and all with accessories - of course, the Ark is the best accessory.

Of course, you get other figures from the 4 movies … as noted, they are not kidding around this time … you get 21 others to choose from, that’s right, 21.

(these are lower res - and @3 3/4″ figures like Indy above, I figured you had a pretty good idea of what they look like as you’re not likely to get them without Indy … or in the case of the the new film, you’ll either grab them or you won’t).

NOTE - They are NOT three packs, to save space, I placed them together - they are all sold separately.

From the first & third films: Marion, Young Indy, Senior, Elsa, Col. Vogel, Grail Knight, German soldier, German officer & Cairo Swordsman.

Two chances to get the Grail cup! I don’t remember Vogel with an ax but okay …

From the new film: two versions of Col. Dovchenko, Russian soldier, Irinia Spalko, Cemetary warrior, Ugha Indian & three versions of Mutt Williams. The snake accessory comes with the Matt on the very left.

But that’s just the start, there are DELUXE VERSIONS of the 3 3/4″ figures … (@$9.99 retail)

There’s three two-fer sets: with Marian (a sword, a frying pan and monkey accessory!) & Cairo Henchman; German soldier with motorcycle and; a separate set of German soldiers (not photoed).

Indy has his own deluxe blisters …

The very nice Indy & Ark of Covenant (lid opens!)

For the truck chase, see next section …

Tree branches swings across pit.

Both sides left up (the trap).

Here’s what the blister cards look like for the deluxe versions.

And the truck for Indy to chase down on the horse …

The troop car that gives chase …

And from the new movie …

And the mega Lost Temple of Akator Playset

So, in case you’re keeping score, that’s 35 3 3/4″ figures, 4 vehicles, 1 horse and 1 playset.

Oh, one last thing - buy 6 of the BASIC figures, mail in stickers inside the packaging + $5.99 and get a Crystal Skeleton mail-away figure.

Six (6) relic stickers inside retail packages of Indiana Jones 3 3/4″ basic figure products to receive the Crystal Skeleton 3 3/4″ Figure with Throne. Each package contains one sticker. Stickers must be from 3 3/4″ basic figure products. No other stickers will be accepted for this offer.

The 12″ Hasbro line

(nicely priced at @$19.99 retail).

The two Indy releases have fun features.

As Hasbro says, “Embark on your own thrilling adventures with this Indiana Jones action figure that says fun Indy phrases, like “Trust me.” “Snakes…why’d it have to be snakes!” and “I hate these guys!” A 16-inch whip fits in Indy’s hand, while an additional whip stays coiled. A removable pistol fits in Indy’s holster and he also comes with a golden idol.

Action figure comes with shirt, pants, pair of boots, jacket, hat, belt, holster with removable pistol, 16-inch whip, coiled whip and golden idol. Includes 2 AAA Batteries.”

He actually has 11 phrases! I won’t spoil it for you … though shouldn’t he also say, “Why does this sculpt look more like Steve Spielberg?” Part of the reason is the mouth actually moves so they had to make his face rounder … I also hope it’s actually Harrison’s voice and not some random guy.

This sculpt actually looks much more like Harrison though it’s less interesting of a figure, if you hold his hand/arm above his head and press the button on his back, he can whip his arm forward and you get a whipping SFX. THe shirt and outfits looks pretty good though.

Other 12″ figures include:

They don’t seem to have many additional sound features but still, overall - a nice price at $19.99 - most other 12″ figures have straosphered from $30 minimum to a couple hundred dollars.

There’s also a mail-away just for the 12″ inchers also … you get a nice Ark of the Covenant … Hasbro treats you like a King … like the days of yore, you want an Ark of the Covenant, just request it and it shall be done! … well, okay, you have to buy 4 12″ figures and send in $9.99 …

“Four (4) Ark stickers inside retail packages of Indiana Jones 12″ figure products to receive the 12″ Ark of the Covenant. Each package contains one sticker. Stickers must be from 12″ figure products. No other stickers will be accepted for this offer.”

