I’m a fan of classic Disney live-action films. If you are a regular reader of the Disney Parks Blog, you’ll know of my intense passion for Disney’s “Tron.” That film is just one of several I watched on VHS while growing up in Ohio. With that said, imagine my excitement for the release of Vinylmation Movieland Series 1 on February 19. This limited release mystery series has been in development for years and it has been worth the wait.
There are eight figures in this limited release mystery series – seven known designs and one mystery chaser figure. Each figure is presented in a decorative box resembling a vintage movie advertisement. Guests may also purchase an entire tray thus getting the entire collection. The Shaggy Dog figure shown above was designed by Disney Design Group artist Caley Hicks.
I prefer calling this series, “Characters I Never Thought I’d See as Vinylmation Figures,” but that title was too long. The series has some outstanding figures including The Rocketeer, whose Disney film celebrates 25 years this summer; and Captain Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Both figures were designed by Disney artist Casey Jones.
It’s wonderful to see V.I.N.Cent from Disney’s “The Black Hole.” A similar design was included with in-store artwork a few years ago; I’m delighted the figure is finally being released. Disney artist John Henselmeier created the artwork for the robot figure along with the diver figure from Disney’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Finally, I’d like to believe lead Vinylmation artist Thomas Scott created the final two figures especially for me. They include Tron and Condorman, the latter is from the 1981 film of the same name. I asked Thomas about the overall evolution of the series.
“We wanted to include Tron and the Rocketeer in the Vinylmation line for years,” explained Thomas. “We needed the right series for them which became [Movieland]. These figures rival the complexity and extreme detail we have put into other recent series. We selected characters from beloved Disney live action films that we thought would be fun to see on the Vinylmation Mickey platform. And yes, the Condorman figure was created for you. [laughs]”
Look for the series at Disney’s Pin Traders in Disney Springs Marketplace in Florida; D-Street at Downtown Disney District in California; and the Disney Parks online store.
Which Disney live-action film is your favorite?
Comments
I like the original TRON the best, I’ve yet to watch The Rocketeer & Condorman
Even though they’re from Touchstone pictures (disney’s adult banner) I’d sure would love to see vinylmations of Roger Rabbit & Dick Tracy
Just when I think that there are no more vinylmation series I would like or want… they pull me right back in.
I can’t believe I can finally find Condorman merchandise! I loved that movie as a kid. It overshadows my excitement for Tron, Vincent, and The Rocketeer.
Whoa Leigh, those are some great ideas for the chaser! If they used Zorro, they could then have a Don Diego variant. Or a Sergeant Garcia!
What a fun set. Can’t wait for this one (tomorrow can’t come soon enough). My son grew up with most of these movies. He’s a fan of both Tron and Condorman. We’re writing down guesses as to the mystery figure. I’d love to see Zorro, Davey Crockett, The Scarecrow, Blackbeard’s Ghost, one of Darby O’Gill’s ‘little people’, or a Toy Soldier from Babes n Toyland.
Thanks for the quick reply! That’s good news to me! Is a Fred MacMurray or Moochie vinyl next?
@Mike – You’re welcome. Ha! Wouldn’t that be something? I haven’t seen any plans for such figures. 🙂
Is that vinyl supposed to be the original Shaggy Dog? I would have expected it to be black and white like the classic series.
@Mike – That figure is based on the 1959 film. A theatrical poster for the film featured a full color image of Wilby Daniels as the Shaggy Dog.
These are awesome. The Rocketeer in vinylmation? Tres cool. Steven, is there anything to rumors that Disney plans to do away with vinylmation? Say it ain’t so….!
@Jana – Glad you liked that figure. I’m not aware of plans to discontinue Vinylmation. When I visited the development room at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, there were still several series and figures in the works such as this new Movieland Series.
Rocketeer and Tron are getting a new generation of respect, thanks to Blu-ray.
But Condorman?? There’s an 80’s character we haven’t seen him revived too often, outside of that one gag in a Pixar Toy Story short!
The 20K, Black Hole and Original Shaggy Dog (no Tim Allen!) figures, though, just make me wish we had more of the core live-action classics on Blu-ray, to give them a chance, too. Okay, so we didn’t buy Babes in Toyland, c’mon, Disney, get back on the horse! 🙂
Yay! Condorman, 20,000 Leagues and the Black Hole!
Hooray Condorman! I literally wore out two VHS copies growing up. Thanks goodness I was able to get a official DVD copy through the DMC.
@Alex – Glad to know I’m not the only member of the Condorman Appreciation Club. 🙂
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