It shall be four. Not three. Not five. Four is the number. And if thy tries to use 3 3/4″ inch figure stickers, when thoust opens the ark, thou might suffer the same fate as waxy Nazi’s … you have been warned.

Info is included with each figure … if you’re buying the 12″ deal … make sure both sides are properly sealed as thieves might steathly cut open packages just to get the stickers … action figure redemption thieves are no better than tomb robbers. A thousand year plague on their mobile homes!

Mighty Muggs

Of course, you want the Mighty Muggs (covered in this post here, scroll down)

While not part of Hasbro, Lego has a whole slew of cool Indiana Jones sets and figures (also wallpaper and movie downloads!)

Or how about taking your own (Expedia) Indiana Jones adventures (only without people trying to shoot you with poison arrows, snakes by the bushel-full and a monkey for a tour guide … but hey, maybe it’s just me …)

And of course, if you need to revisit the three movies, there is a new box set

FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Special Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 2.0 Surround and Spanish 2.0 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc includes the following special features:

– “Raiders of the Lost Ark”: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas
– Indiana Jones: An Appreciation–The cast and crew of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” pay tribute to the original trilogy.
– The Melting Face–A recreation of the amazing physical effect of the villain’s melting face in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas commenting on the evolution of visual effects and CGI.
– Storyboard Sequence–The Well of Souls
– Galleries
– Illustrations & Props
– Production Photographs & Portraits
– Effects/ILM
– Marketing
– “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” Game Demo and Trailer

The Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Special Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 2.0 Surround and Spanish 2.0 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc includes the following special features:

– “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas
– Creepy Crawlies–Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Frank Marshall reminisce about snakes, bugs and rats.
– Locations–Travel across the world to discover where the films take place and where they were shot.
– Storyboard Sequence–The Mine Cart Chase
– Galleries
– Illustrations & Props
– Production Photographs & Portraits
– Effects/ILM
– Marketing
– “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” Game Demo and Trailer

The Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Special Edition DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 2.0 Surround and Spanish 2.0 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc includes the following special features:

– “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas
– The Women: The American Film Institute Tribute–The three Indiana Jones women (Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw and Alison Doody) reunite for a discussion.
– Friends and Enemies–Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Indiana Jones writers discuss how they created the most iconic characters in film history, including a look at new faces in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
– Storyboard Sequence–The Opening Sequence
– Galleries
– Illustrations & Props
– Production Photographs & Portraits
– Effects/ILM
– Marketing
– “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” Game Demo and Trailer

Since, Mattel has added the short-card “Lane Mates,” cards, I have updated the visual checklist so here are the first 6 again (some without Lane Mates versions are the same - just repeated here for simplicity sake).

Not sure what #6 is but of course, it’s another McQueen - due next is Tumbleweed McQueen so is he #6?

eBay is easy to hate but eBay really serves many purposes - some not so obvious.

On the surface, ebay is merely a virtual auction clearinghouse where buyers and sellers come together to sell and buy goods.

eBay has managed to trump most of the other online auction houses in the United States and in many countries because most people trust it through its processes and its longevity (of course, that’s not to say 100% of all transaction goes smooth or honestly but clearly enough do).

(Yahoo auctions leads in some Asian countries and others in other countries but they serve the same principle).

Part of the success of eBay and to a lesser extent of others is that you have a sufficient number of buyers and sellers. Just as why they do not hold ‘Old Masters’ auctions in Jasper, Wyoming or on a barge in the Amazon - as a seller, you not only want as many interested buyers but also the right potential buyers.

eBay is in many ways the perfect forum for supply & demand. Anyone in the world with internet access (and can read English for eBay US obviously) can see and bid on an item. You can literally buy items for one US penny or over a million dollars depending on supply & demand.

And of course, that fluctuates - as we clearly saw with CARS - the situation with Crusin’ McQueen in the last two months of 2006 was a textbook example of rationality taking a holiday.

For those that missed it, it went something like this.

This Movie Moment appeared towards the later part of the summer, the Crusin’ McQueen was all new and while most of us had a Sally already, since “new” CARS were so rare, most people were willing to bite the bullet (You can read the full story in our book) and buy this MM set … while it was not a pegwarmer as they are now, after the first few weeks, they were relatively available though selling briskly - since it was close to the holidays and at that point, no one was sure how much longer the line would last so might as well buy it to be safe.

But then a mysterious single carded version appeared that was not featured on the back of any Supercharged cards (showing which CARS were out) and in particularly, it was NOT featured on the back of his OWN card!

There were three different Supercharged card backs which featured either 21 or 23 different CARS but none featured Crusin’ McQueen. At this point, Mattel had just switched from the 30-CARS case to 18-CARS case but no one (not even 1StopDiecast) had any idea what was in each case - old Hot Wheels “treasure hunt’ and variant collectors wondered if this was a ‘treasure hunt?’ Or was it a short-pack? (For Hot Wheels, Mattel packs some ‘treasure hunts’ ONE to a box of 72-Hot Wheels - hence the jargon - short pack) Was this the CARS equivalent?

While Batman would shout “Let’s go to the batcave!”

We shout, “Let’s go to eBay!”

eBay serves as our bat beacon. If we see 1,000 listings …, we can pretty much breathe a sign of relief that it’s everywhere - but if there are only 5 listings?

Then the question is - what do you do? Do you succumb or do you resist?

The bottom line is its your money and you can choose to spend it as you see fit.

In this case, based on incomplete information, general craziness and whatever you want to call it, prices actually hit the $180 range for Crusin’ McQueen auctions. Yes, 1 car - @$3.29 retail (about average at that time) eagerly was sold for $150-$175 dollars.

Again, it’s your money. (just to note, I had a SC Crusin’ McQueen but I did not sell it - I bought it just a few weeks before the craziness when it was just seemed like another release - at that time, no one thought it was a rarity … or perceived rarity). Personally, I have spent that on a dinner and can’t remember if it was that great, I have spent that much on stupidity - getting a traffic ticket. We each have happy, sad and stupid stories about spending $200 or not spending $200 … there are people who wouldn’t spend $200 on an engagement ring but would on buying a hunting vest … to each their own.

I bring that up because eBay is merely an efficient distribution system.

Part of the problem is that the distribution system (in particular for toys) is wildly uneven and solely dependent on the stores in your area buying and shelving the proper amount of CARS (in this case) for your population and interest.

I’ll cite my area, in NorthernCal. Most of the people here hate WM and refuse to let them build a giant 200,000 square feet store WM prefers so in NorCal and most of CA, we have probably a WM for every 750,000 to 1-million people … while in parts of the midwest or Southeast, in town/geo-areas of 1-million people, you might have 10 WM’s … not to mention Target’s and TRU’s … while we have more Target’s - we only have maybe 6-7 TRU’s to serve 10-million people … so unless each store decided to order 20-cases of everything, we simply don’t have enough.

So, eBay serves to re-distribute what WM-Target-TRU & Mattel was not able to do correctly.

And that extends out to Europe or other parts of the world. I am not the person who cares that much about exclusivity. I am lazy and would like nothing better than to buy everything while I’m buying Coke at the grocery store (one reason I don’t care if WM wants to build a 200,000 square foot store) and I frankly don’t care that much about jumping through hurdles to buy something (like Blu Ray DVD McQueen) … I’ll do it but it being limited or exclusive holds no great interest to me beyond having it (not as something to sell) but I understand it from a marketing point of view - you create hype and an artificial shortage that serves a couple masters.

Because strangely, if it’s easy to obtain, that thing loses the “extra” luster. How many people fight to collect detergent bottles or gum packaging or even closer to home, CARS bedspreads … not many because there’s no fight to find it.

So, that’s the fine line - what’s too much and what’s not enough? You sometimes have to be careful of what you ask for. What’s the right amount of Chuki’s per store? - 4? 10? 100? 1,000? Because at some number point, you might actually stop buying it because you figure, “I’ll just next time.” Because if you stop perceiving its scarcity (real or imagined), you might put off buying until the holidays or worst of all, stop buying because it’s common. Of course, that’s impossible to predict or gauge as it will vary from day to day and region to region.

That’s the irony - you don’t want too much trouble to find it but if it’s too easy everytime … then maybe you stop caring or yearning because the hunt is too easy.

AND eBay can add to that, giving you reason to be early to track it down, knowing that your only recourse is to pay more - having that “easy” outlet to sell and re-sell actually adds value to that you hunt for.

Before eBay, unless you were well connected, you had no idea what was going on unless you read one of the enthusiast magazine and I meant really read it - sometimes MONTHS later - hardly anyone was ever complete (and thus why older toys are so much more valuable) was that you had no idea if they released a red version to FRED MEYER (the chain) if you lived in a state with no Fred Meyer and because mail order was so iffy, you had to drive out of state to a toy show in hopes to see it and buy it … or that in Fred Meyer territory, it’s a pegwarmer and they’re trying to give it away - meanwhile, the rest of the country was willing to pay 3 times that amount … but eBay changes all that as a secondary distributor … now, if they release a gold version only in Hawaii, first of all, we scream to the company that it’s crazy to make such a limited item and then we jump on eBay to bid on it … and remember, if no one else is interested, you get it at the starting price, it’s only if two people value it - that’s when it gets interesting … and if 50 or 100 people are interested? Then you have name calling and the emptying of bank accounts.

But again, you have free will sitting in front of your computer and you in theory should ONLY pay what you are willing to pay … okay, I know it’s easy to get carried away … like being in Las Vegas … just do everything up to the point before you sleep and marry the stripper.

Bottom line is eBay sellers post items as a test and those that have interest encourage others … how many Green Ramones sold last week? And if they did, how many went past about $5 including shipping?

So, while eBay can encouraging hoarding or immediate transfer from stores to eBay listings - ultimately, demand meets supply or vice versa. Of course, in an odd way, you can blame the liberal return policy from stores on encouraging over-buying … and not really eBay’s fault. With a receipt, you can return un-opened toys within 90 days for a full refund so the eBay seller has a 90-days to try and attempt to make a profit

However, there are short term fluctuations in distribution and interest causing prices spikes and later price drops … now the situation in Europe or Asia is different than in the US. In the US, everything that is limited is announced (Blu Ray McQueen, Speedway of the South, Factory Set) - otherwise, it’s not really limited unless you a packaging variant collector … (for instance, there are much fewer Supercharged (red) Mia & Tia’s than there are WOC carded red Mia & Tia’s - the value you place on that is your call). So it is understandable international buyers are eager to have it in hand because a) they don’t know when or if it will make it over there and b) if it becomes common in the US, ironically, sellers stop listing them so if you’re looking for Bug Mouth McQ, good luck finding a listing …

Ultimately, eBay serves several purposes - helping to hype the hype … helping to re-distribute product where there are shortages … for a collector, it can be a curse, and a hinderance but it can also serve to even out distribution as long as you have enough sellers … and of course, how do you encourage more selling? More buyers … it’s a cycle … but if the profit for an item starts to fall too much, you lose seller’s interest and so, be careful of what you wish for & or wish against. It’s a fine balance equilibrium in regards to pricing and of course, different for everyone.

eBay is a fair system. Unlike a real marketplace where other factors might come into play in the seller setting a price (based on ethnicity, gender, you’re not local, etc …) directed towards a seller standing right there … eBay is only based on the price you’re willing to pay. Sometimes that’s a great thing, sometimes a good thing and sometimes - you have buyer’s remorse … but hey, thanks for participating in the ultimate worldwide test of supply & demand.

It’s never dull collecting the Disney Pixar CARS. There is always something going on - and of course, when there’s nothing going on - there’s still something going on.

And apparently instead of designing CARS RV’s or the Cozy Cone Motel playset, the project group that made sure there was a Buzz & Woody in every store on every shelf corner on every street all over the world has finally finished their work - and moved onto something everyone felt was long overdue.

Mainly, Purple Ramone on a new card.

Waiiittt? Whhaaat?

Man, I should start reading those petitions I’m signing in front of Target.

Yes, our long national nightmare is over.

Purple Ramone is finally here on a short card.

That is what you’ve all been shouting from the rooftops, right?

Mattel has introduced a growing number of CARS on smaller cards called “Lane Mates.”

It is everything you ever hoped for on a backing card and just a little bit less.

You know what the regular card backs look like for CARS?

Yea, these are shorter - hence the name ’short’ cards but in actuality, they are called ‘Lane Mates’ for the checkout lanes …

According to sources, they are NOT a K-Mart exclusive as I first thought but will be gushing into Mattel pipeline soon. I was just surprised that since Kmart received them, they might be an exclusive but nope … they’ll be available soon to Mattel wholesalers so no need to go the eBay route if you’re a completist.

While in theory, Mattel is saving some money using less paper and ink, the oddity is that the cards are custom (examples below) - see where Ramone or McQueen poke out “off” the scene? That is a custom cut - with all (except Barney Stormin’) of the previous 100+ cards from the line, other than the printing, the cards are all exactly the same cut and shape. With these, out of few examples below, we already can see several different CUSTOM shapes. If you order a couple million, it doesn’t add much to the cost but it’s odd because the few pennies they are savings in paper & ink, Mattel is plowing back into the custom die shape … strange if this is solely a cost savings measure …

Sure, retailers might like it because they can stock a few more rows & pegs but that also means they have to order more so it’s not a huge difference maker …

Is this merely to provide Kmart with an ‘exclusive’ but nothing that WM, Target or TRU care a whit about? Retailers and retailer buyers from a ‘competitor’ don’t really care about packaging exclusives especially as ‘mundane’ as smaller cards. So this might be a safe way for Kmart to get an exclusive that don’t affect the relationship with the much more important WM, TRU & Target.

Casual buyers don’t really care - only ultra completists will care.

What’s really amusing is the back art … or lack thereof … the back of the short cards art?

A photo of the regular card.

I hope they extend this concept. They can do an even smaller ‘mini’ card that will feature the ’short’ card art on the back … and eventually just do a blister shape CAR with the art of the ‘mini’ card on the back … how small can you go? How small can you go?

And of course, “Collect Them ALL!”

Though what’s disappointing is that the ONLY art on the back on ALL the cards is LIGHTNING McQUEEN … so that would fall under the ‘money savings’ category obviously …

Thanks “Mike” for the photos and the update on the card backs!

And what the Mattel Hot Wheels short card looks like:

“Husker_Crazy” has been kind enough to give us a running checklist so far …

Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Brand New Mater
Chick Hicks
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dinoco Helicopter
Dinoco Lightning McQueen
Doc Hudson
King
Lightning McQueen
Lightning Ramone
Mater
Radiator Springs McQueen
Ramone - Purple
Tongue Lightning McQueen

UPDATE: There is a a A & B Case - each also with 18 cards/CARS. As soon as I have a full breakdown, I’ll let you know. Presuming only Box A is out, there might be up to 18 Lane Mates cards/CARS or the more likely possibility of 14-16 …  How much overlap is there with case B?

Some people have asked about their collectibility value and to that, I say - yes, no, maybe …

Mattel is using its best Jedi mind power, ‘These are the CARS you are looking plus many more in larger card sizes.’